<p>I'm a sophomore in high school going through the tedious (and surprisingly amusing) process of selecting classes for next year.</p>
<p>My only problem is that since my school doesn't offer courses in architecture (my main career interest), I have to choose between the PLTW Engineering program or AP Computer Science for my tech credit. I have really no idea what is going on in these classes. My questions to counselors (who's completely clueless) and teachers result in confusing responses like "computer science deals with the manipulation of algorithms and the use of Java" or "the engineering class involves the integration of physics and innovation in designing a functional product". What does any of that even mean? I'm looking for a good description of the class, not some vague mission statement out of the course description book! My friends who take those classes are no help either. </p>
<p>Since I'm also competitive for being valedictorian, my GPA comes into play. The PLTW program requires SIX semesters of engineering for ONE tech credit. And the senior class (EDD) is not weighted as a honors class so it could be detrimental to my rank. However, the courses seem to fit my interests better. I took the Intro to Engineering Design class this year and enjoyed the 3D design aspects of it, but I hear that Principles of Engineering and Engineering Design and Development are more technical and tilt more towards mechanical engineering rather than civil or structural. (I'm still extremely disappointed that our school doesn't have the Civil Engineering and Architecture course!!)</p>
<p>And honestly, I have no idea what Computer Science is even about. </p>
<p>Please enlighten me What class do you suggest I take?</p>
<p>If graduating as valedictorian is a priority for you, then you probably shouldn’t make a commitment to the full engineering sequence if the courses are not weighted. How about taking computer science and whatever engineering classes you find interesting?</p>
<p>An introductory computer science course is about the fundamentals of programming. The programming techniques you learn are standardized, but what sort of programs you write depends on your teacher. The final project for my intro CS class in college was a jump-and-run computer game, complete with graphics and sound. Another professor has his students write code for robots, and yet another teaches intro CS as a class on scientific computing.</p>
<p>Why don’t you base your choice on how good the teachers for each are? If the AP CS teacher sucks, but the PLTW teachers are good, then your decision is made for you.</p>
<p>Fair warning though, technology teachers are the high school level tend to suck, perhaps moreso with CS than PLTW. After all, qualified CS professional can go out and make real money instead of teaching high school.</p>
<p>I’ve had wonderful CS teacher in Highschool. Hell, my father basically teaches CS at a Highschool Level. He doesn’t suck. It’s his passion, he loves teaching the age group. </p>
<p>CS in highschool has generally been bad for me due to it being boring. I know my teacher is good, but he has to keep the class at a steady pace. I’m often left done in the first five minutes while the majority of the class has spent the last two days.</p>
<p>All I’m saying loopback is I wouldn’t assume a CS Teacher sucks because they chose to teach. I myself, have a passion for teaching. I don’t care about making money as long as I have enough to live on.</p>
<p>@Thread.
If it’s GPA 9/10 CS will be easier, though it’s an AP class so it could get hard for you if you’re unexperienced.</p>