I'm 16 years old, and want to go on to study Computer Science at College. Do I know enough?

Question

I'm 16, and I have been programming on and off in the Python language since I was around 12/13. Despite this though, I haven't really looked at any other programming languages. I tried learning C++ a few months back, but ended up just sticking to Python as I felt like I still didn't know enough to move on.

Another thing that concerns me is whether or not I have actually developed enough applications. The first application that I actually developed was a just some GUI Notepad software using the wxPython module, which allowed you to open/save text files, and change the color of the font and background. Since then, I've developed a couple of games in Pygame, one is just a virtual board game which I made for my Computer Science controlled assessment in school, while the other is just a scrolling game that I never finished, that uses the Kinect SDK and a library called 'PyKinect' to get the player to jump over obstacles depending on whether or not the player jumped in real life. Other than that though, I haven't really made anything worth mentioning. I am currently working on a Virtual Assistant that uses a uses the WolframAlpha and Ivona API's for answering questions and Text to Speech, although I still haven't figured out how to get it to learn in anyway.

Does it sound like I have done enough in Python, and know enough to do well in College? Also, does anyone know where I can go from here?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Most of what you'll study in a Comp Sci degree won't actually be programming or languages. They'll make up maybe a quarter of your annual modules at best.



If you really want to be a programmer, you should consider Software Engineering instead. It isn't that different to Comp Sci, there is a very slight focus on programming, but it looks a little bit better when applying for a job.



Computer Science in theory is more broad, covering everything from web/desktop development, systems analysis, network technologies.



Even the contemporary specialisms are largely garbage. Things like Computer Science with AI/Networking/Mobile Communications/Health Technologies. It's all the same stuff and you won't do anything a blunt Comp Sci guy didn't do if they wanted.





On another note, if you've genuinely been programming from such a young age, you'll not have much problem with programming, provided you actually stick at, practice and learn as much as you can instead of playing the latest moba like your peers inevitably will.



Comp Sci courses are often full of people who have no real interest in computing. You'll see plenty of these, depending on where you go. They can barely do a Hello World and when they graduate, skin of thier teeth, they apply for entry level jobs and infuriate the interviewer because it's apparent they have no idea how to solve problems and depended on google to find solutions.

Answer 2

You'll do well, although colleges like to suck up to Java so it might be good to learn that as well.

With python, C++, and Java you are set for anything college will throw at you.



And look, all that extra knowledge will just be a benefit because, I promise you, when you get into your first class and you see so many people who are just there because they heard "oh programming can make you lotsa money" and they don't get anything (some even blame the teacher) you'll realize just how far ahead you are.



edit:

Although Python has attempted (on purpose or not) to move away from a scripting language, you really should learn an object oriented focused language. The C++, C#, or Java would be good (again, schools suck up to Java a lot), and some schools end up using C++ when you get into some specialized things.



In the end, once you know one language inside an out, you're golden. (Python abstracts too much for that to count, although if you know it inside and out you may know the deeper things).

Answer 3

I went into computer science knowing little to nothing about coding itself and am getting through just fine. College is there to teach you what you need to know to be successful in the field, but having basic knowledge going in will help a lot. You are better prepared than I was, so some classes will be easier for you. Although there is more to CS than programming, make sure you have good logic and math skills.

Answer 4

I started Sixth Form studying Computer Science with essentially no knowledge at all and quickly adapted and learnt well. If you've experimented with coding for the last 3/4 years, you really shouldn't have a problem at all.

Answer 5

You actually don't really need to know much going into college. College is there to teach you. If you already know some of what you're doing before you go in, you'll be way ahead of most of your class.

Answer 6

forget about programming or learning another language



concentrate on math



calculus, calculus and more calculus



and learn some statistics, probability and combinatorics and permutations



go here and click on

Mathematics (19 credit hours)

http://www.colorado.edu/cs/bs-degree/bs-degree-requirements



to see what math they require for a BS in CS



and although that's a good school, it's not top tier



you can go into college and major in computer science with zero background in programming and do just fine



but if you are behind in math you will have nothing but problems and frustration



if you're going to major in CS then the more math you know now the better off you will be in college



Calculus - Discrete Math - Linear Algebra - Probability and Statistics



brush up with his videos

http://patrickjmt.com/



scroll down to see them all



and these

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/probability/probability-and-combinatorics-topic



MIT starts their CS students off with python so you'll be fine

Answer 7

What you have learned is that you like programming and will be suited to a course even if you have to learn a new language. CS courses normally assume no knowledge, and they often try to start you 'their' way. Good luck

Answer 8

If you don't, they will teach you in college. That is why your parents are paying so much for college is for you to actually learn something.

Answer 9

You go into college to learn. You rely on the capability of the lecturers. You have demonstrated an aptitude for logic and methodology. Data structures and algorithms are mostly the same in all languages. You do not need to be afraid but to welcome a whole new world that will be open to you.

Answer 10

There is more than just coding in CS. If you have good memory, attention to detail, logic/math skills and can deal with formulas without mistakes than you should be ok in college.