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Actually, you're in a position to get more out of university than most of your peers. So let's say you're going for a CS degree, and you already know a lot of p

by beering 13y ago

Actually, you're in a position to get more out of university than most of your peers. So let's say you're going for a CS degree, and you already know a lot of programming. Cool. Ignore the intro programming classes and take higher-level courses. Treat prerequisites as suggestions, and don't be able to ask for permission (if needed) to skip courses or take grad courses. Grad-level cryptography, machine learning, PL theory, etc. can be great. Choose classes based on how good the professor is. Try to do some research work as soon as you can find a good professor. Working alongside upperclassmen and grad students is a great chance to learn and get tips from them. Chances are, you don't know as much about algorithms/unix/Lisp/HPC/graph-theory as you thought. The fact that you can skip or breeze through some of the basic undergrad classes gives you flexibility to really explore new things. Hell, get that linguistics/history/art second degree you've always wanted. Go on backpacking trips or play intramural lacrosse or whatever. You should be the least concerned about the piece of paper at the end (but make sure you get it anyways).

Symbol 13y ago
This is good advice. If CS intrigues you, sign up for the most advanced courses you can handle. Also, be sure not to shortchange yourself when it comes to a foundation. Lots of people can "write code" without a good understanding of datastructures and algorithms. Get as much there as you can, as it only pays dividends as you grow your software skills. Another advantage of having a headstart is you can diversify your education. I'd recommend some electrical engineering / hardware classes to complement software; understanding memory access patterns, CPU caches, multiple cores, busses, interrupts, and basic circuits are all useful things to have in your back pocket. Be curious! Be proactive! Reach out to professors you like or that other students rave about. Trust me, they are flattered when students take an interest in them and their work. Build those relationships as they can lead to: - independent projects in a mentor/mentee capacity - research opportunities - internships - teaching assistant opportunities (I got paid $15 / hour to assist students with assignments. I once did this for a class I was taking alongside them because the prof needed help and he trusted me and my skills.) A relationship with a professor is such a good idea I'd say it's essential. You will one day need a letter of reference for something, and you want it to come from faculty who knows you, likes you, knows your interest, etc and can write glowingly and convincingly of your skills and personality. Too many people I knew hit up someone they took a class from and got an A in, and it was a superficial and shallow thing that didn't really get them that far. I'll stop here, but feel free to message me for more if interested.

by beering 13y ago

Symbol 13y ago

This is good advice. If CS intrigues you, sign up for the most advanced courses you can handle. Also, be sure not to shortchange yourself when it comes to a foundation. Lots of people can "write code" without a good understanding of datastructures and algorithms. Get as much there as you can, as it only pays dividends as you grow your software skills. Another advantage of having a headstart is you can diversify your education. I'd recommend some electrical engineering / hardware classes to complement software; understanding memory access patterns, CPU caches, multiple cores, busses, interrupts, and basic circuits are all useful things to have in your back pocket. Be curious! Be proactive! Reach out to professors you like or that other students rave about. Trust me, they are flattered when students take an interest in them and their work. Build those relationships as they can lead to: - independent projects in a mentor/mentee capacity - research opportunities - internships - teaching assistant opportunities (I got paid $15 / hour to assist students with assignments. I once did this for a class I was taking alongside them because the prof needed help and he trusted me and my skills.) A relationship with a professor is such a good idea I'd say it's essential. You will one day need a letter of reference for something, and you want it to come from faculty who knows you, likes you, knows your interest, etc and can write glowingly and convincingly of your skills and personality. Too many people I knew hit up someone they took a class from and got an A in, and it was a superficial and shallow thing that didn't really get them that far. I'll stop here, but feel free to message me for more if interested.