<p>I plan on applying to computer science (or CS-related) programs for college. However, a few of the schools I'm interested in say that computer science courses are "recommended" or "desired" etc. for those majors. My school doesn't offer any CS courses. The closest they have are some new classes this year like "How to work the Adobe suite" and similar basic computer skills classes. Anyway, I've taken Physics, Chemistry, I'm currently in Calculus Applications, and have gotten decent math grades throughout high school. Do you think my lack of high school CS classes will hurt my chances of getting into these programs, or will colleges understand that some opportunities simply aren't available for everyone? I would think they'd have to, but as just another nervous applicant I can't help but wonder :/</p>
<p>Choose the most advanced math courses at your school, and take high school physics and chemistry in case the college CS major requires college physics and/or chemistry (common for CS majors based in engineering divisions).</p>
<p>You can try self-studying introductory CS material by reading this book and doing the examples and exercises on your computer:
[Welcome</a> to the SICP Web Site](<a href=“http://mitpress.mit.edu/sicp/]Welcome”>http://mitpress.mit.edu/sicp/)</p>
<p>Well, like I said I’ve taken physics and chem, but I’m a senior, so Calc apps will be my last math class, and I got a 2030 on the SAT (retaking in October in hopes of raising my math score). How much weight do you think colleges actually give your course selections?</p>
<p>Colleges generally prefer that you choose the most rigorous options available to you in your high school, especially in subject areas relating to your intended major.</p>
<p>E.g. if you have a choice of calculus BC, calculus AB, and no math at all for senior year after completing precalculus junior year, and you are going into a math-heavy major, calculus BC would look better than calculus AB which would look better than no math at all.</p>