I took Computer science 255(Programming in Java), skipping the prerequisite comsci 110(Introduction to Programming), in Spring 2010 and got an A in the class. However, the A was a result of multiple choice tests, I don't think I could write a program on my own. Because of this, I've signed up for Comsci-110 in the fall semester, and I'll go up the C++ route from there. How bad will this look when I apply to medical schools? I have to take Comsci-210 for my major (bioengineering), which requires comsci 255 or comsci 265 (Programming in C++) as a prerequisite. Should I not do 110 and struggle through 210? My main concern is that adcoms will think that I am trying to pad my GPA (3.83 cGPA, 3.6 sGPA). Any advise on this issue?
Comsci 255 to comsci 110 - how bad is this?
- Thread starter cartersam
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You think that when people read your apps they'd actually go through and see which classes you took out of sequence?
I doubt the adcoms have that much time. Or care.
I doubt the adcoms have that much time. Or care.
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Most Intro to programming classes focus on the use of Visual Basic to teach programming (IMO: a joke). Unless you're going somewhere that uses the Intro course to weed out the people that can't handle it. If that's the case, expect Lisp or Scheme.
Intro is unlikely to teach you anything you haven't already learned, or at least been presented. Anything you need to know will be in the book, and there are at least a million tutorials on C++ and Java online.
I wouldn't worry about taking the class out of sequence. I'd be more concerned that you're taking a class you likely don't need to.
Intro is unlikely to teach you anything you haven't already learned, or at least been presented. Anything you need to know will be in the book, and there are at least a million tutorials on C++ and Java online.
I wouldn't worry about taking the class out of sequence. I'd be more concerned that you're taking a class you likely don't need to.
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Yeah I agree with the others I think it should probably be fine... I'm just way confused on how they had a programming class that only involved multiple choice tests? I thought that homework assignments/projects were pretty standard fare in Comp Sci classes. At least, I saw my friend doing a lot of them when he was taking them.
Thank you for your responses everyone. I guess I worry too much...
Trexate, 110 is actually C++ based or Java based, depending on which section you choose. I feel that I need the class because most of my classmates were able to write programs on their own while I had to get help from my classmates or the instructor. Even though I ended up with a higher grade than some of the people who have been programming for years, it was because I understood the concepts for the 255 class, but since I don't understand the basics of programming taught in 110, I can't write programs on my own. So I think 110 would be useful to teach me the basics that I need to put the concepts I learned in 255 into practice.
No, we did have homework assignments and projects. I just got stuck on them and went to my classmates and the instructor for help most of the time. I'm saying that this plus conceptual multiple choice tests allowed me to get an A even though I get stuck if I try to write a program on my own.
Trexate, 110 is actually C++ based or Java based, depending on which section you choose. I feel that I need the class because most of my classmates were able to write programs on their own while I had to get help from my classmates or the instructor. Even though I ended up with a higher grade than some of the people who have been programming for years, it was because I understood the concepts for the 255 class, but since I don't understand the basics of programming taught in 110, I can't write programs on my own. So I think 110 would be useful to teach me the basics that I need to put the concepts I learned in 255 into practice.
No, we did have homework assignments and projects. I just got stuck on them and went to my classmates and the instructor for help most of the time. I'm saying that this plus conceptual multiple choice tests allowed me to get an A even though I get stuck if I try to write a program on my own.
