My HONEST College Advice For Computer Science Majors // as a senior computer science student

Summary

In this video, a computer science major shares valuable advice to avoid common pitfalls. They emphasize the impact of professors on one's passion for the subject, the importance of starting projects early, and the benefits of having a study group. The speaker also warns against the risks of cheating and the value of utilizing recorded lectures and online discussion forums for clarification and support. These tips aim to help students excel in their computer science studies and maintain their love for the field.

Takeaways

• 👨‍🏫 Professors significantly impact your passion for computer science, so choose wisely based on reviews and ratings.
• 📅 Start projects early to avoid last-minute stress and ensure you have time to ask questions and debug.
• 🤝 Having a study group or friends in the same class can provide invaluable support and collaboration.
• ⚠️ Avoid cheating at all costs, as it can lead to academic failure and damage future job prospects.
• 🎥 Maximize recorded classes by watching them at higher speeds to save time for project work.
• 🗣️ Make the most of online discussion forums to clarify doubts and get help from TAs and professors promptly.
• 📚 Professors' teaching styles and the workload they assign can greatly affect your learning experience.
• 🕒 Balancing lecture attendance with project work is crucial, especially when time is limited.
• 👥 The support from a study group can be a significant factor in overcoming challenging concepts and projects.
• 🚫 Maintain academic integrity; helping friends should be done by guiding them, not by sharing code directly.

Q & A

What is the first major tip the speaker gives to computer science students?

The first major tip is that professors can significantly impact your love for computer science, so it's important to choose the right one by checking their ratings and reviews.

Why might a student switch from computer science to information science according to the speaker?

A student might switch majors due to the way computer science classes are taught, the work assigned, or because of a poor experience with a professor.

How did Professor Dave Levin influence the speaker's view on computer and network security?

Professor Dave Levin was so enthusiastic about the subject that he made the class one of the speaker's second favorite CS classes.

What is the second tip the speaker gives for computer science students regarding projects?

The second tip is to start projects early, as they can be heavy and time-consuming, and waiting until the last minute can lead to stress and poor performance.

Why is it beneficial to have a study group in computer science classes according to the speaker?

Having a study group is beneficial because computer science can be hard, and having someone to help with concepts, problems, or projects can be very helpful.

What is the potential consequence of cheating in computer science classes as mentioned by the speaker?

Cheating can lead to an XF on your transcript, which is a failure due to academic dishonesty and can ruin your chances of getting an internship or job.

Why should computer science students avoid sending code to classmates even if they are helping them?

Sending code can lead to both students getting an XF if caught, and it can also damage friendships if one makes a mistake that leads to both being caught.

What is the speaker's advice regarding attending classes in person?

The speaker recommends attending classes in person to enjoy the college atmosphere and because remote learning may become necessary again due to COVID-19.

How can recorded classes help computer science students save time according to the speaker?

Recorded classes can be watched at higher speeds, which allows students to get through lectures faster and have more time for projects and other work.

What is the benefit of using online discussion forums for computer science students?

Online discussion forums provide a platform to ask questions and get answers from TAs, professors, and other students, which can clarify ambiguous project requirements and help students move forward.

Why is it important for computer science students to ask questions on online discussion forums?

Asking questions on online discussion forums is important because it ensures that no question goes unanswered, and it helps students clarify doubts and complete their projects successfully.