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Counting Down the Days

Key Adjustments:

  • 4/25-4/30: Front-loaded CPT finalization.
  • 5/1-5/15: Exam-focused prep with rest days.

Phase 1: CPT Crunch (4/25 - 4/30)

GOAL: Submit bulletproof CPT portfolio by 4/30.

Date Task Time Needed
4/25 Finalize Code
– Ensure all procedures are commented (e.g., // Sorts list in ascending order).
– Test edge cases (e.g., empty inputs).
– Record 1-min video (script: “My program [function]. For example, input [X] → output [Y].”).
3–4 hrs
4/26 Polish PDF
– Add 2+ screenshots of debugging (label like “Fixed off-by-one error in loop”).
– Write 2-paragraph “Development Process” (mention collaboration if applicable).
2 hrs
4/27 Peer Review
– Have a classmate test your program + review docs. Fix last-minute issues.
1–2 hrs
4/28 Submit CPT
– Upload video, PDF, and program to College Board portal.
Triple-check: Filenames match requirements, all files open correctly.
1 hr
4/29–4/30 Contingency Days
– Buffer time for tech issues or last edits. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL 4/30 11:59 PM!
As needed

CPT Submission Checklist:
✅ Code runs without errors + has //comments.
✅ Video: ≤1 min, mentions purpose, input, output.
✅ PDF: Screenshots + written responses (2+ challenges, development process).


Phase 2: Exam Prep (5/1 - 5/12)

GOAL: Master units + FRQ strategies.

Date Focus Area Task
5/1 Unit 1: Digital Info Drill binary/hex conversions; watch College Board Topic 1.1 video.
5/2 Unit 2: The Internet Diagram how DNS works; compare HTTP/HTTPS.
5/3 Unit 3: Programming Practice writing functions with returns (e.g., calculate_average).
5/4 Unit 4: Algorithms Trace binary search (Big O: O(log n)). Write pseudocode.
5/5 Rest Day Light review (e.g., flashcards).
5/6 Unit 5: Data Analysis Analyze a dataset for bias (e.g., skewed survey samples).
5/7 Unit 6: Simulations Explain why simulations are used (e.g., weather models).
5/8 Unit 7-8: Security + Innovations Memorize encryption types; list 3 innovations (e.g., blockchain).
5/9 FRQ Practice 1 Solve 2 list/iteration FRQs (time: 15 mins each).
5/10 FRQ Practice 2 Focus on code tracing (e.g., nested loops).

Phase 3: Final Review (5/13 - 5/15)

GOAL: Build confidence + test-taking stamina.

Date Task
5/13 Concept Blitz
– Review error journal + Khan Academy quizzes.
– Skim Big O, encryption, data bias.
5/14 Full Mock Exam
– 70-min MCQ section (use College Board sample questions).
– 60-min FRQ section (2 prompts). Simulate test conditions!
5/15 Exam Day
Morning: Glance at cheat sheet (see below).
Pack: ID, pencils, calculator, snacks. Arrive early!

Critical Tools

  1. CPT Backup Plan:
    • Save files in Google Drive + USB labeled:
      [YourName]_APCSP_PT_[Program/Video/PDF].
  2. FRQ Cheat Sheet (Sticky Note):
    ```
    • Lists: myList.append(x), len(myList)
    • Loops: for i in range(n): → O(n) time
    • Encryption: Symmetric (AES) = fast; Asymmetric (RSA) = secure
      ```