Well, I don't know about that particular class. It depends on what they're teaching, and how. But if I were to make a profile of a "good" computer science student, I'd list these attributes:
1) Strong analytical skills. This tends to be correlated with mathematical ability. So if you're good at math, you probably have this down. I'm not saying you need to be well-versed in the Calculus to start off with; if you can handle Algebra that should be enough for an intro class. But if you don't like math, you probably won't do well in CS. Plus, most problems computers are suited for involve some math. If you can't do math and keep a reasonable number of things straight in your head, you will only be able to program the most trivial things.
2) Methodical thinking. Not all programming languages "work" the same way, but most require one to think in a step-by-step manner about what needs to get done. Then you type it up, essentially.
3) A fairly meticulous nature. If you're a good speller and know how to use punctuation, that will help you program. Programming languages are strict about such things as spelling and punctuation. Everything must be pretty explicit because computers don't know better.
4) Patience. Some things don't always fall into place when dealing with computers (or any other machine, really). If you have a short attention span when things aren't going quite right, CS isn't for you.
5) Problem-solving experience. It helps to have a little experience thinking about how problems might be solved. I guess it's not so important to have actually solved a lot of problems, but the kind of person who likes to solve problems is what I'm describing. This is related to #2.
Of course, CS also has to be something you really want to pursue. Some people don't like the idea of sitting at a computer for any length of time (unless they're looking at porn or something). But an intro class shouldn't be SO bad. It's mostly to give you an idea of what you might be getting into. Intro classes are typically pretty boring, so if you want harder problems don't despair. They're out there in more advanced classes (like in college). Good luck!
Java's not that bad of a language to learn. When I was in high school, my general philosophy regarding AP classes was that I'd be taking all courses of that difficulty in college in a few years so if I couldn't handle them, I couldn't handle college.
Google is your friend, use it wisely and it will show you the way. Do this with me, slowly... type into the search bar in Google... "AP Computer Science Syllabus"... should give you all the information that you need. Was that so bad?
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Well, I don't know about that particular class. It depends on what they're teaching, and how. But if I were to make a profile of a "good" computer science student, I'd list these attributes:
1) Strong analytical skills. This tends to be correlated with mathematical ability. So if you're good at math, you probably have this down. I'm not saying you need to be well-versed in the Calculus to start off with; if you can handle Algebra that should be enough for an intro class. But if you don't like math, you probably won't do well in CS. Plus, most problems computers are suited for involve some math. If you can't do math and keep a reasonable number of things straight in your head, you will only be able to program the most trivial things.
2) Methodical thinking. Not all programming languages "work" the same way, but most require one to think in a step-by-step manner about what needs to get done. Then you type it up, essentially.
3) A fairly meticulous nature. If you're a good speller and know how to use punctuation, that will help you program. Programming languages are strict about such things as spelling and punctuation. Everything must be pretty explicit because computers don't know better.
4) Patience. Some things don't always fall into place when dealing with computers (or any other machine, really). If you have a short attention span when things aren't going quite right, CS isn't for you.
5) Problem-solving experience. It helps to have a little experience thinking about how problems might be solved. I guess it's not so important to have actually solved a lot of problems, but the kind of person who likes to solve problems is what I'm describing. This is related to #2.
Of course, CS also has to be something you really want to pursue. Some people don't like the idea of sitting at a computer for any length of time (unless they're looking at porn or something). But an intro class shouldn't be SO bad. It's mostly to give you an idea of what you might be getting into. Intro classes are typically pretty boring, so if you want harder problems don't despair. They're out there in more advanced classes (like in college). Good luck!
Depends on how you feel about AP computer science; that class is about computers and typing many codes in Microsoft FrontPage or NotePad.
Java's not that bad of a language to learn. When I was in high school, my general philosophy regarding AP classes was that I'd be taking all courses of that difficulty in college in a few years so if I couldn't handle them, I couldn't handle college.
Google is your friend, use it wisely and it will show you the way. Do this with me, slowly... type into the search bar in Google... "AP Computer Science Syllabus"... should give you all the information that you need. Was that so bad?