<p>Hello everyone!
I'm a senior in high school and cramming to get my college applications out (It doesn't help that I'm a first gen college student either!) I currently hit a bit of a road block...</p>
<p>Ever since I was little, I have been messing around with computers and never got tired of them so I've decided without a doubt that I will be getting into some kind of computer field. I'm 99.9% sure I'll stay in that field.
This is where the problem begins. I guess I'm one of the few who enjoy both the hardware and the software end of the computer spectrum equally. I taught myself BASIC programming back during early middle school, and, in high school, I have taken AP Computer Science (which covers Java) sophomore year, and I am currently taking my second year of Computer Programming Advanced Honors (which is an independent study course where I can study basically anything computer related. Last year, I continued with Java, messed around a bit with C++, and plan on venturing into the world of Assembly this year.) However, I have always built my own computers (never bought a Dell, HP, etc,) and I frequently take electronic devices (usually from resale stores) apart to see how they tick and/or fix them/make them better (such as in a recent project where I converted all of the light-bulbs in an old 1970's stereo to LEDs.)
I thought at first I would take a double major of CS and CE, but now I'm reading that they are too similar to be worth the extra time and money. However, I know I may technically use only one area of study once I find a stable job, but I will most likely use the extra experience for my own hobbies and interests. Some people have recommended just taking CE, but I'm afraid I will be missing out on the higher level programming courses (since I think more jobs are available that are on the high-level language end of things...? My family isn't rich so I would like to be able to nab a job as quickly as I can after college.) With CS alone, I would totally miss out on the hardware end of things so I think that is out of the question. </p>
<p>So here I am stuck in the middle of things. I have no idea where to go!</p>
<p>Thanks for your time (and please excuse the rambling!)</p>
<p>(P.S. My plan is to go to a community college (Harper Community College) and then transfer my credits to UoI: Urbana-Champaign as I can't afford 4 full years at UoI. Will that change anything? (I'm trying to find all of these things on my own, but I'm brand-new to the college system so please bear with me!))</p>