I want to major in something related to computer science in college. There aren’t many other fields that interest me enough or that I think I’d excel in. I was always a top student in my math classes in school, but I got a 650 (second try) on the SAT math section. From what I gather, computer science is heavily based on mathematics and, although I may demonstrate mastery in the classroom, I don’t think my test score is up to par. I would think most students dead set on pursuing comp sci have scores well above 700. Would I be able to withstand the rigor of a college-level computer course? What math classes would you recommend I take while still in high school to further develop my understanding of math? Are there any similar majors that may not be quite as demanding of profound math skill?
What math have you taken in high school and what were your grades in those? I got a 650 in math also, but at the time I had As in Calc I and II, so I don’t think that indicated much. I’m majoring in aerospace engineering.
@albert69 the most advanced class I’ve taken yet is algebra 2. I had no issues keeping my grade at a mid to high A. My high school situation is a bit complicated; I took algebra 2 last year as a junior, but now I’m currently repeating the year with an online school. I’m trying to get back into my previous public school for next year. It offers precalculus, AP calculus ab, AP computer science and AP statistics. If I can manage to return to the school I’d like to take precalc, comp sci and stats. Clearly not ap calc since I havent taken precalc yet.
@albert69 Do you think graduating without AP Calculus under my belt would hurt me?
FWIW, many schools only require calc I and 2, discrete math, stats, and linear algebra.
Don’t sweat it.
@Nerdyparent Out of all of the courses you listed, I’m only going to be able to get my hands on stats while still in high school (unless by linear algebra you mean combined algebra 1 and 2). I assume I would have to take these classes along with the major once in college?
Linear algebra is different than alg 1 & 2. And yes, you would take the aforementioned classes once in college.
Linear algebra is different than alg 1 & 2. And yes, you would take the aforementioned classes once in college.
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As Nerdyparent said, yes linear algebra is a different subject. Some high school algebra 2 courses introduce matrices, determinants, solving systems of linear equations, and linear programming, and this is basically an intro to topics you’ll see in linear algebra.