<p>ok, all the talk of cmu's cs being #1 of the nation is thrilling and intimidating at the same time. My school does not have CS classes, so I was wondering what's somethings that's fundamental or that one should know before attending. Or something that will make life easier. Thanks</p>
<p>I heard if you don't know any programming at all, it's okay. I'd say don't bother, unless you plan on learning enough to place you out of the introductory classes. Which, if you are, should be enough to get a 4 or 5 on the AP CS A? You can go to</p>
<p>and check all that stuff out. They have workbooks for like, $20? to give you a basic understanding of everything. </p>
<p>And I definitely feel the same.. about it being thrilling and intimidating....</p>
<p>Yes, but if I recall correctly, AP CS is more like AP Java.</p>
<p>I don't know Java, and don't particularly care to learn it right now, so no AP CS for me.</p>
<p>I imagine they allow you to take a placement test anyway.</p>
<p>There is a programming placement test. And if you've never had prior experience, it's OK...there is an introductory programming class that assumes no prior experience. You will be behind the majority of the incoming class, though, so I'd recommend not coming in with absolutely zero knowledge of programming.</p>
<p>wait, the programming placement test is....java? because uh...the only other language i know is c++... that i took in 10th grade....</p>
<p>The placement test is in Java. It's a really stupid little problem: write a class that does some dumb thing like store people's test scores or something like that.</p>
<p>THAT's the test?! for serious? that's kind of..ohkay. i thought it'd be like multiple choice or something....</p>
<p>that's good. because I'm horrible with multiple choice.
I ALWAYS pick the wrong answer if I'm choosing between two.</p>
<p>Java is used for the first three programming courses (100, 200, 211) so you'll have to learn it at some point (almost everyone has to at least take 211 regardless of AP). After that you'll use C (15-213) and ML (15-212), and after that it depends on the course and the instructor.</p>