Computer Science Major: Tips

The following bullets are suggestions for Baruch Computer Science majors, by the computer science faculty. They focus on common issues that we see. However, this is just our opinion and nothing is mandatory.

• To graduate on time, don’t have a semester with no CS courses. The CS major requires many courses. In particular, when arriving to Baruch, don’t wait with calculus. You cannot take CS courses before completing calculus.
• Other courses that are important to take as soon as possible:
  • MTH3300. You cannot pursue any opportunities (internships, research projects, etc.) before having the basic programming skills from this course.
  • MTH4320. Technical interviews for tech internship heavily rely on the algorithmic skills that you learn in this course.
• Do not take too many CS courses in the same semester. Most CS courses require a lot of work. We recommend first trying two CS courses. Afterwards, if you feel that you can handle more try three. Only take four CS courses in the same semester if you handled three well and really need four.
• If all sections of a course are closed, ask us about it (Evan Fink, Adam Sheffer, or Timothy Ridenour). We can sometimes add you to a full section. If we get many requests, we may be able to open a new section.
• Need a high grade in a course? Ask the instructor how you’re doing early in the semester. Catching up after 2/3 of the course is over can be quite tricky.
• In most CS courses, doing well requires a mix of self-practice and memorizing. Just memorizing the material and exercises is unlikely to work. Having good abilities without any memorizing is also unlikely to work.