So I’ll make this short. I am currently taking EECS 183 and 203. I am projected to get a B+ in 183 and a B-/C+ in 203. I am starting to think with getting such poor scores in basic EECS classes that I should give up on CS and EECS altogether. Personally, looking at it introspectively, there definitely somethings I could have improved in the form of time management, scheduling, and better study habits; however, the impression I got is that the EECS’s courseload increases rather exponentially for each sequential class. If I am only getting passing grades at best in introductory/intermediate classes, is this a good indicator that I should drop CS? What are your thoughts on this? I understand that I am not the typical/average CC student, but any insight, commentary, or general advice you have would be nice.
I’d say try 280. You really don’t know whether or not CS is for you until 281.
Keep in mind that for 183 and 280, it is sometimes unfair that a good number of people come in with a good amount of programming experience. Coming in with little programming experience can put you at a slight disadvantage. It is usually 281 where the playing field tends to even out more.
Are you passionate about learning CS? Do you feel like you’re still learning in these classes and gaining from them? If you answer yes to both I would say continue with it. You’re not doing poorly by any means, if you’re willing to change your study habits you can do it. It’s just a matter of if you WANT to do it.
@ForeverAlone “You might want to consider applying to School of Information if you don’t do EECS. A C+ will hurt your chances but its worth a try.”
I’m somewhat confused by what you mean here, do you mean I will not be able to declare as a CS major because of the C+, or did you mean I will find great difficulty if I continue down the CS route?
@umcoe16 I see. I was considering Computer Engineering, but I don’t know how much the C+ will hurt my chances as far as getting in. I’m doing fairly well in PHYS 240 (I’d assume I’m going to end with an A-/A, if I perform as I have been). I was actually planning on applying for CE transferring from my old University, but I would not have finished all of the prerequisites necessary in order to apply for this semester, so I decided to apply for CS-LSA instead.
@97hannah I think it generally varies: I would definitely say I’m interested in programming and pursuing CS as a degree. I cannot say I am much of a fan of Discrete Mathematics, however. I believe part of what makes the content hard for me to study is it appears to be rather dry for a technical class and not engaging, at least for me; some upperclassmen have told me a very small part of what you learn is actually utilized in future classes like 281 (which to an extent does lead me to find it more irrelevant). So to answer your question, I would say some aspects appear very engaging and immediately relevant, while others seem to lean towards the contrary.
Also, in all honesty, I do not really think I would consider myself truly or fully PASSIONATE about anything academic. It’s rather unfortunate, but I’ve always seen school as some sort of burden I need to accomplish and finish fully and effectively rather than a very enjoyable experience. However, my general observations and intuition tell me the majority of students, whether great or terrible, are similar to me in this regards.
@Vladenschlutte Hi, do you have any input on this? I’ve lurked Umich CC boards for a while now, and you seem to be someone who could give me some pretty thorough insight in regards to this inquiry.
@Lorenzo501 CSE and CS-LSA can both allow you to land a good job if you do well in your courses and have good experience.
To say that 203 is very trivial is incorrect. Sure, it might not be the most useful class you will take, but it is definitely not a class to just overlook. You will definitely revisit that material in 281, 370, and 376.
School of Information (UMSI) is an alternative program for students interested in Technology, but is less technically challenging than the CS-major UMSI has a psychology and business-oriented focus on tech. You just need to be meet the prereq GPA to declare CS. But for UMSI, you need to apply and gain admittance to the program.
The CS program will not stop you from declaring if you have at least a 2.0 average across all prereqs and a 2.0 overall GPA, however if you receive less than a B in any EECS course 281 or before, you will need to work especially hard to survive the major. It is not uncommon for such students to have to accepts C grades and/or repeat courses - this even happens with students who do very well in 281 and before.