So I was recently admitted to the University of Michigan LSA. I’m unsure which major I am choosing still. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about U of M’s LSA computer science program.
I have little experience computer programming and my math is average I’d say (not bright nor dull). I believe I will enjoy CS, but the difficulty of U of M is what is stopping me.
So my question is, will I be able to handle it? I have 4 months to prepare before the fall semester begins. I am more than determined to increase my computer programming by the fall.
I just need a realistic perspective on if I can handle it. The highest college math I ever took was trig at my community college, and I withdrew from my Calc 1 class due to an overload of credits.
@MA2012 I can technically take Calc 1 this summer, but I’d rather not so I can focus on getting a head start in the programming. Is Calc 1 and 2 really that difficult? I’m average AT A COMMUNITY COLLEGE, so I’m well aware the quantitative workload will be much higher than my previous college. But if I put in the hours, will I be able to do it?
@Jd12345… Above is an extremely basic explanation of the correlation between math and computer science. I would talk to Michigan advisors on what is best to do in the summer. All cs curriculum assumes you do not know how to code. If your good at coding I think you can take a higher level entry class. But since you do need a good math foundation you “might” be better served going that route in the summer. Beware though… If you are planning on transferring the credits you take, Michigan is very picking on what math and cs count to them. Look this up prior to paying for it. Keep in mind also… There are tons of free sites for learning coding especially the basics to make you feel more comfortable. You can do the same for math.
No one can answer your questions about if math, cs etc will be hard for you. We don’t know you or your learning style. Michigan math is hard for most people… But again depends on your foundation. They assume you are starting at Calc 1. Think you take a math placement test also so you are put in the correct section. If math is tough now it won’t be easier at Michigan but that is why you will take advantage of their learning resources, office hours, grad and peer help etc. They provide everything for you to be successful, you just have to put in the work and use the resources when you need to.
Calc 1 and 2 at Michigan will be a lot harder than a community college equivalent. If you can get credits to transfer to avoid them, that would be great. However, the quantitative challenge does not stop there. EECS 203 (Discrete Mathematics) is tougher than Calc I and II, and EECS 376 (Foundations of CS) makes EECS 203 look like a walk in the park. Also, a lot of upper level electives require or recommend Linear Algebra (MATH 214/217/417/419), which is quantitatively more rigorous than Calc I or II.
Knowing a programming language is not the challenge in CS, it is problem-solving, algorithmic thinking, and quantitative rigor. To best prepare yourself, preparing yourself quantitatively and maybe perusing some intro computer science courseware would be good.