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What classes are good to take in highschool if I want to go into a computer field ?
I am a junior in highschool, and I love things that are tech related and want to pursue my career further but I am unsure of what classes to take my senior year. I am taking AP computer science principles right now with intent to take computer science A next year.
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Ramesh’s Answer
Hi Dawit,
You are taking the two AP CS classes. Following AP Classes will develop reasoning and analytical skills that are relevant to a CS Undergraduate, AP Statistics, AP Calculus*, AP Physics etc. Critically reading and analyzing text is a useful skill to develop making AP US History an interesting option.
Depending on what your High School offers (a) take what is a reasonable work load (b) take the APs/Advanced courses taught by passionate and well organized teachers at your school (c) take what interests you.
University of California's Subject requirements are a good guide - https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/freshman-requirements/subject-requirement-a-g.html . What I outline above will fulfill many of the UC requirements. The AP courses are transferable for college credit to UC. This will both free you up to take more courses in your major, and will save you UC tuition.
As a California resident you have options to attend (a) research oriented Computer Science departments at all of the UCs Berkeley to Merced (b) a range of California State University teaching oriented Computer Science departments. Check with your School counselors if your school is connect to Early Academic Outreach at UCs - https://star.berkeley.edu/resources/early-academic-outreach-program-eaop. This may be a good resource to learn about UC expectations.
Good luck.
You are taking the two AP CS classes. Following AP Classes will develop reasoning and analytical skills that are relevant to a CS Undergraduate, AP Statistics, AP Calculus*, AP Physics etc. Critically reading and analyzing text is a useful skill to develop making AP US History an interesting option.
Depending on what your High School offers (a) take what is a reasonable work load (b) take the APs/Advanced courses taught by passionate and well organized teachers at your school (c) take what interests you.
University of California's Subject requirements are a good guide - https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/freshman-requirements/subject-requirement-a-g.html . What I outline above will fulfill many of the UC requirements. The AP courses are transferable for college credit to UC. This will both free you up to take more courses in your major, and will save you UC tuition.
As a California resident you have options to attend (a) research oriented Computer Science departments at all of the UCs Berkeley to Merced (b) a range of California State University teaching oriented Computer Science departments. Check with your School counselors if your school is connect to Early Academic Outreach at UCs - https://star.berkeley.edu/resources/early-academic-outreach-program-eaop. This may be a good resource to learn about UC expectations.
Good luck.
Thank you for the advice, Ramesh.
Dawit
Updated
Mickael’s Answer
Hi Dawit,
I think it depends on what domain in computer. If you are mainly interested in programming then Amy's answer will help: any introduction/advanced programming class, computer architecture and mathematics will do.
If you are targeting hardware, then add the electric science part because this is what you need. Physics, possibly chemistry, are needed.
Also, you can train on your own. I recommend using Python as a starting language as this is a pretty well used language in the industry and quite easy to use.
I think it depends on what domain in computer. If you are mainly interested in programming then Amy's answer will help: any introduction/advanced programming class, computer architecture and mathematics will do.
If you are targeting hardware, then add the electric science part because this is what you need. Physics, possibly chemistry, are needed.
Also, you can train on your own. I recommend using Python as a starting language as this is a pretty well used language in the industry and quite easy to use.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Dawit
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Most high schools have some sort of entry to computer science, programming, coding or something like that. Without that option, I would suggest taking as many math classes as you can. If they have a statistics class that would be helpful too. Computer programming is all about logic, and Math plays a big part of that.
Updated
Sean’s Answer
I would encourage you to talk with your high school counselor to ensure you are taking the right classes based on what your local school offers as it pertains to a CS major and readiness. I would also recommend you explore your local high school clubs as many high schools have a computer science club for students.