<p>What must I do in order to prepare for Computer Science at MIT?
Do I need to know a few programming languages?
Please post any tips that you have for me.</p>
<p>Most people don't start the track until their spring semester (that's when it's intended). The entire 6.001 (intro CS) book is available online... I'm sure some upperclassmen could link you to it.</p>
<p>As far as programming languages, learn LISP if you can. Stay away from object-oriented programming as some people believe it may in fact hurt you your first year.</p>
<p>Sorry, I forgot to say that I have not been admitted into MIT yet.
I am asking these questions to see what I should focus my attention on.</p>
<p>Be creative. Have fun with your learning experience, and take it as far as your desire takes you. Don't limit yourself to some artificial guidance provided by a message board, or even geared towards a specific college. :)</p>
<p>
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Most people don't start the track until their spring semester (that's when it's intended).
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Can you do that even if you don't have early sophomore standing? For some reason I was under the impression that 6.001 puts you over the second term freshman credit limit otherwise...</p>
<p>Second term the credit limit increases by three units, allowing the addition of 6.001 (which is 15 units long).</p>
<p>So yeah, you totally don't need sophomore standing to do it.</p>
<p>Two 12 unit classes and one 9 unit HASS-D would allow room for 6.001 first semester, rt?</p>
<p>Like Timur says, the credit limit in the spring is 57 units, so you can take three 12-unit classes, a seminar, and 6.001.</p>
<p>EDIT: Can't read. You said first semester. Yes, taking a 9-unit HASS would mean you could take 6.001 first semester.</p>
<p>Spartan: Actually, the fall freshman credit limit is 54 units.
Meaning you can take 3 12 unit classes (36 units) and then a 15 unit class (6.001). No worries about a 9 unit HASS.</p>
<p>Unless you're taking a freshman seminar, in which case, yeah.</p>
<p>I can't read AND I can't add.</p>
<p>This is not boding well for graduate school.</p>
<p>Okay, thank you.
Do any of you know of any Computer Science and/or Math competitions that I can participate in?</p>
<p>mollie, don't worry, it's hahvahd! </p>
<p>tho u may wanna work on the reading part if ur going there... ;P</p>
<p>I'm sure everybody's heard the joke, but I'll tell it anyway --</p>
<p>A college kid comes to the express checkout at Star Market in Cambridge with 20 items. The clerk points to the sign ("10 items or fewer") and says, "Okay, either you go to Harvard and you can't count, or you go to MIT and you can't read."</p>
<p>...and apparently I am from both places and can neither read nor count. :D</p>
<p>Will MIT look down on me if I received a 4 on my Computer Science A exam?
I am planning to take the Computer Science AB exam to see if scoring a 5 will help balance the playing field.</p>
<p>MIT won't "look down on you" for a 4 on an AP Comp Sci exam: a 4 is considered "well qualified" in the subject area. Nearly 59% of those who took the AP Comp Sci A exam last year earned a 3 or below, 23% a 4, and 18% a 5. (The grade distribution for AP Comp Sci AB had a more skewed curve, with 31% earning a 5.) As I understand it, the AP Comp Sci AB exam contains the A material plus data structures and algorithms. You would probably be better off doing other things with your time than trying to earn a 5 instead of a 4 on an AP exam.</p>
<p>Especially since MIT does not offer advanced placement or credit for <em>any</em> score on <em>any</em> AP Comp Sci exam. (A list of AP scores accepted for placement for the Class of '10 (it can potentially change each year) is here.)</p>
<p>Sorry to bug you still further about the credit limit but...
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Unless you're taking a freshman seminar, in which case, yeah.
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Can't you go over the 54 unit limit for a seminar? Meaning you can do 54 normal units plus a seminar?</p>
<p>kcastelle: i think it's normally 4 courses x 12 = 48...+ 6 credit seminar = 54 credits max first semester. =]</p>
<p>molliebatmit: i was waiting for u to retell the story haha</p>
<p>You can do 54 units plus a seminar. That's one of two exceptions the school will make for first semester freshman.</p>
<p>oh for real? cool beans.</p>
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You can do 54 units plus a seminar. That's one of two exceptions the school will make for first semester freshman.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>No. This is incorrect. There is only one seminar for which you are allowed to do this, Seminar XL, which is a study skills/succeed in college thing. You can also exceed the credit limit by three units if you're doing one of the Mission $YEAR programs. Other than that you are not allowed to take more than 54 units first term, and that includes freshman advising seminars.</p>