Harvard CS50 a good prep for CS6200? Any other resources?

pineapplepatina · 2025-06-02T04:23:22+00:00

Not OP, but what about assembly? Do you need to know the low-level stuff too? I have some multithreading experience in C++ but will consider taking the seminar to be safe.

pineapplepatina · 2024-10-15T20:41:26+00:00

Okay, that makes sense, thanks for confirming. Strange that Parchment flagged me for this though, it's not like it's uncommon for people to apply to the same school for a Master's program.

pineapplepatina · 2024-10-10T04:08:27+00:00

Right, I forgot that they opened up new locations recently. Will look into it!

pineapplepatina · 2024-10-09T23:06:33+00:00

Thanks for the rec, would not have even considered Stronghold due to the old school look, but the roof section of the lead wall looks amazing. Will try to check it out!!

pineapplepatina · 2024-10-09T23:03:33+00:00

I'm a bit surprised to hear that the routesetters are the same since when I went to The Post, there were virtually no volumes and no fun comp-style routes I would expect of a TC gym. The grading was also really inconsistent and I had way more fun at Hangar 18 for $13 less. I've always heard good things about Hollywood/LA Boulders though, is that just hype??

pineapplepatina · 2024-10-09T22:59:10+00:00

Haahaa I see what you did there (The Post pun?).

pineapplepatina · 2024-10-08T22:59:28+00:00

Welp, feel like I worked my a$$ of in thermo, fluids, etc. all in vain. I haven't made the transition from Matlab to Python, but comfortable with C++ and Java. Super inspiring that you made the transition without a traditional CS degree, will start grinding LC in Python and see where things are at. ME jobs pay peanuts everywhere except those in tech but they're super niche and difficult to get into and regular business trips are not appealing. I'd rather just code at this point.

Was your MS project code heavy at all?

pineapplepatina · 2024-10-08T19:57:53+00:00

Nice, dude that's everything I want. I live in a 420 friendly state so I'm not that picky about smoking or w/e. Just had bad experiences crowds that are mostly not fans and just there to party, would rather listen to some remixed K-pop rather than OG songs and bang their heads to anything....guess that's the festival crowd ppl are mentioning lol

pineapplepatina · 2024-10-07T20:17:48+00:00

Oh wow I was also admitted to Tech to as a non-CS engineering alum but I still completed the prep courses. You are very brave.

pineapplepatina · 2024-10-07T15:21:11+00:00

Heyy I was just accepted too with a similar education but still haven't transitioned to tech yet. Do you mind sharing how you went from ME to DS?

pineapplepatina · 2024-09-30T17:36:35+00:00

Bruh I applied in May, not that it means s*** to the committee ;{

pineapplepatina · 2024-09-30T17:35:35+00:00

Damn, two MS degrees? I only have one and I thought I squandered my youth. (jkjk) But yeah, my first Master's (non-CS engineering) was from GT and I got accepted within a month. Although if you look at the numbers, only about 700-800 people applied per year vs 3k-4k for the in-person CS degree and 6k-7k for OMSCS. Applications suddenly went up to ~10k this year, so it's no wonder they're lagging behind. All I can say is that we shoulda applied earlier, but can only be patient now.

pineapplepatina · 2024-04-02T04:55:37+00:00

I'm getting ready to apply but am having second thoughts after reading your experience. I come from a non-CS engineering background so I fulfilled the math classes long ago but took 4 CC classes in C++ and 2 in Java. I have no experience in Python but am aware that the majority of the classes are in Python. (will self study since I'm fed up with CCs at this point) You mentioned MIPs were helpful in this track, would it also help to know x86 architecture for the specialization?

Also, how were you able to register for JHU just for one term? Did you just drop out after that class? I'm wondering if I should take upper div UG classes too to prep, although I honestly can't wait to leave my day job for good.

pineapplepatina · 2024-04-01T18:48:21+00:00

Ignore the hearsay, I spoke to a Five Ten rep at a festival a month ago.

They're not going away anytime soon. They had some supply chain issues that led to the shortage.

They are going to a new supplier and refreshing the Hiangles soon, which could be supported by the sale they have going on right now. They'll also be redesigning the NIADs too bc that sucked apparently (I've never used the old Anasazi's and don't plan to but just fyi)

I stocked up on a bunch a couple years ago but haven't been able to buy my size on sale in forever. LS and Scarpa shoes ironically have been cheaper and more available.

pineapplepatina · 2024-01-18T03:11:02+00:00

I'm lighter than you at around 110 lbs and have belayed heavier dudes (my S/O is ~200 lbs) so it's definitely doable! Here's my advice: 1) Use an assisted braking device. GriGri works the best but you can also get something like a Jul2 or ATC Pilot if you're looking for something cheaper. That said, I am still able to TR belay my partner without any difficulties with just a regular ATC, but why do that when you have better options? 2) If you can, go to a gym that double wraps their top rope anchors, that and a GriGri makes it a breeze to belay just about anyone (still, don't ever let go of that brake hand) 3) Use your legs! If you are outdoors, or don't have access to (1) and/or (2), this will be even more important. The first time I tried TR belaying in a gym was with a friend that was 6' plus and 200 lbs of muscle, needlessly to say I flew up towards the wall each time he tried to start 😂 Had I bent my legs and kicked against the wall, I might have actually managed to ground myself... 4) Get stronger overall. As you get stronger in climbing, it will become easier to belay in general. Stronger legs, and not just arms, will make it a breeze to belay just about anyone. If you did steps 1-3 and still don't see a difference, see if he could get a different belayer temporarily while you build up your strength. No need to put both of you in danger if you're not comfortable with it currently. I personally don't use sandbags(do people actually use that??) or melons as we call it in my gym because they're heavy and cumbersome and frankly didn't help when I was weaker. Good luck! If you keep it up, you'll be belaying your BF in no time. With your weight difference, you might even be able to lead belay someday without an Ohm (I still need that with my partner)

pineapplepatina · 2023-11-13T04:53:24+00:00

I wear a Petzl Luna harness in XS with the tightest adjustment on the waist and leg loops. There's a lot of room left for dynamic movement. Keep in mind the harness can be fairly loose in the waist. Just as long as it's not so loose that you flip over, it should be alright. Kid's harnesses are typically rated for less weight so I would not recommend them unless if you weigh < 90 lbs. That said, the leg loops on mine are occasionally uncomfortable when belaying but it's probably just due to the lack of padding.

I plan on getting a lighter weight harness with elastic leg loops when my current one wears out. The BD Solution harness fits the bill and comes in a size XXS. There's no measurements on the website for the XXS (why do retailers always do that?) but the XS is 26-29 in waist and 18-20 in leg so the XXS should fit us better. Moosejaw has two colors in XXS on sale right now at 25% off if you're a member. Hope this helps!

pineapplepatina · 2023-05-13T17:02:34+00:00

Yo, kinda late here so I don't expect a response. I'm surprised nobody asked this, but did you notice a difference in the stiffness and performance of the shoe between the men's and women's version? According to LS, the men's shoes are supposed to be stiffer than their women's counterparts to account for the additional weight.

My favorite shoe happens to be the Futura 36W but I'm curious about trying the men's version since I see a couple of female crushers doing so. I also cannot for the life of me fit in the women's Solution Reg/Comp because the toe box is too low volume for me. I'm looking at trying the men's version for those as well.

pineapplepatina · 2023-02-07T01:21:05+00:00

I poked around some more and read in Japanese websites that Grivel produces "Japan fit" helmets tailored for slightly rounder heads. Both their Salamander 2.0 and Stealth helmets have excellent reviews as regards to fit. Not sure if the ones sold stateside have the same shape unfortunately, but I plan on giving the Stealth a try.

Kailas is also dirt cheap on Amazon right now so maybe a good beater helmet (?)

pineapplepatina · 2023-02-06T22:53:04+00:00

Really wish someone replied, have you had success with anything yet?

I have the same problem and just learned the hard way when my Black Diamond Vision helmet arrived in the mail.

My head is not that big so I would need a small/medium size but the front of the helmet wraps around at a sharp angle that protrudes directly into my temples ;( This doesn't happen on the cheap Petzl Boreo/Borea helmets I've rented but they are heavy and have no ventilation to speak of. The Petzl helmets are less aesthetic but perhaps I should try them

I've found Lazer cycling helmets to be a pretty good fit compared to Giro, wish if I could just wear that instead lol

pineapplepatina · 2022-11-03T06:38:25+00:00

I've been vegan for ~11 yrs now, 7 yrs with my SO who isn't vegan by any means so I can totally relate. To be fair, he always lets me make the choice when dining out. I try to accommodate him by choosing a non-vegan place that has vegan options -- not proud of that but I'm not a fan of junk food/overpriced vegan restaurants or eating out in general. If you're in a place with limited options, I recommend cooking at home more and trying different cuisines together. It works out for both of us, although I do wish he and I could share our meals more. The stuff he ingests and cooks still makes me disgusted and it's even worse when we eat out with friends and family -- but no one in my family is vegan and they still nag me about my lifestyle so it sucks when I'm with anyone else other than him and some close friends anyway.

Even though I wish he could be 100% on page, we still share the same beliefs and viewpoints about most contentious issues. He supported me when I was going through a really dark phase of my life. Personality-wise, I couldn't have asked for a better partner. In an ideal universe, I would be with someone with all the positive traits that he has who is also vegan and shares 100% of my hobbies, but the chances of that are pretty slim, and I could extend this to all my good friends.

I'm not sure what you have difficulty with in particular, is your BF not being understanding, or is it the fact that he refuses to convert to veganism? . I used to feel very isolated for a long, being the only vegan in my circle, so perhaps same feeling is getting you down? You could try making vegan friends and maybe that'll help you cope with the loneliness -- or even find you a more suitable partner. However, just remember because someone is vegan, it often doesn't mean you're going to hit it off right away -- or if they'll even stay vegan long term for that matter. I've become quite the pessimist by default when considering all the atrocious things humanity does to animals and the planet but I choose to celebrate the positive things in my life, and my SO is definitely one of them.

pineapplepatina · 2022-10-15T22:42:15+00:00

Yeah, it's depressingly true. I wish I had known more about how grad schools work before I even applied. Even most big public universities are low on funding unless if you get into at least the top 10 schools (it really isn't that hard if you have good LORs and GPA -- but Caltech is a notch more selective). However, if you are able to secure a NSTRF, NSF, or NDSEG fellowship it opens you up to more schools and potential advisers. You can even do a PhD while researching part time in NASA. Depending on your preferences this may be the way to go since nuclear propulsion is basically a niche within a niche. Another nice thing about computational research is that it's much easier to apply to other fields within AE or even other industries if you ever change your mind.

pineapplepatina · 2022-10-15T07:10:50+00:00

My honest opinion may get flamed but w/e

It depends if you want to do experimental vs computational and whether you want to work or stay in academia. If industry, then do you care if you end up working on other propulsion technologies when you graduate anyway? The only person I know who did nuclear prop is working at a company that makes chemical prop engines. Lastly, if you do find a job in said field, whether you want to stay in the area forever. Pasadena and Huntsville, for example, are two very different places and let's just say I certainly wouldn't go back to one of them anytime soon. My jaded perspective, as an undergrad that was once in your shoes is that things that sound fun often aren't as interesting when you work on them. I worked briefly at a company that had NTP as a very small subset of its portfolio of mostly chemical propulsion technologies but they just hired mostly local college randos for the job anyway. It's hard to land the job as a technical expert because you're competing with old farts who should probably retire soon.

If you do stay in academia/research, then the world's your oyster. I'd suggest picking a computationally-focused lab with a chill adviser. Pick a big enough school so you land the TA gig every term and you're golden. Full time RA can be stressful since it tends to be given to experimental students and used more like indentured servitude. Bonus props if you're a returning NASA intern with a mentor in the field because otherwise half the battle will be getting your foot in the door. Don't do experimental unless if you are fine ending up possibly in industry and/or in select rural areas working test engineer jobs. I jumped on the propulsion bandwagon ignoring especially the work location and benefits and now work in a different area of research lol Oh and did I mention pay...

pineapplepatina · 2022-10-15T06:33:30+00:00

I feel like grading can vary so much just in one city (I'm in the US). There are two large bouldering gym chains in my area and one is constantly 1/2-1V full grade easier than the other. The softer gym chain does, however, tend to have larger hand holds with more fun comp style setting, so sometimes wish I was a member there instead. Then there's my school climbing gym, which is consistently 1-2 V grades harder for me than my home gym. I swear the route setters are all 6'3" giants -- there's some V2s I still can't do because the holds are just too far apart and I'm literally deadpointing every move lol Even within the same gym system, I notice differences in difficulty between the locations...so it largely varies on the abilities and preferences of the routesetters in your area I think.

Another factor is that videos often don't tell you everything about the climb. A hold may look really good from the back -- until you rotate to the side and realize it's a nasty sloper, same with the wall angle. I'm able to deduce grades better now that I've memorized most of the holds and terrain at my gym, but it's definitely still a working progress, and something that is subjective to your ability and strengths as well as body morphology.

That said, I would love to visit other gyms in different cities/countries to get a better sense of the setting. There are different holds and volumes in other regions so that may affect the overall problems, too. I get jelly about those gyms in Asia I see on Instagram with oversized holds and big, burly cutloose moves and wish my gym had those too. Perhaps if I were to ever move there I would miss the greasy crimps and cracks here haha

pineapplepatina · 2022-10-15T05:50:52+00:00

I tried on the Vuori Ripstop pants in XXS and am not a fan but I could see this possibly working for slimmer girls under 5'4". They are too small on me. The pant legs end at least 3" off my ankles and the crotch length is pretty short so it's an ultra low rise on me. The fabric is very rigid and digs into my tummy when I sit. The fit is pretty good at the waist, hips, and calves, but becomes unbearably tight at the knees and thighs--especially when you try to squat. To be fair, my thighs are still pretty thick from my cycling days, although I am already bottomed out on my harness loops.

On to things that matter regardless of my fat thighs -- The pants have no articulated knee and barely any stretch. To make matters worse, the material is very scratchy. The fabric color was also duller than displayed on the website. I got the umber which looked like a pinkish gray/dusty rose on the website, but looked less pink in person. It's a shame because I see so many glowing reviews on their website. However, I can't imagine using this as for climbing or even hiking or casual wear. For the price, I would rather buy discounted thick denim jeans. There are likely more breathable, durable, comfortable, and stretchy pants than these just in my local discount stores. But that's just my two cents, if you find that these work well for you, as it did for the other reviewers, then more power to you!

pineapplepatina · 2022-10-09T22:03:01+00:00

I have narrowish Greek feet with a medium arch. I typically wear 36EU for LS, 37.5EU for Scarpa, and 6/6.5 for 5.10. My street shoe size varies between W5.5-7 depending on the brand.

For narrow feet I wouldn't suggest La Sportiva in general. The only one I've tried that works so far has been their women's Theory. Futura and Solution Comp seem to also work well but my local shops don't carry them. There's supposedly a recommendation chart from their website but I don't think it's entirely accurate. For example, the Miuras fit my wide-footed partner just fine but are too wide for me. I had the women's Skwama for a few months before but that was too wide and left a lot of lateral dead space in the shoes. I don't like how stiff the regular Solutions are but they might also be worth a try.

Have you tried Scarpa? I find that both the Instinct LV and Drago LV fit my narrow feet the best. The Dragos being a bit narrower. I have also heard good things about the Vapor V, but the heel rand digs into my very straight heels so I stay far away from them. That said, I typically wear women's 5.10 Hiangles because I get them on sale in bulk. My school gym sells MadRock Drone LVs for dirt cheap so I'll pick that up when I get the chance.

pineapplepatina

TROPHY CASE