What is University Computer Science like?

[BigToque]

I just graduated from High School (in June), and I've decided to work for a year before I go to school. Well, I thought before that I wanted to be a Computer Technician... boy was I wrong. After the first month as a Technician at a local store, I couldnt stand working there. I hated building computer after computer after computer, and listening to idiots complain to why their DVD plays choppy (in this example, the guy had a 2x DVD drive, a P133 and 16mb ram!). I was let go at the end of my probation period.

That was a full time job, but I realized that I'm just gonna look for some crappy part time work to make some money and have fun for a year.

Now to my question... When I was taking Computer Sciences in Grade 11 and 12, I was doing alright in the classes. There were places that I would strugle, but I finished both Grade 11 and 12 classes with ~75%. I would like to continue learning how to program (specifically games - work for a game company), but I dont know if my struggling in high school is a sign that I would have a very difficult time in University. I have a feeling that my sense of logic is not quite what it should be to be a successful programmer. I did not take Pre-Calc math in high school. I took it in Grade 10 and passed with 50%. I then moved into the Applied class, which was a piece of cake. (Where I went to school, there were 3 classes, Consumer (for idiots), Applied (smart kids), Pre-Calc (really smart kids)). I know that if I had studdied in Pre-Calc I could have done alright in the class, but I opted to stay in Applied, which I almost consistantly had the highest marks in (like 93% avg).

What do you guys think? Should I try Computer Science in University, or do you think I'll just be wasting my time in a huge struggle.

On a side note, If I were to go to University and take the Computer Science classes, are there other classes that I need to take? Math, English, Physics, etc? Or would you just have the same class each day? (I dont really know much about University)

 

[Tonec]

Depending on the university, some make it very difficult to change into the cs major if you don't come into school declared as one. If you go to a 4year univ instead of a trade school than yes you will have to take certain core classes (math, physics, foreign lang) even if you have no interest in that field.

 

[Soccer55]

You can always give it a try. You would probably need to take some calculus courses, a differential equations, and/or linear algebra courses. I'm sure you would find out relatively quickly (within a few courses) if computer science would be right for you. I'm in college (University) right now, and it's not a big deal to switch your major if you don't like computer science. I would highly suggest you give computer science a try. If you don't like it, there is always another field which you can explore. Good luck

-Tom

 

[prodigy]

Most (but not all) college comp sci courses will focus on programming. I think C++ is still one of the best to know. If your leaning towards a more "business" flavor, then you should know some Visual Basic too. There's also Java and Assembly, though Assembly is not as important as C++. You will also be taking courses in Physics and Math (calculus definitely). Since you said that your logic might not be good enough, you should definitely work on strengthening that. You could know the code in and out, but if you can't write algorithms you're SOL. It's kinda late here so I might've missed some points, but I hope I covered a majority of it. Best of luck to you.


EDIT- If Physics is not your thing, if you opt for a BA instead of a BS, you probably can get away with not taking it.

 

[stonerdave]

If you want to study cs, most programs require calc 1 and calc 2. Some may even require multivariable calc, too (I know Univ of Michigan does). And maybe a physics class.

Don't feel bad about the math, I was a poor math student in high school and somehow escaped multivariable calc with a B (after taking calc 1 & 2 of course). My first college math class was pre-calc, and it was way, way too easy. Most of the problems I did on my TI-82, or I could easily check them to see if I was right. Those were the days...

 

[geoff2k]

>> I would like to continue learning how to program (specifically games -
>> work for a game company)

If programming games is really you're goal, you need to start making games *now*. While it is very nice to have a degree while applying to work at a game company, the two things companies are going to be really interested in is: how much industry experience you have, and what your demo disk looks like. My best advice to you would be: pick up the DirectX SDK, head over to gamasutra.com and start reading furiously, and create the demo disk to end all demo disks.

 

[Mucman]

that gamsutra site looks pretty good! I'm in 2nd yr CS and I have taken 2 calc an 1 linear algebra course. I am decent in math so I don't mind it at all; I'll probably be getting a minor in math.

 

[azazyel]

Check out what your local Community College is offering. They then to be more on the cutting edge of the Tech world. Univeristies can take way to long to change their curriculum. Also, you will need to take math class so minus well get them for 1/2 price. CCs usually have a lot smaller classes which means you get more attention.

 

[DaBoneHead]

Dont devalue Mathematics.

I realized early that the stronger your mathematical skills, the better a programmer you will be. I finished with 2 degrees, one in math one in compsci.. 6yrs though.

If you are going to do game programming, then you will be up to your eyeballs in math. Better get going...

 

[nd]

I agree with the previous poster about games programming. If I just graduated from high school and wanted to be a game developer, then I would expect that I would already have been programming for 5+ years and had a couple years experience in making your own games (all aspects).

If you just know the programming basics, and then go through a college CS program, you won't be acceptable to a game company. I'm 19, been programming since I was 12 or 13, and would not be suitable for a game developer company (this is likely because I haven't focused on game development, not that I couldn't do it). The main point is that you need specific experience in programming games, not just programming (that's the easy part).

Sorry to tell ya this, but you're a little late But don't worry, there's always time to learn.. If you're truly interested, work hard and get started now, you can do it.

 

[pen^2]

hmmm.... literally diggin the thread out of its grave
anyways, where should i turn to on gamasutra.com?
i have done wee bit of turbo c on my own and have aced two high school c++ courses yet i am aware the span of AP courses' coverage is minute... ars-technica suggests "Deep C Secrets" as a good C++ learning guide... any other thoughts on that?

 

[Shalmanese]

In australia so far, there are currently 2 universitys so far which offer a computer gaming course which only focuses on gaming (includes the artwork as well so if art is not your strong side then you should probably look at some other alternatives) as well as numerous vocational/technical colleges. See if they are around in the US. otherwise, I think your best bet would be to either start making games, or if that is too ambitious for you, make a quake3 mod or something like it to start with.

BTW: yes I do agree with you, working in a computer shop is dead boring when your the lowest ranking staff

 

[weezergirl]

i dunno about other schools but my school (ucla) all engineers and cs majors have to take 6 calculus classes and additional other math related classes. we go by quarters tho but still...that's a lot! anyways, i've noticed some people are just born with the skill to program..and others..u just have to work your butt off. but if u are even thinkign of cs you should definitely apply with that major rather than trying to switch in. at my school it's very competitive and u practically have to have a 4.0 to switch into cs. and physics is very big here too. god i hate physics!!!!!!!