<p>I appreciate all of the sound advice you give people on this board. </p>
<p>My D will be starting at UCLA in the fall majoring in CS. I know that no prior experience is necessary but I've seen from my other D's experience at UCSD that it would be very helpful and those that have some prior knowledge do have an advantage due to the quick pace (assuming UCLA is as quick-paced as UCSD in CSE). I can teach her some preliminary info myself but would like to focus on what she'll see in CS31 to start with. In CS31, is the language used Java, C++, or C (or multiple)? Is UNIX used to compile/run/turn-in the programs or is some other method used? Does the class use MS VisualDev? Do you have any other tips that would be helpful for her so she can hit the ground running?</p>
<p>Beaten to the punch... I'd like to add that UCLA now offers Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 as well as 2003 for free download. Anyways, I would suggest your daughter start learning basic C++ syntax so she won't be disadvantaged. Most UCLA Computer Science freshmen enter with some previously obtained programming knowledge. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>BenedictChan and flopsy - Thanks for the info. She has no prior experience - her HS didn't offer AP CS. Her sister (3rd year CSE at UCSD) and I will give her an intro to both C++ and MS VDev this summer. Don't worry, we'll let her have fun this summer too but then, programming IS fun.</p>
<p>It'll be interesting to compare the CS programs between UCSD and UCLA after she's there awhile.</p>
C++ is definitely more useful in college because you'll be writing about twice as many programs in C++ than in Java, and if you know C++ then you can adapt to the openness of Java easily, but not vice versa. Also, if you're a straight EE major then you can probably do without learning Java at all because you won't have to take CS 131. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Is a double major in Computer Science and Engineering and Physics feasible? Or is Computer Science and Physics more realistic? On the other hand, even though Computer Science seems to give more freedom in electives than Computer Science and Engineering, I would assume those vacancies could not simply be filled with Physics courses.</p>
<p>Is a double major in Computer Science and Engineering and Physics feasible? Or is Computer Science and Physics more realistic? On the other hand, even though Computer Science seems to give more freedom in electives than Computer Science and Engineering, I would assume those vacancies could not simply be filled with Physics courses.</p>
<p>Thanks.
I don't think it's feasible, sorry. Physics is one of the most brutal majors outside the School of Engineering, and there aren't any Physics courses that contribute to the CS/CSE major in terms of GEs (and vice versa). You'll probably need five or six years to graduate since you'll need to take ~250 units to fulfill both majors. I know one person who majored in Computer Science and chose Physics to satisfy his coherent group (sort of like his minor), but he is far from being a normal person... :rolleyes:</p>
<p>I suppose Computer Engineering is a form of applied physics anyway. Perhaps it is best to defer any further pursuit of physics until graduate school.</p>
<p>i am a high school senior who will be attending UCLA in the fall. my current intended major is biophysics, and i have a couple questions.</p>
<p>1) how difficult, to your knowledge, is biophysics as a major? do you know how difficult it would be to maintain a high (3.5+) gpa?</p>
<p>2) i've read the previous posts about how difficult bioengineering is, but i am still considering trying to change my major to bioengineering. how difficult would it be to change my major to bioengineering? do you know the process required to do so?</p>
<p>Hey Flopsy, Does a 5 on the AP Calc BC exam allow me to skip out of the math diagnostic exam during orientation? I got a phone call like weeks ago and the lady said I can skip out of it if i receive a 3 or higher on AP calc exam but I the UCLA website it says that a 3+ on the ap calc exam will not suffice. So, do you know which one is true?</p>
<p>i am a high school senior who will be attending UCLA in the fall. my current intended major is biophysics, and i have a couple questions.</p>
<p>1) how difficult, to your knowledge, is biophysics as a major? do you know how difficult it would be to maintain a high (3.5+) gpa?</p>
<p>2) i've read the previous posts about how difficult bioengineering is, but i am still considering trying to change my major to bioengineering. how difficult would it be to change my major to bioengineering? do you know the process required to do so?</p>
<p>thank you in advance for your help.
1. I can't answer this question, sorry -- I don't know any Biophysics majors here, and the major is too new to have any sort of on-campus reputation for difficulty. I would expect the difficulty to be as hard as straight Physics, where the average GPA is about a 2.85.</p>
<ol>
<li>To change your major to Bioengineering, you have to visit the HSSEAS Office of Academics and Student Affairs (6426 Boelter Hall) and sign up for a "Change of Major into CS/CSE/EE/BioE" appointment using the clipboard on the front desk. At your appointment, you'll meet face-to-face with one of the CS/CSE/EE/BioE departmental counselors, who will explain which courses you need to take and what grades you need to get (usually B+/A-) to change majors into CS/CSE/EE/BioE. After you've taken those courses (i.e. by the end of your sophomore year) you then formally apply for a change of major by filling out a yellow petition form (available at the same office) with your personal info, grades (which will be verified), and an essay explaining your intent to change majors into the HSSEAS. :rolleyes:</li>
</ol>
Yes, a 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam exempts you from taking the Mathematics Diagnostic Exam... It doesn't make sense to take it, since the purpose of the exam is to determine eligibility to take Math 31A, and you're going directly into Math 32A. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>What sucks about that is the AP scores won't be available 'till the end of July.. and I'm going to try and get an orientation session towards the beginning of July. Is it okay for me not to take the test if I'm pretty sure I got a 4/5?</p>