Preparing for SCS freshman

KrazyKow
Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:48:02 +0000

Don’t forget knowledge of how to do laundry!

Skip 15-100. Skip 15-111 only if he thinks he has a really solid understanding of data structures and doesn’t mind the freshman bonding that can come out of it. Skip calc/sciences if he feels he knows it and/or won’t be taking any classes that depend on knowing it. Take AP credit for a science lab, if possible - the options for the lab requirement are all boring/painful. Don’t skip everything and end up with a crazy freshman schedule. Don’t skip nothing and be bored.

Forward planning - if he thinks he’d be interested in taking graphics, getting 3D calc out of the way is a good idea. If he thinks he wants to study abroad, focusing on the CS core getting done and leaving electives, both humanities and otherwise, for later is useful. Other than that… the curriculum is flexible, and they’ll keep him from doing anything too crazy. Maybe he should contemplate something that could be a minor, and take a class in that area first semester? Most people don’t figure out their minors till junior year, though, so no need to worry.