BEHIND AND WEAK AT MATH BUT INTRESTED IN MAJORING IN CS; PLEASE HELP

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

Hey everyone I kinda need some insight on what to do next with my life because I honestly don’t know what I should do or what’s the best option in the long run.

So right now I’m currently a 20 year old CC student (21 in April) and have been in this community college for 2 years but only have 16 credits due to dropped classes and withdraws, I’m currently taking Algebra 2 and Trig, Health and English 105 but might have to drop Algebra 2 and Trig due to me failing for the third time in a row.

As of recent I was accepted to the University at Buffalo as a undeclared major and now i’m in a situation where I truly don’t know what I should go about doing. I know i’m behind in math but should I still go to Buffalo as a Computer Science hopeful and do well there and slowly build my way up to Calculus 1 or should I just do something else

Here are my options:

Go to Buffalo as a Comp Sci hopeful and take pre reqs to slowly get to Calc 1
Go to Buffalo as a different major (English, Psychology, Media Study, etc)
Stay at CC but continue Comp Sci then transfer when you reach Calc 1
Drop out of College

Here are my reasons of wanting to do Comp Sci:

Job security
Vast number of entry level jobs out of college
Salary
Interest in video game development (Though I have never learned Code yet)

Here are my strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths: I love to Write, Draw, play Video games, read books, learn about new technology, try out technology.

Weaknesses: Math, Math, Math.

Another thing that should be said is my house is really unstable, I feel like when I’m in home I cant really learn because I’m surrounded by so many distractions. I’m currently 20 years old and feel like i’m missing out on having friends and the college experience as a whole and I feel like this hole is making me not do as well in college as I should be. What should I do?

2

@Jamasian It sounds like trying to fit a round hold into a square peg. Some people enjoy math and others do not. What else are you interested in? I don’t know much about comp sci requirements but it does appear you are behind in math and struggling. If you are struggling why set yourself up for failure which is going to bring down your confidence. Not everyone is good at math but it doesn’t mean you are not capable of succeeding at something you enjoy. Whether it’s english, psych, media study depends on what your interests are. If you are not sure what you could see yourself doing, speak to an advisor at Buffalo when you get there if that is the path you take. If you feel your current situation is not stable, maybe a change of scenery and a fresh start would be best. Good luck!!

3

I really don’t know why I set myself up, I think the thing is a lot of people who do Media studies, English and psychology end up unemployed for a while after college but with Comp Sci and STEM majors as a whole that isn’t the case. Majority of those graduates get jobs out the gate

And with the debt I’m gonna concur from dorming I want a job that will be able to help me not only with that but with job security and a good salary.

Something A degree in media studies, English and psychology won’t be able to offer me…

4

Taking a step back for a moment, you were accepted to University of Buffalo as an undeclared student. Have you applied to the school of Engineering and Applied sciences yet? If you are going there with the intent of being a comp sci major, you should go through their requirements and speak to someone there that can provide you guidance. Quick look at their site and they are requiring HS seniors to preferably have gone through Calc or at least through pre-calc as a HS senior. With two years of CC, I imagine they will expect you to have completed Calc to admit you to the program. Many schools will make the student take Calc I as a freshman to make sure the students are at a college level but you indicate you are struggling with Alg/Trig. Please speak to a counselor at your school and make sure you are spending your time at college focusing on an area you can be successful so you don’t end up going with your 4th option.

5

I would not try for CS, based on this section of your post alone. Going for a career for money only will not work out well in the end for various reasons, and being interested in video games has no transfer of skills/interest to video game development. Not to mention that while CS jobs are plentiful, the game industry is very competitive and jobs are pretty scarce. It’s a completely different world.

I agree with the other posters - start by completing CC and transferring, and then talk to advisors. It sounds like there are much better balances between skill, interest, and pay offered by other majors.

Good luck!