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Computer Science what to do to get ahead

Hi I am a high school graduate entering UCSB in the fall for computer science. I was wondering what kind of things I could do over the summer in order to be better prepared for my major in the fall? #computer-science #computer

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Daniel’s Answer

Math and logic first off, since that's the best foundation for learning to think your way through programming.


If you have no programming and no unix experience, you could do:


1) something like learn python the hard way to get started


2) Get a computer and install linux on it, and get familiar with using commandline to do random stuff. Copying files, basic scripting, etc will save you a world of pain in lab later on.
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Nir’s Answer

There are a ton of youtube video lessons for intros into programming languages like Java and JavaScript which you will likely have to learn in school. Getting a head start on these can be very valuable. Like everything else, experience is everything. There are those with most talent, but what really sets people apart is how much time they spent mastering their craft, and how good were they at using that time. So in short, to get ahead, start ahead.
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Ooshma’s Answer

First of all ...congratulations on getting into this field. It is very excited specially if you are creative and want to build things. There are many options...it depends what your interests are - few disciplines are really shaping the future - security/cyber attacks, big data, mobile development, cloud technology, data analytics (real-time number crunching, think FB, Twitter, Stock market, online games where real-time calculations happen based on a player's level in the game). Machine learning, artificial intelligence, internet of things (connect cars, bridges, water supply systems in corn fields etc.)
I would advice you to read up some of these areas to really think about what you have passion for.
For summer - I highly recommend getting a summer internship, going to hackathons (there are many all over the country), be part of some STEM related society at school and leading it. Surround yourself with other students like you and the discussions can be very very productive, you will get a lot of ideas also.


And yes...experiment... download Linux, work with python or Java...Once you have the core skills over time it will be very easy for you to transition into other fields like management etc.


good luck
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