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Guest Speakers:

• Joy Tijani  ( Blake HS Graduate)

• Samara Wondimu ( Paint Branch HS Graduate)

 

Topics covered:

 

• Your field of study and why you picked it

• Your experience at UMD (class intensity, learning environment, diversity)

• Internships that students should be aware of

• Things that students can do to gain CS experience before attending college ( extra curriculars or AP classes )

• Something the speakers wish they had known as a freshman:

 

Questions that were covered:

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What applications of the computer language Python have you seen in your studies?

     I haven't used it a lot but it is really useful to learn for data.

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Is it important to be strong at math in order to major in computer science?

     Be ready for it. You have to take calculus 1& 2, a 400 level math, and Stat 400 level. For some specific CS streams you may have to take even more math. It is doable if you are willing to put in the work and effort. You will be ok. If you fail the AP test, take the remedial class over the summer or at an easier university. Put in the time and effort and keep thinking about the money. All that math will always be there; so don't throw away notes or forget it because it will come back.

 

     How many students are usually accepted in this limited program? How difficult was it and what was the level of competitiveness?

          You're guaranteed into the program once you pass the gateway requirements. CS gateway  requirements are:  intro to programming 1 and 2, calculus 1 and 2.

 

         What type of computer is recommended for computer science majors to get for college/university?      

        It doesn't matter but I  use a mac. Purchase whatever has the most storage and power that is within your budget.

 

Did you ever have any doubts about going into computer science? If so, what eventually made you feel confident in your decision?

        Yes, there were doubts but having a support system really helps. Mentorship programs also help with that. It is also important to think about the end goal of it, how you will apply the courses you are taking  to your job in the future. Explore your interests like Full Stop development and data with python. Find what gets you ticking and that's how you maintain the will to keep pursuing the major.

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How would a transfer student get into the computer science program?

     It is difficult because a lot of CS credits don't transfer to UMD and the rest you have to take at UMD. If you're transferring, take all your gen-eds at the institution that you'’e currently attending then take the CS courses at UMD . Check the UMD website to see which courses transfer.

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How much experience and background in computer science did you have before entering college?

             I barely had any experience before entering UMD. It is not a necessity to apply to the CS program, as long as you are willing to put in the effort, you can do it.

 

If a student completes a class will they be able to get a certificate like compTIA+ or will it just be a degree in comp sci( like an associates degree in comp sci)?  

         UMD doesn't offer certificate programs so you would have to study on your own to do it. But it depends on what you are hoping to do in the field. Some jobs will pay for students to get their certificates in different things.

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Could people minor in computer science and major in physical science such as biology/chemistry/physics? 

                Yes they can, a lot of students do double majors between the two. If you do a CS minor, it  is similar to the major.

 

How do you find motivation to sit behind a screen for hours? 

               Personally, I have no motivation to sit behind the screen to do it. You just gotta  give yourself those breaks and it's easier to focus on CS.

 

Is the course load light enough to take on a double major or would it be better to focus on CS?

                It depends on what you're double majoring in. If you truly  want to do something you'll follow through and complete it. If not you can take classes in that field  to see if you're interested in it. No one knows what you can handle except yourself. But it is  definitely doable and a lot of people do it.

 

Compared to AP and IB computer science classes, how tough are university compsci classes?   

             AP was very surface level compared to the college classes which go more in-depth into topics. College classes aren't necessarily  more difficult but are  very different.

 

I got accepted to UMD and because I didn't take the necessary classes to get into Computer science major they put me into Letter of science where I have to take the required classes until I can get accepted into the LEP Comp Sci program.How will this affect my schedule? Will I be taking more classes than normal? 

              You're on track. Letter of science  doesn't really affect your graduation date because most students are placed into that program until they complete CS prerequisites. 

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What tools do you utilize to stay organized?

         I use Notion which is a free online workspace.  I also use an I-pad for math because you can turn it into PDFs and submit it. Slidex is another helpful I-pad app because you can turn slides into PDFs which you can take notes on.

 

Do computer science majors have to be behind a computer screen everyday?

              It’s possible to have a job in CS without sitting in front of a screen all day. There are many jobs in CS that aren't solely computer screen based.

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Internships that students should be aware of:

• Jane Street Freshmen Trading and Technology Program

• Microsoft explore program

• Google Step program

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Something the speakers wish they had known as a freshman:

• Join student organizations that build a support system 

• Don't be afraid to reach out to students in your classes for help

• Internship application process starts around September (code 2040 internship prep and make the connection easier)

• UMD offers free tutoring 

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Final words of advice? Find what you're interested in and pursue it. 

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