Duke Emerging Scholars - Computer Science (DES-CS)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

<p>I received an email a couple of days ago about being selected for this elementary course, DES-CS, on computer science. </p>

<p>
[quote]
Congratulations on being accepted to Duke University!</p>

<p>Because of your excellent record, you are invited to apply to an exciting
program at Duke University your first year at Duke to learn about computer
science:</p>

<pre><code> Duke Emerging Scholars - Computer Science (DES-CS)
</code></pre>

<p>DES-CS is for first-year students interested in learning about computer
science who have had little or no programming experience. DES-CS is a small
group of students (12-16) taking several computer science courses together over
the first year at Duke.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I've never even heard of this Duke Emerging Scholars thing, so can someone fill me in please? Does everyone who is accepted get selected for it? If not, why have I been selected? Is it recommended that I take this course? (I have ZERO experience with computer programming -- the course description says it is geared toward people who are completely new to the field -- and do not see it in my major or career at all, though there's no reason why I wouldn't take the course out of interest). </p>

<p>Any info would be appreciated.</p>

2

<p>I got one of these too, and I don’t see myself anywhere near computer science as a major. I did take IB Computer Science in high school (Java programming and computer theory basically), but I honestly didn’t take much from that class–I have no idea how I got a 5 on the exam. The program certainly sounds interesting, and maybe I’d learn something about programming this time around. But I’d rather go into FOCUS.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the reply.</p>

<p>Are DES and FOCUS mutually exclusive?</p>

4

<p>I believe so. On the DES FAQ page, it says that you can apply to both programs but you must choose one if you get accepted to both.</p>