Major Takeaways/Insights From the Event:

  1. Keep a positive mindset and you will get through

  2. Will like comp sci if you like problem solving

  3. CS is important to learn

  4. Even if you go into aerospace you still need to understand programming

  5. Programming is important in many fields other than CS

  6. APCSA helps with making your own games and other programs

  7. Some of the projects you create with CS can be used to change the world

  8. Keep your motivation!

  9. Tell yourself that there is a solution on the Internet, which has the greatest advice for computer science

  10. Focus on your own path when it comes to CS

  11. Don’t worry about what other people are doing

  12. Having a purpose to apply CS to can be very helpful

  13. Google can answer all of your syntax questions! :)

  14. Make sure that you don’t cut corners, as having the mindset to go above and beyond can help you solve bigger problems in the long run

  15. Computer science will not always have a rigid or specific structure

  16. Be willing to get started on coding

  17. Project-based learning classes will not go away

  18. Studying in groups and working with other people can help improve your understanding of certain topics that your teacher may not be able to give you one-on-one attention on

  19. Coding will be everywhere, no matter what you are majoring in

  20. Having an interaction with code can be helpful

  21. In order to apply for a job, you should look at/put together your resume, as that is one of the first requirements of job applications

  22. Knowledge of Linux + other operating systems can come in handy when doing internships

  23. Applying yourself, learning, and taking the class seriously will take you far

  24. It is good to have your own personal projects and clubs outside of school, as that can set you apart from all the others students

  25. It is difficult to get into the CS major at UCSD

  26. To get an internship, you should have a resume and know when to apply for one

  27. Referrals can be useful for getting jobs

Main Takeaway: Listening to what former students had to say and their tips on how to get far in CS now inspires me to change the attitude I have towards this class and computer science in general. If I am able to possess qualities of keeping a positive mindset, expecting to fail along the way, and keeping my motivation, it will definitely take me far in the astonishing field of computer science.