Hi, I am an undergraduate student at UT Austin. I’m gonna be honest here, so please only reply if you are serious. Recently, I decided that I want to major in computer science. However, I could not even get into pre-calculus at UT this semester (1st semester), and since high school, I have felt like I am terrible at math. However, recently I decided that enough was enough, and I started studying math myself, going through different books. I have become a lot better, and I actually really like math now. The fact that I thought that math was terrible was the reason why I never planned on being an engineering major, but that is out the door now.
I might have a chance to skip pre cal, and take calculus next semester. That would allow me to apply to comp sci at UT or at other colleges. However, I do not think skipping a whole class is a good idea. But if I do take pre-cal next semester, I won’t be able to apply. Also, many other good colleges require transfer students to take Calculus before admission.
Now here is my question, considering that I am a very hardworking student (3.8 gpa 1st semester at UT), and that it should be a relatively easier path for me when it comes to math now, are there are any good schools out there that I can apply to for next fall if I have not taken Calculus yet? The school does not have to be known for comp sci like UT is, but I would like to go to a good school. I plan on taking Pre cal next semester, and Calculus in the summer.
I would really appreciate any help here, thanks 
I would definitely recommend against skipping pre-calculus. Why can’t you take pre-calculus in the spring semester and then calculus in next fall right before you submit applications?
I hear you on math. I was always a good student when it came to most other subjects. I could study and nail tests. But math was my weakness. I took precalc and calc twice, dropping 3/4 of the way through the semester, and managed B’s and C’s. I got through it and now have a compsci degree from Iowa.
Do Math every school day. Just set aside a hour and go through all the problems you were given. Its good to do that at a time and place that you can get help if you need it. Most schools have drop in assistance so seek that out and use it if you get stuck. Do the work and you will slay that Dragon. For reference, foreign language works much the same way.
GL.
Hey, that would mean that I would have to wait till my junior year to start comp sci, since most schools only accept comp sci students in the fall semester. So that would be a whole waste of a year.
But are you familiar with any good schools that do not have rigid requirements when it comes to applying to comp sci?
Hey man, that was the same case for me. But only recently, I started studying math everyday, on the bus, in the car…and I really like it now lol. I was just a little too late. I wish I had done this in high school
Instead of asking us, go visit with the Math department at your university, and ask about placement exams. They will know what is workable and what isn’t. Find out if they can recommend review materials that you could work with over the winter vacation. There might even be a short pre-Cal review course online or at a local community college that would get you where you need to be.
Wishing you all the best!
If you want to continue your study of math on your own with the thought of placing out of precal, the University of Washington Precalc textbook and sample exams are free online here:
http://www.math.washington.edu/~m120/