<p>Unfortunately, there's no room in my high school schedule for any classes in computer science. Also, there are various courses online (i.e. MIT Open courseware) that I'm interested in studying. I already started to teach myself C++ computer programming and I do plan on going through at least one course online this summer. My question is, how can I prove to MIT that I studied what I said I studied on my own? I would take any AP exams or the like to show that I learned the material, but I am finishing my junior year and by the time I took the exam I would already have gotten into college. There aren't any computer science classes available for me to take at any local colleges/universities and I don't have the money to enroll in any anyway. I just want to make sure that they are able to see my passion for these subjects when they review my application. Thank you!</p>
<p>You could do ECs that require knowledge of whatever you studied. For example, for C++, you could get involved in an open source project for a software or independently develop your own software.</p>
<p>It isn’t too late to take the AP Computer Science test. State your intent to take the AP test on your application and/or midyear report. Make sure you arrange for your school to order an AP CS test–you’ll have to pay for it, though, it’s about $80. </p>
<p>If you intend to take the AP test, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you know Java, because the test is on that language. Even if you don’t intend to take the AP test, it is important to know Java, because it is a major language. C++ is also a very worthy pursuit, and you may also want to look into Python. Studying Java and C++ concurrently will not be too difficult, because they are both object-oriented and use much of the same syntax (knowing Java beforehand made it much easier for me to learn C++). It will also show a great interest in computer science, because these languages are complex and take a lot of time and energy to learn. Python is more abstract, but much easier to learn. </p>
<p>If you plan on learning Java/taking the AP test, here is the AP central page with everything you would need to know:
[AP</a> Central - AP Computer Science A Course Home Page](<a href=“Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day – AP Central | College Board”>AP Computer Science A Course – AP Central | College Board)</p>
<p>To begin working with Java, first download the JDK platform:
[Java</a> SE 7u4 Downloads](<a href=“http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk-7u4-downloads-1591156.html]Java”>http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk-7u4-downloads-1591156.html)</p>
<p>Next, download a compiler. This is the one I use. It’s very reliable (choose the LE version):
[JCreator</a> — Java IDE](<a href=“Keluaran HK: Togel Hongkong, Pengeluaran HK, Data Toto HK Hari Ini”>Keluaran HK: Togel Hongkong, Pengeluaran HK, Data Toto HK Hari Ini)</p>
<p>As you learn Java, you may find it very useful to look up methods in the API:
[Java</a> Platform SE 6](<a href=“JDK 20 Documentation - Home”>Java Platform SE 6)</p>
<p>A subset of the API was made for methods used on the AP test. You may want to become familiar with these:
[Advanced</a> Placement Computer Science Java Subset Specification](<a href=“http://www.cs.duke.edu/csed/ap/subset/doc/]Advanced”>http://www.cs.duke.edu/csed/ap/subset/doc/)</p>
<p>Thank you very much! Would I have to take the AP exam now? If I waited until the fall I can’t see how it would be graded in time, especially since I do plan on applying early action…</p>
<p>You take it in May next year like everyone else. You can’t take it any other time. Just express your intent to take the test on your application. You may want to send in a supplement with a printout of some code from a program you have written and a few screen shots detailing how it works, if you like, to show that you know whatever language you wrote the project in. </p>
<p>Doing extracurriculars that require knowledge of coding would also help.</p>
<p>Alright thank you</p>
<p>Ultimately, you don’t have to prove to MIT that you took particular subjects. There is a place on the application where you can provide any information that doesn’t otherwise fit into the application, and listing your self-studied subjects there would be a good choice. You could also choose to make your self-studied material the topic of one of your essays, or provide a supplement to your application that makes use of your self-acquired knowledge.</p>
<p>It’s certainly better to be able to show something for your work, rather than just telling about it, but you can always tell about it if that’s your only choice. MIT will consider everything you choose to put in the application – they don’t require documentation.</p>
<p>An alternative could be to make yourself a website and link to it in your application (shows that you know HTML / CSS, at least). You can include a blog where you talk about things you’re learning and tips that you found helpful as a budding code monkey.</p>
<p>@molliebatmit Alright I may have to do that. I just want to show that I really did learn the subject and that I didn’t just play around with it for two days. I’m already sending a music supplement so maybe I’ll send a program or something. Thank you!</p>
<p>A website may be another good idea. I’ll play around with different languages and see where I end up…</p>