Frequently asked questions that are answered on this page are:
- Is there anything special that international students should know in applying?
- Do I need a computer when I arrive at College Park?
- College is still a couple years off for me, but I think I am interested in computer science. What’s the best way to prepare?
- What IS computer science?
1. Is there anything special that international students should know in applying?
Information for international students can be found at the Office for International Education Services web site at www.ies.umd.edu
2. Do I need a computer when I arrive at College Park?
As a practical matter yes, but not specifically because you are a CS major. Almost all student bring some sort of computer, and use it extensively, not because of programming assignments but because of all the ordinary student tasks. Assignments will be posted on the web or submitted electronically, papers will be written using word processors, and so on. The tips from “res life” (residence hall staff) on computers are at http://www.resnet.umd.edu/ISU/isufaq.html and are worth reviewing. It will be convenient for you to have something a little beefier for your programming projects, but don’t go nuts. A very reasonable strategy is to bring something inexpensive to get you started (ensure you have access and so on), then pick up something new during the first year once you see what your work habits are (and get a sense from the experienced students what seems to work best.) We are agnostic about choice of platforms: Windows-based machines, Apples and Linux boxes all have decent representation here. (But you’ll probably see an increasing number of discriminating CS faculty carrying around Mac Books, if that is any clue.) Computer labs are sprinkled around campus (one is across the hall from the Undergrad Education Office, and so handy for you!) and getting logins/passwords, wireless connectivity and more are all the topics of orientation. We make sure you are plugged in.
3. College is still a couple years off for me, but I think I am interested in computer science. What’s the best way to prepare?
Your best bet is to ensure you’re in the ‘college prep’ tracks of your high school, with emphasis on math and science courses in general. This will ensure you’re prepared for the entire College Park experience - not just the “programming parts.” In point of fact, we largely don’t care if you have prior programming experiences when you show up at our door. Okay, so some prior experiences help, but the real predictor of success here is math reasoning skill. Our Department is in the College of Computer, Math and Physical Sciences. We’re the people who know calculus, study the universe and solve real problems. In CS, programming is the easy part. We’ll train you how to do that along the way, but where we are taking you is the world of science. Science requires insight and precision - both qualities exercised by math education instead of training to get CNE or MTSC certifications. (We think it is a feature that college prep tracks also involve lots of other writing, communication and other brain-stretching activities. The only thing that is constant in this field is change, and the educated person who is capable of staying ahead through life will possess a diverse assortment of intellectual skills. We’re preparing you for life-long success, not just the first job out of college.)
4. What IS computer science?
Computer science is the study of computers and computational systems: their theory, design, development, and application. Computer scientists design and analyze ways to solve problems involving information, computation and the control of systems of machines. We build models of physical phenomena (such as weather forecasting), human behavior (expert systems, robotics), and computer systems themselves, then from studying these models we learn new things about the world around us, and about each other. Principal areas within the field are artificial intelligence, systems and networks, databases, human factors, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, and theory of computing.
