I'm curious about how tough a year-long introductory C++ course (two semesters) at UCLA might be, especially since I don't have any AP Computer Science credits and my background in computer science is pretty limited. I'm starting my economics track for graduate studies and need to demonstrate C++ proficiency for my grad school applications. Given that I'm already juggling a full schedule of 17 units per semester, do you think it's wise to take this on now, or would it be better to wait and take it over the summer to avoid burning out?
3 Answers
You might want to think about why you need to learn C++. Could Python or R be more beneficial for your economics focus? They're generally easier and might align better with what you need for your grad studies.
Honestly, a lot depends on how motivated and interested you are. If you find programming exciting, dive in! But keep in mind that it's often challenging for beginners without any prior programming experience. You might spend a lot of time just troubleshooting your code. If it feels overwhelming, you could always drop it if needed.
Exactly! Some folks might catch on quickly, but others could struggle for hours just to get one assignment right.
It really boils down to your personal strengths. If coding isn't your thing, you may want to reconsider whether it's worth adding to your already packed schedule. Maybe check for reviews from upperclassmen to get a feel for how tough the course is.
Solid advice! Peer feedback can really help in deciding if it's the right fit or if you should look at alternatives.
Yeah, I totally agree! Python is user-friendly and widely used in data analysis for economics.