<p>I’m a sophomore in HS, and I’ve been planning on going into Computer Science for years.</p>
<p>UW is my top choice school at this point (it’s always been very high in my personal rankings). I am curious as to which of these paths would be more beneficial to me as a prospective CSE student:</p>
<p>Chemistry one year, Physics another
Physics junior year, IB Physics senior year</p>
<p>We do not have any honors or AP science classes, only regular and IB. In order to take IB sciences, you must take the regular course for it first.</p>
<p>I’m aware that CSE is very competitive at UW, and I’m hoping to be accepted out of high school, which is why I am trying to decide if I should take the two years of Physics or not.</p>
<p>For some background information, I am currently in biology (required by state) and I took physical science in my freshman year (required by previous school). I am currently on track to be taking AP Calculus in my senior year, so that is covered. Science and math are my strongest points. Also, our school does not offer AP Computer Science, sadly. :(</p>
<p>AP Calculus and AP (or IB) Physics are the most important for CSE admission. These are more important than AP CS. Note that you could take AP Physics B online or self-study if it is not offered at your high school. But given the choices you listed, you would definitely want IB Physics.</p>
<p>I’d go with physics. Don’t worry about not having a CS background at all for direct admission. As triseradad stated, Calculus and Physics are most important for CSE admission, especially right out of high school. The admissions committee look at your potential to grow in the department, not how ‘great’ at programming you are.</p>
<p>If you have time to do some CS projects (and thus, self-teach yourself) in your spare time or in the summer, do it! Feel free to PM me about how to get started with learning computer science and/or picking up some projects if you want.</p>
<p>Your goal of entering computer science as a freshman is VERY ambitious. They fill the spots for the program starting with seniors, juniors, sophomores then freshman. I would say physics would be your best bet for computer science, but I would also take time outside of the classroom to look up internships at computer companies or get involved.</p>
<p>absurdwombat - where did you hear that? Because it’s not true.
UW CSE accepts around 30 students directly out of high school. The rest of the departments is accepted via either accelerated (offer to those in the top 10% of CSE 143) or regular admission, and acceptance is not based at all on class standing.</p>
<p>As far as what science to take for direct admit, I would advise IB physics.</p>
<p>@mlidge - I just finished a tour of UW in December. Their CSE is arguably the most sought after major. You have to be very talented to enter as a HS student or even freshman. Realistically, the most likely scenario is getting in junior or senior year because they want to give kids who have stuck with the program a better chance. This is all just info from UW’s tour. My cousin who graduated recently from UW confirmed this.</p>
As triseradad stated, Calculus and Physics are most important for CSE admission, especially right out of high school. The admissions committee look at your potential to grow in the department, not how ‘great’ at programming you are.</p>