<p>Well-- title says it all. I could end up with a D here. I get Cs on my problem sets. I spend hours and hours and hours on my work with my friends. Roomie dropped and is contemplating changing majors. Most friends getting Cs and Bs. No one I know has an A.</p>
<p>It's not about the grade- I know that but it's hard to know if I really learning anything. I spend 1/3 of my time on this class and I have 5 classes.</p>
<p>Should I drop it and take it with the profs in the Fall?
Will it be as much work? Are the assignments the same?
Are the professors in the fall going to teach the material well enough to get what I should as a CS major?</p>
<p>One of my friends took concepts in pre college and Jacobo told him to wait for 251 in the spring. Does that mean the teachers in the fall aren't good enough for CS majors?</p>
<p>Does it look bad to drop the course? </p>
<p>First test Monday -- I may not eat or sleep until then. (I know I should not be on CC)</p>
<p>I just emailed my son with your questions, and he will be able to give you some answers or find someone who can. I’ll pm you as soon as I contact him.</p>
<p>From my limited knowledge, I know that is a course that is commonly flunked and repeated. It is extremely intense and time consuming. As a parent, I would advise my kid to take that with the EASIEST professor possible (there is a variance), and with the lightest load possible. You might pm some of the past CS majors on this board also, as they may not be reading in time to help you.</p>
<p>The class IS easier in the fall, and it does NOT look bad to drop it. As with any class, there is no record of you having ever taken the course, much less dropped it, if you drop before the mid semester cutoff. </p>
<p>If i’m not mistaken, a D would require you retake the course anyways. </p>
<p>The assignments in the fall are similar, but generally easier. The first puzzle hunt will probably not occur. The ACM passignment probably will still be there. </p>
<p>The downside of taking the class in the fall (and why jacobo told your friend to wait until the spring) is that you will not be in the class with your roommate/friends/floormates. This means you will have to make friends with other kids who dropped / non-majors avoiding the spring, or risk doing the homeworks solo.</p>
<p>I’m sorry to go off topic from the thread
but
since you guys are already in CMU SCS
do you think I could major in computer science and a language (like french)?
impossible?</p>
<p>CMUGUY2014: I understand your pain. I took 251 with LVA two years ago and I see that the course is as intense as ever. However, keep in mind that it is early in the semester and you can always get your grade up. If you’re okay with a C in the course, then make that your priority and trust me, it isn’t hard to get. The course is curved at the end and trust me, you’ll be okay. </p>
<p>In my opinion, I would highly discourage students from dropping. If you feel you are struggling, get help. There’s plenty of help available. If you really believe that there is no hope in 251, then you should go ahead and drop. However, know that LVA really teaches 251 pretty well and other professors may be easier but you won’t really get much out of it…</p>
<p>Thnx so much noblerare
Btw who is LVA?
Lol might as well know more about 251 since I need to take this class in the future
This class sounds scary
Is there any way to prepare?</p>
<p>Thanks Everyone,
As much as LVA is a great prof…the time difference between what I spend on this course just to keep a C and what I loose from the other classes seems to be a dominoe effect for me.
I am running in place for a C and my other As are going to slide to Bs.</p>
<p>I’m a wimp- -I dropped.
So far 1 other friend and 1 floormate did too. I realize I get to retake it with everyone how had a C or D, but the work I need to get a B is unbearable.</p>
<p>Well-- good news, I guess things will not be this bad until Operating System… </p>
<p>Thanks for the pros and cons.! Really appreciate it.</p>