<p>Alright, thanks. I am considering taking a few CS courses alongside my history major. Hopefully, I can transfer to Brown for fall 2012 and take the courses there. The plan is to have a reasonable literacy in computer programming and the like because I am interested in archival work. The digital age is having a decent effect on the storing of archival papers, documents, papers, and etc. What courses would you recommend for the novice computer student? Thanks again!</p>
<p>when you current students were pre-frosh, was your facebook group as crazy as ours?! i mean, i know some people are excited and all, and there’s a lot of useful and funny stuff there… but jeez some people need to really calm down a bit. or is this just me?</p>
<p>Brown doesn’t focus overly heavily on programming, but an intro sequence (15-16 or 17-18), plus 31 and/or 32 would make you competent. Almost no non-concentrators take 32, though, since it steals souls (kidding aside, it’s not unreasonable to plan for 20+ hours a week for that one course). Databases would likely be more useful for you anyways.</p>
<p>How about SCI0931 Introduction to Computation for the Humanities and Social Sciences? Is a general introduction better than what seems like a specified introduction for a particular set of concentrations?</p>
<p>0931 will teach you practically no programming, but lots of excel skills. If you’re looking for something that’s a lower level than 15-16 or 17-18, but want a decent programming component, it may be tough. 2 has little programming as well, while 4 is heavily directed at science/engineering/applied math concentrators.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I’m not sure how much programming you’d actually want for what you listed. Do you want a programming background or a computing one?</p>
<p>Ah, I used the wrong term. I think I meant computing. Thanks for pointing that out. I am interested in exactly what you outlined 0931 as, alongside with learning how to compile databases and such. I definitely still want to take 15-16 or 17-18,or whatever the course code will be at other institutions for the same classes if I don’t receive acceptance to Brown. Man, I can’t believe I am already looking at courses for next year…</p>
<p>If computing is what you want, then 931 or 2 would be appropriate courses. Databases (127) might be worthwhile, but the requirements are probably a lot steeper than you’d be able to take (you need to take the intro sequence, the 3rd semester course, and whatever they replace 22 with). I can’t say if those requirements are actually necessary or not, so I can’t comment on how likely an override would be to help.</p>
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<p>Books: look on the Brown student run site first for used books, (or even post for what you are looking for. and ask around your dorm the first week. There may be upperclassmen who would love to sell their old books and didn’t make it to the book store during buyback. Also there are also often some texts listed for a course that you really don’t need (again ask upperclassmen) You may also find a book that is feasible to share with someone in the same class living near you. (but don’t scrimp by not getting something you really need.) Next best is used. Brown often sells used as cheaply as web-site discounters, and I think easier to return if you change your mind during class shopping, but I would double check with current students on this site to confirm). Compare a couple of on-line used sellers. The sooner you can order the better to allow to get in time for class! (have mailed to your Brown address)</p>
<p>Dorm stuff:
Coordinate with roommate. Lots to avoid duplicating if that works. Sales on fridges etc at home if you have a way to get it there will be much cheaper if someone is a shopper. (ex dorm size high quality fridge for my student with separate freezer @ same cost as one year rental at Brown, Sale sheets at home found over summer sales XL 400 count cotton for same as the “college package” sent to you (avoid those, not great quality, if you want cheap look for sales at Target etc. ) If you need to buy stuff once at Brown, there may be a parent around who has room to take extra students to Seekonk or Warwick area stores which are good places shop to stock up on dorm groceries, room stuff, whatever you forgot etc. There is a Bed Bath and Beyond in the downtown mall, prices tend to be a bit higher than above, if you plan on going there, ask relatives to save and send you coupons they get in the mail etc for 15% off one item. (the one near me takes them even if expired). Don’t be afraid to take the second hand stuff (desk lights, fridge,rug, microwave etc a neighbor, family friend etc has. there is no “status” to new, and it may look better than the used or rental stuff your wealthy neighbor has!
Speaking of which, as mentioned above, buying the multiple occasional Starbucks etc will quickly add up. Have a stock of tea, coffee etc in your room. (This is another ask relatives for item also, if you have not gotten grad gifts, Starbucks card is a nice one. I also believe there is , or is going to be a new card like your dining card, sold by a group of enterprising students that will give you discounted meal “points” to many places around campus for when you do eat out. )</p>
<p>Also re shopping: Avoid it around campus when you can. (there are some sales that can be really okay (Berk’s end of season clearance for example) but if you are trying to buy an umbrella or rain/snow boots when you need them, they will be costly. A Brita replacement filter is 3x there, what it costs here at home. I have even found that the discount stores in NE seem to be more expensive than down here “in the south”, but you have to weigh in the inconvenience of hauling etc. There is a big outlet mall in Foxboro if you have someone you can hitch a ride with. We found great deals there for winter boots, coats etc. And there is now an Ikea up that way too. Try Quill on-line for printer cartridges, etc. (ship to your Brown box address. shipping is free if ordering over $45) </p>
<p>Storage: Brown’s contracted is “okay”. But if you have more than a few boxes, you can save money by sharing with someone living close to you the next year for the larger size (just use one name). Or even better: if you have transportation to pick it up, ie parent that doesn’t want to take it all home, car too small to take it all home, but big enough to take a few trips, or Zip car (see above) Split a 5x5 or 5x10 space with others at Storage places off campus. (we got 3 months for price of 2, and 5x10 for less for 2 students than 3 boxes with Brown, free large truck to move in, and access whatever date we wanted to move in and out. look for on-line specials.)</p>
<p>Many others have commented on jobs, Brown’s tend to not be too taxing on study schedules, some are flexible. Don’t start first semester frosh unless you really have to. Another avenue that is very flexible and actually can pay decently is there are some babysitting positions around. (and the off campus quiet can actually be good for studying) (and I got a “paid” ski weekend once this way!) </p>
<p>Food: see stocking up above under shopping. there is a Whole foods grocery near Brown and reachable via bus as well as a Price Rite in east Providence. There is a big nice Stop and Shop in Seekonk, but since just over the border in MA, the bus doesn’t go there. Unless you really always eat 3 big meals a day (football team?) really consider doing the 14 meal plan first year. It looks like a better deal for 20, but you will likely find you still have plenty of left over credits for the Gate etc with friends on 14 (which is cheaper than going out on Thayer.) Keep fast breakfast stuff in your room, and some quick meals. Students seem to have more expendable money these days and eat out more. That is a budget buster. I do know some students who have been off meal plan (after freshman year) and managed to cook in the dorms, but even if you are on meal plan, you might consider encouraging friends who like to cook to have occ shared "eat-in " events, instead of eating out. </p>
<p>Hope these suggestions help!</p>
<p>^Whole Foods is quite overpriced, really…but those generally look like good tips.</p>
<p>Is there a lot of self-segregation going on? ie do most Asians hang out with Asians, most blacks with blacks, most Caucasians with Caucasians, etc…</p>
<p>I come from a school where it’s common to hang out with people from all ethnicities, so I’m a little curious about this part of Brown life.</p>
<p>I have never experienced self-segregation – my closest group of friends is a very racially diverse one. However, having said that, you will often see Asians/Indians/blacks eating together at the Ratty. It’s possibly to socialize only amongst your own race if you want to do that – we have enough cultural groups to make that happen. But even then, you’ll probably end up having several friend groups anyway (this is the situation for most people I know), so it’s pretty rare to hang out exclusively with people of your own ethnicity.</p>
<p>Can we take a ECON course without taking its prerequisites? Coz I am more interested in ECON1130 instead of 1110, but 1130 is only offered in Spring and 1110/1130 is the prerequisite of most ECON courses.</p>
<p>BTW, I plan to do Econ-Comp Sci. Thanks~</p>
<p>There are definitely some group of what I’d say “fratty ethnic” students: people who have one group of close friends, all of the same ethnicity, and who don’t have more than a single circle of friends. I’m one friend-group removed from a few of them (i.e. if I sit down with some of my friends sometimes I’ll end up sitting with only one ethnicity, who they know mostly through some cultural group), but you have to be pretty anti-social to find yourself in that position (because if you have more than just one circle of friends, which most people have, that situation is pretty close to impossible to maintain).</p>
<p>BrownAlumParent - THANKS! This tips sound really good :)</p>
<p>I have a similar question to wingding too (I think?). I want to take either ECON1130 or 1110 in the fall, and I got a 7 on my IB Economics HL. That’s enough to get me placement from ECON110, but I obviously wouldn’t have the math requirements (i.e. 100 or 170 or 190… etc). </p>
<p>Does that mean I have to do the math course in the fall, and then take the economics course in the spring? Or does placement from IB exams means that I meet both the economics and math requirements?</p>
<p>Oh and wingding, there is ECON1130 in the fall. It’s on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-10:20am with Rajiv Vohra. Check Banner.</p>
<p>Thanks, keynesian. I found that in the banner.</p>
<p>My question then turns to… is it possible for me to take ECON1130 without taking ECON0110? If yes, can I simultaneously take ECON1210, ECON1630/ECON1710/ECON1750. I do have enough math background.</p>
<p>^ why the **** would you want to take 4 econ classes your first semester LOL. that sounds awful. Even if you can do it…no. Just no. and you can only skip Econ11 if you got AP or IB credit.</p>
<p>Generally, it is possible to enroll in whatever course if you haven’t fulfilled prerequisites as long as the instructor grants you an override. Convincing him/her to do so is altogether another matter, as is the wisdom of doing econometrics or investments without first having micro. </p>
<p>A 4 on both AP micro and macro places you out of ECON 11, so if you have that you’re all set. I do also know of people without econ background who managed to get an override into micro. Taking micro and macro simultaneously is usually fine, neither is required knowledge for the other.</p>
<p>Also, adequate math background for econometrics/investments would mean (seeing that APMA 165 is a prereq) familiarity with calculus-based probability and statistics.</p>
<p>Taking micro/macro concurrently is different than telling someone it’s ok to take Macro with Econometrics I (not even Intro to Econometrics) and Investments (not an easy class) and whatever the 4th one is. I don’t really care what it is, because either way that’s not a schedule that I think anyone would say is completely fine. They’re all problem set based and will probably have midterms around the same time. Sure they’re all econ classes and may have some overlap in material, but not enough to make preparing for exams in each of those classes around the same time bearable.</p>
<p>I’d suggest taking Macro and intro to Econometrics if you really want to, but not 4 classes in one semester your first semester here.</p>
<p>I apologize if my post was confusing, but nowhere did I suggest it will be fine to take macro along with econometrics and/or investments first semester. In fact, I questioned the wisdom of doing econometrics/investments without first having micro.</p>
<p>You don’t really need Micro for Econometrics, but I don’t think it’s the best idea to take any of those classes that early on unless you’re really comfortable with your econ abilities. You’ll be up against upperclassmen with more experience in the department, and the classes are curved.</p>