<p>When i went to pittstart and talked to my advisor they were unsure if i should take the Honors Engineering Analysis since my prior computing experience was pretty much nonexistent. However they said that it would be more challenging and rewarding if i took it, since it would open up more oppurtunities for next year. Is there anyone who has taken the class who could comment on how much prior computer experience(working with some of the programs such as excel) is needed, or if it is difficult to take the class without this knowledge.</p>
<p>I’d like to know this, too. I know at Pittstart Dr. Budney (who teached honors eng analysis)said that his course compresses two terms into one. So, it seems to be pretty intense. That being said, he also seems like a dynamic prof so maybe that would make up for it? I don’t know. My D has also never taken any programming so any advice from students whould be great.</p>
<p>That should be teaches not teached. It’s early!</p>
<p>It depends on whether your child is a quick learner. Sure, it would definately be beneficial if they had experience, but if they are extremely motivated and can learn on the fly, I would take the class. They have to be honest with themselves and ask themselves if they think they can handle it. It is very hard, but the class can be taken without previous experience. Just know that the majority of the class will have had experience, and you will definately have to work harder to catch up.</p>
<p>My D took that class and she had no prior programming experience. However, she did have a LOT of computer experience, including tons on stuff like Excel. Just no programming. So if programming is all you’re missing, you’ll probably do fine.</p>
<p>That said, D’s experience with the Pittstart engrg advisors was that they really do try to steer kids away from stuff they think will be too hard for them, so if the advisor suggested you take this class, they must think you can handle it (maybe from your math SATs ??)</p>
<p>They do compress two semesters work into one. Then in the spring they do projects using the skills with outside entities in the city. It’s all team type work, both semesters. So the other thing is that you won’t be doing the programming assignments in the fall all alone, and yes, most of the kids in that class took programming in hs.</p>
<p>I can offer that my son took the regular EngrAnalysis the first semester and the honors version the second semester. He did not find the honors to be very much harder, but maybe it had a little different emphasis.</p>
<p>I should add that the assignments were pretty similar in the basic and honors classes. There used to be (and maybe still is) a third even harder section for people with extensive programming experience. That top level class had completely different curriculum.</p>