Is taking a computer science cals something that will make a difference to MIT?

Jugglingkid · 09-03-2012, 08:51 AM

My mom has the idea that it is important to MIT to have taken at least one computer science course. I am pretty sure this is wrong, but can I have someone who went to MIT tell me who's right? thanks

rspence · 09-03-2012, 10:34 AM

I don't think MIT requires any programming classes as part of the General Institute Requirements (GIR's). However they're pretty important for many engineering majors, particularly course 6 (electrical engineering & computer science).

However, taking a programming course in HS definitely helps.

molliebatmit · 09-03-2012, 10:15 PM

You definitely don't need to have taken a computer science course in high school to be admitted to MIT, and most admits haven't taken one.

If you're interested in pursuing computer science in college, it might be useful to you to have taken a course in high school. But you can complete an MIT EECS major in four years without having any programming/CS experience prior to coming to MIT.