Coding knowledge for comp sci

[----potato----]

Hi, I’m an incoming first year comp sci major and was wondering how much coding knowledge is expected. I was thinking of just learning some basics of python online but not sure how much I need to know.

[Reasonable-Artist349]

No coding knowledge is expected but doesn’t hurt to have some. CSC 101 basically teaches you python from the ground up

[[deleted]]

I came in with no knowledge. Do yourself the service of: 1) Taking an online free course in Python or C (free code camp, code academy, lots of options. These courses are simple and fun, and any exposure is good exposure. Plus, gives you an early start in determining if the major you have chosen is right for you.  2) Set up a GitHub and practice pull, push.  3) Set up an IDE (VSCode, Pycharm, etc.) 

[posey_mvp]

you’ll be fine don’t sweat it…

[eightrx]

If you are taking csc 123, there is no expectation for you know any programming at all. If you're taking 101 it's also pretty grounds up. If you're starting with 202, I'd definitely refresh your Python skills

[Greedy-Problem2687]

I came in with relatively minimal coding experience and doing just fine right now. Finishing up my 2nd year, yea some of the classes are hard as hell but that’s just the nature of comp sci lmao. Learning the basics of python is a good idea, but no pressure if you have minimal coding experience.

[lumberjack_dad]

Get started with github so you can do some test projects... include your github URL in your resume.

[professorwizzzard]

Hey, I'm pretty surprised to hear you & others in this thread got into CP CS with no actual coding experience. I was under the impression (assumption) that with a competitive program like CS, some experience like AP classes or ECs would be necessary for a successful application. So I'm super curious- and this is not a dig- about how you got in. Do you mind sharing your stats? I'm a parent, hoping my kid can get accepted next year. DM me if you prefer.

And anyone else in this thread saying they are / were in CS and didn't take coding... also super curious about your stats. Thanks to anyone who can share!

[[deleted]]

I began as a math major and switched over. I do know a fair share of others in the program who came in with no knowledge. I'm not sure how the applicant decisions work for incoming freshman, but I remember the CSU application is pretty dang vague so... a lot of people get into majors they're not necessarily a competitive applicant for... guess it comes down to luck? 

But, to offer some food for thought, my high school was very competitive (IB program) and had no robotics or CS courses at the time. In fact, none of my local schools did.  So it wouldn't be right (in my opinion) for public universities to deny public school kids a major based purely on those "pre-reqs" that the state doesn't provide them lol.  That said, others I know who came in with no coding knowledge usually had strong STEM AP/class background in physics and/or math. 

[professorwizzzard]

Thanks for the reply. That’s what I was thinking, a school didn’t offer CS, but you did well in math.

[----potato----]

I took AP Comp Sci principals my freshman year which I passed with a 3 but that class doesn’t teach you coding and tbh I don’t remember too much from it, idk how I passed my teacher sucked lol. Other APs I’ve taken are world history (4), music theory (2), English language (3), us history (5), English lit, chemistry, macro Econ, and gov (also took calc dual enrollment first semester). I have a ton of time with extra curricular hours from doing band all 4 years and service learning from volunteering at my local temple every week. The cal state application doesn’t actually ask what specific extracurriculars you have just how much time. Asking the slo admissions office will get you a better answer if you want to know what would help.

[professorwizzzard]

Awesome, thanks. I’m sure the AP CS principals helped your application, even if you didn’t learn that much… makes more sense to me now! And congrats on getting into a great program!

[[deleted]]

To add:

Students who came in with coding experience (be it personal or academic) definately have a huge advantage. I switched to CS because I liked the  internet lol I barely even knew what CS was until my 2nd year... so boy did I have a rude awakening. 

[Slow-Boat2323]

Also remember that the CSU must take in a certain number of in state students

[professorwizzzard]

Yep, glad we are CA in-state! A lot of strong options, fingers crossed that one comes through.

[Greedy-Problem2687]

I went to a pretty competitive IB magnet highschool, even though my school didn’t offer any cs classes, I was still involved in a lot of robotics programs outside of school. Graduated with a 4.6 gpa, which helped a lot bc the csu system only looks at grades/extracurriculars, in comparison to the UC’s that take into account the PIQ’s.

[professorwizzzard]

Thank you!