CSE major freshman: need help choosing courses!

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
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Hello, if there are any CS/CSE majors (or just engineering students in general) out there I’d appreciate some advice on what classes I should be picking at Orientation, and any general tips for managing my class schedule during my 4 years at UCLA (what classes I should take as soon as possible, which ones to leave for later, etc.).

I have college credit for AP Calculus BC, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Discrete Math, so I believe the only math course I have left to take is Differential Equations. When is a good time for me to take this?

I see that there are required courses for “Preparation for the Major” and required courses for “The Major.” Is the only difference here that “Preparation” means lower-div and “The Major” is upper-div?

Anything else I haven’t asked and you think is worth noting, please include as well. Thanks for your input!

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They’ll tell you what to take at orientation…that’s what orientation is for.

If you only have Diff Eq left to take, then you might as well take it in your first quarter so you can be done with math (other than Math 61). You’ll probably also take CS 31 in fall, plus a GE and/or English Comp 3.

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Also is linear algebra very important for cs? I took it this year but didn’t understand much so I’m wondering if I should retake it.

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These links might help
http://www.quora.com/How-important-is-linear-algebra-in-computer-science
http://www.quora.com/What-is-the-importance-of-linear-algebra-for-general-theoretical-background-of-computer-science

Two big areas that linear algebra is important: machine learning and computer vision. But there are such as algorithms.