Duke Emerging Scholars - Computer Science (DES-CS)

constantly · 04-04-2009, 04:00 PM

I received an email a couple of days ago about being selected for this elementary course, DES-CS, on computer science.

Quote:

Congratulations on being accepted to Duke University!

Because of your excellent record, you are invited to apply to an exciting
program at Duke University your first year at Duke to learn about computer
science:

Duke Emerging Scholars - Computer Science (DES-CS)

DES-CS is for first-year students interested in learning about computer
science who have had little or no programming experience. DES-CS is a small
group of students (12-16) taking several computer science courses together over
the first year at Duke.

I've never even heard of this Duke Emerging Scholars thing, so can someone fill me in please? Does everyone who is accepted get selected for it? If not, why have I been selected? Is it recommended that I take this course? (I have ZERO experience with computer programming -- the course description says it is geared toward people who are completely new to the field -- and do not see it in my major or career at all, though there's no reason why I wouldn't take the course out of interest).

Any info would be appreciated.

metb29 · 04-10-2009, 12:17 AM

I got one of these too, and I don't see myself anywhere near computer science as a major. I did take IB Computer Science in high school (Java programming and computer theory basically), but I honestly didn't take much from that class--I have no idea how I got a 5 on the exam. The program certainly sounds interesting, and maybe I'd learn something about programming this time around. But I'd rather go into FOCUS.

constantly · 04-15-2009, 08:16 PM

Thanks for the reply.

Are DES and FOCUS mutually exclusive?

madrigal59 · 04-15-2009, 09:00 PM

I believe so. On the DES FAQ page, it says that you can apply to both programs but you must choose one if you get accepted to both.