Transferring From Community College to University to Major in Computer Science

<p>Im graduating this year and since I didnt really apply myself well in High School due to being a rebellious teen, I have to transfer from a community college to make up the classes I fell in High School which was mainly math because of the ridiculous teachers and their teaching methods. Its funny how Im passing the same math that I fell with those other teachers now that I have a teacher who can actually TEACH. Anyway, At first I was going to get an Associates Degree in Industrial Systems and decided I was not going to settle for just an Associates Degree. So, because of my interest in computers, I decided Im going to transfer to a University to major in Computer Science. But I heard that the math is hard, do you have to be some Math genius to be successful in Computer Science? I think I could do it if I study hard enough.</p>

<p>CS is basically creating math equations to solve problems. </p>

<p>If you want to be great computer scientists than yes you have to be a math genus. If you want to be decent then you just have to be top 1-3% of the population. </p>

<p>Take a CS class and you should be able to figure out where you stand and how much natural talent you have for CS; just be careful not to damage your gpa. </p>

<p>What about Computer Information Systems?</p>

<p>You don’t have to be a math genius. Typical CS programs have your standard Calc 1&2, Linear Algebra, and discrete mathematics (the most important one). Having good logic is obviously a plus. On a side note my suggestion is to take CS50X intro to computer science. It’s a edx course that’s completely free. That will give you a great idea if you want to go that route or not. </p>

<p>Just remember you’ll be spending most of your time staring at a screen writing/reading code. </p>

<p>^ just because a person takes those courses doesn’t mean they will be a good computer scientist. The best cs are the people who are coming up with creating new code or algorithms from their imagination; that is no small feat. Then again there is the other option of becoming a video game developer and releasing a killer app on iTunes. </p>

<p>CIS is completely different from CS. in CS you would learn to how create a linux desktop environment. In CIS you would learn how to use linux to manage servers. </p>

<p>I’ve written small video games & programs with a programming language called Visual Basic. Right now Im learning C++.</p>

<p>@bomer , the ones who make new code ect are very, very very few. There is no need to aim for that.</p>

<p>As for the OP, no you do not need to be a math genius or anything. The ingredients you need is AN INTEREST in math and logic and HARD WORK.</p>

<p>It sounds like you have a good start and enough exposure to identify that you like it. What level math did you reach so far and how did you do? Did you look at the math requirements of the program at your target college?</p>