Is a decent Computer Science MS attainable for me?

DadTwoGirls
Wed, 08 Jan 2020 05:15:00 +0000

Two things.

One is that universities understand that different students mature at different points. They also understand that the first semester at a top 25 university can be a steep learning curve for many very strong students. You suddenly go from being the top student in your high school to being just average in very tough classes. The fact that you pulled yourself together quickly and did very well starting the second semester freshman year is very good. I don’t think that the first semester freshman year will hurt you all that much.

Also, there is more than one way to get research experience. Some students get it while they are undergraduate students. It is also possible to get it after a bachelor’s degree and before getting a master’s. Personally I took the second route. I took two years between my bachelor’s and master’s and worked in a research facility.

You might want to start applying to appropriate master’s programs at the beginning of your senior year (presumably after you return to the US). If you get in where you want to go then you are in good shape. If not, then get a job and work for a year or two and then reapply to master’s programs.

A bachelor’s degree from a top 25 university in math and computer science should be a very good start at a good career.

A semester in Paris sounds like a great experience. Make sure to keep up with your course work while you are there and don’t drink too much champagne! Bonne chances!