I’m approaching my senior year and I need to select courses for next year. My entire schedule is complete except I need to choose an elective. I’m deciding between Intro to Robotics and Discrete Math. My intended major is computer science or aerospace engineering.
Intro to Robotics is a CP class so it will drag down my GPA. I’ve been interested in this class for a long time now. Robotics is very interesting to me. Discrete math is a double enrollment class through my state’s university. This class is weighted like an AP class in my school’s GPA system. The topics of this class are also interesting to me. This class will be helpful since I want to major in CS.
Which one should I choose? Should I prioritize GPA or my personal interests? I’m confident I can get an A in either one of those two classes
Hi!) try to think about your future plans and how important your GPA is for your dream major. If you’re all about computer science, Discrete Math might be your thing. But if you’re into robotics, it could give you some great insights for aerospace engineering. Balance the possible effect on your GPA with how much you value the classes, keeping in mind both your love for the subject and career goals
I would go with discrete math- it shows the rigor of the course load. Intro to robotics is something that you can do on your own online or through a club.
Intro to robotics is a freshman level easy elective at our high school. Do you know if this is the case at your school? You might be bored as a senior.
If, a big if, your school has an established robotics competition team (FTC or FRC), I would suggest you take the intro course, join the team, and explore how computer science is applied.
I used to coach FTC teams, currently referee and judge at competitions. The FIRST community is great for teens’ growth in knowledge, skill, and all perspectives of becoming a responsible and dependable young adult.
I would recommend discrete math. As a CS major, the concepts do come up in many of your classes. I would have loved the opportunity to have discrete math in high school.
At some colleges, you need to apply to a major, and CS and AE may be full and hard to change into later. Also, their curricula tend to diverge in the second year (or earlier if CS is not engineering based at the college).
Taking multivariable and discrete math at the same time could be a lot, but the robotics course may be pretty basic if you already have a lot of robotics experience. (Maybe talk with the instructor about TAing if you really want to be involved in that class?)
Keep in mind that college apps can be at least as much work as a whole additional class.