Hello, Guys! I didn’t really know where to ask this. I have decided over the course of 3 years that I wanted to get a computer science masters or Ph.D. at MIT or Columbia University–I am quite the dreamer–and I may double major in an engineering or business; however, I am so stuck on my schedule senior year. For one, I don’t know which would be better for me: AP Chem or AP Physics. Personally, both of these sciences fascinate me beyond belief, and in all honesty, I like every science except environmental (I mean I like it and did well in it but I would choose anything over it). If I had to come down to it, Physics and Chemistry are my indeed dominate favorites and I spend so much time reading studies done in both fields and intertwined in each other. It is a passion that can rival my love to read books about math and play with a calculator finding cool things in Calculus (which is even beyond my level of pre-calc since my school didn’t let me skip precalc. Not trying to sound conceded, sorry if I come off as it). So if anyone can be of assistance, maybe taken one of the courses or both and would like to tell me about them and what they entail, I am all ears. Next, I am wondering about AP Statistics–so I have heard statistics is important in AP Computer Science–because I want to make sure I am well prepared for college and my major. Is statistics worth it? Does it really coincide with my major? I would like a bit of intelligence on this if any is available! Another issue is Spanish. I have always been good at Spanish but I have gotten to the point in asking myself “is AP Spanish next year worth it?” I really have no clue especially for a major so predominantly math and a bit of science. I do already speak three languages: English, French and Greek (however if you want to count Spanish, that is up to you whether you define 4 years of Spanish enough to count as speaking it). Is it worth it for a Computer Science masters. I heard the AP exam is so ridiculous and impossible also (looking for verification). MIT and Columbia are very nitpicky with AP exams and I don’t see myself getting a five on this AP Exam and I am not playing 500 dollars each semester for Adelphi credits because 1: They’re not accepted in high-level schools and 2: I have enough tests to pay for. I am not afraid however I feel that I would waste my time and in all honest if Stats and Spanish don’t add up together as beneficial for me I might take Physics and Chem. I am also taking Computer Science to help myself with my major and that leads me to my last question. Calculus AB or BC. I already signed up for BC but what is really useful for Computer Science? I would like for a lot of advice please because I don’t know what to do! All advice is appreciated.
@Saucetrays You’re asking 20-something questions, in which most of them aren’t extremely important, or could be answered later.
I don’t know either. Whichever one fascinates you more, perhaps.
I haven’t heard this - AP Comp Sci seems to be mostly Java and other programming principles. However I never took APCS in high school.
Source? MIT does not accept AP Chem, Stats, or Comp Sci scores for credit. It accepts a 5 on both Physics C exams in place of 8.01.
If you are majoring in computer science then I am sure you will have to take the equivalent of Calculus BC (if you haven’t already taken it).
I suggest relaxing a bit. Enjoy your senior year, take challenging classes, but many of these questions can be asked later. If you wish to major in CS, take an intro EECS course (such as 6.01 at MIT) and think about whether you can see yourself majoring in CS.
Some CS degree programs require non-CS science courses; others do not.
Those that do require non-CS science courses may require physics, physics and chemistry, or student’s choice.
If physics is required, it will be calculus based physics. AP physics C may be allowed to fulfill that, or it may not, depending on the school. AP physics 1 or 2 will not be allowed to fulfill that.
If chemistry is required or optional, AP chemistry may be allowed to fulfill that, or it may not, depending on the school.
AP CS A may or may not be allowed to fulfill some introductory level CS course, depending on the school.
AP CS principles probably will not be accepted for subject credit for a CS major, but is probably a more useful course than AP CS A for a high school student who wants to get an overview of what CS is about. You can also look at http://cs10.org/ for a overview of what CS is about (some AP CS principles courses are modeled off of this course).
AP statistics is not calculus based, so it is unlikely to be allowed for subject credit for a CS major.
AP calculus is often allowed for subject credit for calculus courses required for a CS major. BC generally gives more subject credit than AB; math requirements for CS majors generally go beyond BC.
What @MITer94 said - taking either one will be just fine.
A few pieces of advice in general on CS:
Computer Science is essentially about problem solving - math being one of its biggest tools, but not in the traditional sense often. All of the rest can be related in many ways, and you have plenty of time to figure that out. For now, relax and take challenging classes you’re interested in.
Almost every university assumes little to no CS experience coming in - a good math/science mind as a base is really the only true prerequisite along with your standard high school maths - you don’t technically need Calculus even. As already suggested, the best way to prepare for CS would be to take an intro course online - there’s a ton of great options for that.
You seem to want to do a lot: I would caution you to slow down and think about why you want to do so much before you set your mind to all this. Why do you want to major in CS? Depending on what you want to do, a Masters/PhD level in CS isn’t needed most of the time. A double major in Business and even more so in an Engineering will also take a bit of extra time in all likelihood - do you both have both the ability and wish to be in school for that long?
Also, while Columbia and MIT are both outstanding schools, there are tons more great schools that will offer a lot of the same, and could even be a better choice for you. As you know, getting into your two particular choices is very competitive - all of the subjects you are interested in are taught at high levels at plenty of schools, many with even comparable prestige to those.
All this said, keep up the dreaming! High goals and challenging yourself consistently is a great thing - just make sure you know why you’re doing the things you’re doing and that you have a realistic and not boom/bust plan.
Good luck!
PS: Oh, relax and enjoy senior year - it’s the last year you have in mast cases with your high school friends. Have some fun!
Personally, I would take physics just because you would get another class that heavily uses math. While AP Chem uses math frequently, AP Physics does even more.