Etuck24

Does anyone know if me not taking more than one computer course throughout high school will hurt when it comes to a science major (more specifically, Meteorology)? I've taken Computer Apps I, got a 96 in it, but it was a BS class, and I felt it was a waste of my time (like most computer classes are at my school). I think most kids in our generation are proficient at using computers, but will this hurt me very much?

*In lieu of computer classes & the like I take academic electives.

akhbhaat

Computer Apps I sounds like a waste of time because it is. Sending email and accessing Facebook, or even displaying some competency with Office (etc.) does not make you a proficient computer user...certainly not within the context of a technical profession.

You should have taken a basic programming course or two instead. Computer use is pervasive throughout STEM now, especially at the higher (i.e. research) levels. And by "use," I'm referring to a functional understanding of relatively detailed and complex analysis, design and modeling tools--things like MATLAB, SPSS, CAD--and the ability to write scripts, macros, and programs for and within these applications. Meteorology is actually one of the STEM disciplines most profoundly influenced by computer technology; how do you think those forecast models are generated?

In lieu of suitable coursework, it's still in your best interest to learn some basic programming on the side.

Etuck24

Would you suggest taking computer programming my senior year rather than say a BS AP class like human geography?

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akhbhaat

Well, I don't know that it will help your admissions chances at a given university, if that's your short term goal. But it will certainly make later programming courses much easier, or might allow you to forgo some of them altogether.

Etuck24

I dont mind taking basic courses when im in, but i just dont want to be left out

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b@r!um

You are not "behind" in any science major (including computer science!) if you haven't taken a programming class in high school. Lower-level math and science classes in college do not assume that you know how to program, and will teach you basic commands for mathematical software like Mathematica or Matlab as needed.

Introductory programming classes should be self-contained and accessible without prior programming experience. I started college only knowing how to program my graphing calculator (simple while-loops, print statements, etc) and I had so much fun in my first CS class that I considered a double major. (I completed a minor before I lost interest.)

Etuck24

Thanks for the info! I was actually thinking about computer science or something like that, but im worried my lack of computer classes would make schools pass over me

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