2025 AP CSA FRQ 1: DogWalker Solution + Rubric
⚠ May 2026 exam uses a NEW point structure — tap for details ▾
This page shows the original 2025 FRQ 1, which the College Board scored on a 9-point rubric. The May 2026 exam uses a NEW point distribution and structure — the patterns and traps on this page still apply, but expect different point values and formats on test day.
FRQ 1: 7 points (2 parts: Part A 4pts + Part B 3pts) — Methods & Control Structures
FRQ 2: 7 points (single part) — Class Design
FRQ 3: 5 points (single part) — Data Analysis with ArrayList
FRQ 4: 6 points (single part) — 2D Array
Total Section II: 25 points = 45% of exam score. Only Question 1 has two parts on the 2026 exam; Questions 2, 3, and 4 each have a single part.
Sources: Official College Board CED, Exam Overview (page 145) · Skylight Publishing CED Sample FR Solutions (page 161 reference)
2025 AP CSA FRQ 1: DogWalker — Complete Solution & Rubric
Step-by-step solution to 2025 AP CSA FRQ 1 (DogWalker) with the official 9-point rubric, common mistakes that cost points, and a built-in 22-minute practice timer. Written by an AP Computer Science teacher whose students earn 5s at more than 2x the national rate.
The Official 2025 FRQ 1 Question
The complete prompt is in the PDF below. Use the recap above the editor to keep the key requirements in mind while you write your response.
The PDF cannot be embedded on this device.
Open Prompt PDF in New TabWrite Your Part A Response: walkDogs
Read the prompt above and write your responses in the editors below — Part A in the first, Part B in the second. The real AP exam in Bluebook gives you the prompt and separate response areas per part with no requirement summary or hints. Practice like that here. When you’re done with both parts, click Reveal Solution & Scoring Rubric below to compare your code against the official rubric.
Write Your Part B Response: dogWalkShift
Ready to self-grade? Compare your code against the official 9-point rubric below. AP FRQs are graded by trained human readers, so we don’t auto-score — you’ll learn more by checking your work against the rubric criteria yourself.
What the Prompt Was Asking
Before reading the solution, check whether your response covered each of these requirements:
Write: public int walkDogs(int hour) — Part A; public int dogWalkShift(int startHour, int endHour) — Part B
Required behavior:
- Part A: get available dogs from company.numAvailableDogs(hour), walk the smaller of that count and maxDogs, then call company.updateDogs(hour, walked) and return the count walked.
- Part B: loop from startHour to endHour inclusive, and call walkDogs(hour) exactly ONCE per iteration — save the result to a variable. Calling walkDogs twice triggers updateDogs twice and removes too many dogs.
- Part B: pay is 5 * dogs per hour, with a +$3 bonus if dogs == maxDogs OR if the current hour is between 9 and 17 inclusive. The bonus check must use the loop variable (the hour being considered), not startHour or endHour.
How to Write the DogWalker Methods Step-by-Step
// Sample solution adapted from official scoring guidelines
// 2025 AP CSA FRQ 1: DogWalker (worth 9 points)
public int walkDogs(int hour) {
int dogsToWalk = company.numAvailableDogs(hour);
if (dogsToWalk > maxDogs) {
dogsToWalk = maxDogs;
}
company.updateDogs(hour, dogsToWalk);
return dogsToWalk;
}
public int dogWalkShift(int startHour, int endHour) {
int totalPay = 0;
for (int hour = startHour; hour <= endHour; hour++) {
int dogs = walkDogs(hour);
totalPay += 5 * dogs;
if (dogs == maxDogs || (hour >= 9 && hour <= 17)) {
totalPay += 3;
}
}
return totalPay;
}
Official 9-Point Scoring Rubric for DogWalker
| Pts | Criterion |
|---|---|
| +1 | Calls company.numAvailableDogs(hour) on the company instance variable |
| +1 | Determines the smaller of available dogs and maxDogs
|
| +1 | Calls company.updateDogs(hour, dogsToWalk) with correct args |
| +1 | Returns the number of dogs walked (algorithm, Part A) |
| +1 | Loops from startHour to endHour inclusive |
| +1 | Calls walkDogs(hour) exactly ONCE per iteration and saves the result |
| +1 | Computes base pay as 5 * dogs per hour (calculated, not constant) |
| +1 | Adds $3 bonus when dogs == maxDogs OR hour is between 9 and 17 inclusive |
| +1 | Accumulates and returns the correct total pay (algorithm, Part B) |
Common Mistakes That Cost Points on FRQ 1
FAQs About 2025 AP CSA FRQ 1
What does 2025 AP CSA FRQ 1 DogWalker test?
DogWalker tests calling helper methods on the correct object (company.numAvailableDogs and company.updateDogs), using min logic via conditional or Math.min, and accumulating pay with a loop that includes a conditional bonus check. Part B requires reusing Part A — the rubric awards an explicit point for calling walkDogs inside the loop rather than reimplementing the logic.
How many points is FRQ 1 worth?
9 points, awarded across the rubric criteria. FRQ 1 makes up about 11% of the AP CSA exam score.
What is the most common mistake on 2025 FRQ 1 DogWalker?
Using AND instead of OR for the bonus condition in Part B. The prompt says the $3 bonus applies if 'at least one of the following is true' — that is OR logic. Writing if (dogs == maxDogs && hour >= 9 && hour <= 17) requires both conditions, so the bonus only triggers when the walker hits the cap during peak hours. The College Board rubric explicitly disallows the 'only when both true' interpretation.
How long should I spend on FRQ 1?
Aim for 22 minutes per FRQ. The AP CSA free-response section is 90 minutes for 4 questions, so 22 minutes per question leaves a 2-minute buffer to review.
Is DogWalker still relevant for the 2026 AP CSA exam?
Yes. The current AP CSA 4-unit curriculum still tests method writing with loops and conditionals, so DogWalker is excellent practice for the 2026 exam format.
Where can I find the official scoring guidelines?
College Board publishes the official scoring guidelines as a PDF on AP Central. The rubric on this page mirrors those criteria. You can download the official scoring guidelines here.
Related AP CSA FRQs to Practice Next
If you found DogWalker useful, work through these next to lock in the same Java concepts:
- See all four 2025 AP CSA FRQs — finish the complete exam under timed conditions
- Browse method writing with loops and conditionals FRQs across every year — the same skill, multiple exams
- Open the full FRQ archive (2004–2025) — every released question with solutions
- Read the AP CSA FRQ strategy guide — how to attack each FRQ type for full credit
- Return to the AP CSA hub — all study guides, practice tests, and tutoring options
Why 2025 FRQ 1 Still Matters for the 2026 AP CSA Exam
The 2026 AP CSA curriculum reorganized the topic list into 4 units, but the FRQ types stayed the same. 2025 FRQ 1 (DogWalker) tests method writing with loops and conditionals, which is still a core part of the exam. Practicing this question prepares you for the Bluebook digital test format and builds the muscle memory you need for the exam on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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