I’ll be applying to college in the fall and I am fairly certain that I want to study computer science, however I am worried that I will not be able to handle it. Math has never been my strong suit, I’ve usually gotten by with a B- but have never achieved an A or anything like that. I taught myself CSS/HTML/Java (basically just the basics of programming) and really think I’d like peruse a career in computer science, but am I cut out for it? Any advice would be super helpful. Thanks!
All schools are different. At my college, we choose between a BA and BS in CS. The BA’s math req is only college algebra.
Even if you say you’re not good at math, that doesn’t mean you’ll do poorly. In my opinion, as someone who does well in math classes, all you need to do is study and ask for help when needed.
Math isn’t the driving factor in ability in CS. They often match up, but you can be good at one and not as good at the other. The most you will see of it will be in education. In the real world, you won’t use much if any of the math, but you will use plenty of the programming. The math underlies a lot of CS principles, and having a math oriented brain helps, but the ability to problem solve and understand particularly discrete maths is what is important. Go for it.
Computer science is a very broad topic. Most CS programs deal with training people to work closely with the computer hardware itself and require people to think very logically (because that is what the computer is going to do). There are, however, many degree programs which train people to use computers but are closer to the human side of the equation. For example, digital media & design majors don’t require nearly as much math, but rather deal with the artistic/human interface side of working with computers. Perhaps something like that would have more appeal and yet would have wonderful employment prospects.
It would help to be able to do advanced math, especially since depending on your school, they may slam you with it. However, as you have already taught yourself some key programming languages (arguably the main aspect of CS), you may be fine.
Good luck!
I would pick a school that is not too theoretical.