<p>Hey I really want to major in Computer Science for college (UCLA or Berkeley) and I was planning on taking it in High School my senior year. However, due to scheduling issues, I would have to give up my AP Physics C class which I really like and I thought had a lot of respect in terms of college admissions. If I don't take it in High School would that affect my chances for admission? If I do take it I thought it would look like I have an interest in Computer Science since I don't really have anything else on my college app that says I like computers. </p>
<p>Plenty of students go on to major in CS in college without having taken a CS course in high school. In part, that’s because a lot of high schools don’t have CS courses. If you want to know what UCLA or Berkeley think, I’d recommend calling their Admissions offices directly and asking them … but speaking as a professor at a competing institution :), I don’t think you’d have a problem getting admitted without a CS course.</p>
<p>Of course, I hate to see you pass up on a CS course, but sometimes, these sorts of choices have to be made.</p>
<p>I’m a math/CS major, and I knew only a little CS in high school (I took a programming course, but that was about it - no AP Computer Sci). Unfortunately, a lot of schools don’t offer advanced computer science classes, and all of the HS students I know who did significant work in CS participated in USACO, IOI, or otherwise did CS outside of school.</p>
<p>That said, taking a computer class in HS definitely helps, but it is probably easier to learn it outside of school.</p>
<p>Take an online one from a CC like I did. </p>