If your goal is to go on to Computer Science CS or EE, just do this!

Today's post is dedicated to students aiming for a career in Computer Science. We have several valuable insights for students preparing for CS, so read through to pick up useful tips.

At A-One Institute, we've received numerous inquiries, and among the most common over the past 3-4 years have been about Computer Science. This indicates a high level of interest and a considerable number of students preparing for this field. So, let's discuss how to prepare for a successful entry into CS.

When we talk about Computer Science:

CS (Computer Science)

CE (Computer Engineering)

EE (Electronic Engineering)

Let's simplify CS and CE:

Computer Science -> Creating algorithms.

Computer Engineering -> Optimizing algorithms for devices.

So, what are algorithms? They are rules for operating computers, the laws for computer operations.

A common misconception among parents is that coding skills are a must for a student to pursue CS. However, what I'd like to emphasize is this: To enter CS, a prerequisite is not coding itself but mathematics, MATH.

Math taught in schools includes:

Algebra

Geometry

Calculus

These math subjects in middle and high school are indeed crucial.

However, the mathematics used in computer languages is a bit different from the math taught in middle and high schools. It's known as Discrete Mathematics in Korea. In computers, which operate on a binary switch on/off system, Discrete Mathematics plays a significant role.

Therefore, when universities admit CS students, they seek students who are not just proficient in coding but also excel in discrete mathematics. The criterion for this evaluation often comes from Math Competitions.

For example, in the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC), while topics like Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus from the school curriculum appear, students often struggle more with Discrete Mathematics. A student who prepared for AMC for several years faced hurdles but started focusing on Discrete Mathematics, improving scores in Sequences, Matrices, and Statistics, eventually securing awards.

Students excelling in Discrete Mathematics often win in competitions like AMC. Therefore, it's natural for universities to prefer students with AMC accolades.

The study of segmented numbers, Discrete Math, is crucial for CS majors, and these abilities are evaluated in Math Competitions.

At A-One Institute, we highly recommend engaging in competitions when structuring activities. They provide a clear, direct demonstration of one's academic abilities, which universities seek.

One common misconception among parents and students is that competitions are only for academically exceptional individuals. However, we confidently say that by showing interest and participating in the same competition three or more times, even small recognitions can be earned.

Now, let's introduce a few competitions that showcase one's CS capabilities. On the left side of the image are competitions suitable for early preparation:

• American Computer Science League (ACSL): Consider it as a starter version of Discrete Math. It's recommended to start with this and then move on to AMC.

• Cyberpatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Program: It's more related to security, requiring significant theoretical study. Even the preparation process is incredibly beneficial.

• USA Computing Olympiad: Olympiads are challenging, but they are worth considering and preparing for.

• Congressional App Challenge: It's a competition that even those unfamiliar with coding can attempt. It's conducted regionally, and winners receive recognition from local congressional representatives.

Upon entering high school:

• Zero Robotics: A competition widely participated in by high school clubs. Even if you don't have coding or math strengths, winning in a team can be a great experience.

• Imagine Cup: Hosted by Microsoft, this is regarded as a top CS-related competition. Just experiencing it offers significant advantages, so we recommend giving it a try.

• CS Summer Camps:

  While there are many Computer Science-related camps in high school, they often involve costs. If you have a sustained interest and want to delve deeper into a subject, we recommend preparing for summer camps. However, if you're not adequately prepared, we don't suggest participating in a camp without prior preparation.

These are a few competitions we mentioned, but what's genuinely essential?

These competitions are valuable, but what's truly vital?

It's Mathematics!

Let's provide some evidence as to why Mathematics is so crucial:

In the realm of CS's top five, institutions like Carnegie Mellon and MIT cannot be excluded. Here's what these schools demand, as per their websites:

Carnegie Mellon University, School of Computer Science requires:

4 years of English

4 years of Mathematics *

1 year of Physics

2 years of Chemistry, Biology, or Computer Science

2 years of a Foreign Language

3 Electives

For Carnegie Mellon University, CS majors must fulfill these requirements. If any one condition isn't met, the application might not be considered.

MIT lists:

1 year of high school Physics

1 year of high school Chemistry

1 year of high school Biology

Math, through Calculus

2 years of a Foreign Language

4 years of English

2 years of History and/or Social Sciences

MIT emphasizes "Math, through Calculus." Therefore, if a student aims to pursue CS, they should complete Calculus by the 12th grade. If Mathematics becomes a concern in the 9th year, starting Algebra at that stage might be considered late. In such cases, it's advised to consider grade skipping or online courses. Counselors can guide on these alternatives.

Therefore, ensuring you take the Math track that allows you to complete Calculus by the 12th grade is crucial.

Today, we've compiled information beneficial for students aspiring to pursue a Computer Science major. If you have inquiries about the tracks in CS-related departments, please contact us at A-One Institute for detailed answers.

Thank you.