Undergraduate Advising and FAQ: Difference between pages
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
== CS 151 == | |||
New students majoring in computer science should take ECT 130 and CS 151 their first term. ECT 130 is an overview of CS, IT, and CEET majors. It is required for all of those majors. There is a ''small'' amount of programming. CS 151 is the first programming course in the CS major, is a full semester of programming (in Python, as of 2026), and helps to decide whether you prefer CS or IT. | |||
If you are a new student and have a really full first semester, you might just take ECT 130 your first term, and wait to take CS 151 your second term. But we recommend taking CS 151 your first term if you can fit it in; it helps you decide if you want to stick with computer science, and it gets you further into the major sooner (which is good for applying for internships). | |||
== Should you buy your textbooks? == | |||
Find a copy for a reasoanble price, and yes, purchase it. You will be more likely to actually read it if you have a copy (rather than trying to borrow a copy or something). If you are getting a CS degree you should want to learn the course content. Also, not everything you need to know is covered in lecture (there just isn't enough time), and it's up to you to fill in the gaps. | |||
== | == Positions in the department == | ||
We consider all CS students whenever we have an opening. The most important qualities we consider are how well you do in your courses (are you one of the top few students?), how responsible and hard-working you are, and how well you communicate and interact with others. | |||
== | == Finding information at ISU == | ||
' | Think of what the department might be called, and try going to [http://indstate.edu/a-to-z ISU A-Z] and searching using the browser's search option (ctrl-f). Also, see [http://www.indstate.edu/services/express] for undergrads, and [http://www.indstate.edu/cgps] (and click on Current Students) grad students. | ||
' | == How to contact your professors == | ||
Check your professor's class schedule (see the schedule of classes linked off the [http://cs.indstate.edu CS homepage]). You can normally catch a professor just before or just after one of their classes, and then ask them when you could come to their office or how they prefer to be contacted. Once the semester starts office hours should be in the syllabus for each course. | |||
== Why are you Here? == | |||
Ask yourself why you are paying ISU thousands of dollars for a degree? Presumably because you are interested in CS and also want to get a job in CS after graduating. This will only happen (getting a job in CS) if you take your courses seriously and put your full effort in. Weak students who do not do their best, or try to get others to to their work, have little success in securing good jobs after graduating. | |||
== Programming and Linux == | |||
Many professors (Exoo, Sternfeld, Baker, Kinne) require students to turn in assignments on the CS server. For these courses you will be given an account for the course, and will do all your programming assignments for the course on the CS server with your class account. To be counted as correct, in these courses your program must compile and run on the CS server. See [[Programming and CS - Getting Started]] for help in getting started on the CS machines. | |||
== Planning Ahead == | |||
You should begin to think about applying for jobs at least one year before you will do so. If you wait until you graduate to think about how to get a job after graduation, you will not be as successful. Some of our graduates have decided to complete an industry certification program (e.g., from Microsoft, Oracle, or Cisco) to increase their chances of getting a job after graduation; we have been told this can take about one year from when you begin. | |||
For both on campus jobs and jobs after graduation, you wil benefit by doing well in your classes - (i) doing well better prepares you, (ii) having a higher GPA looks better to prospective employers, and (iii) your professors can give you good recommendation letters if you have done well in their classes. It really does pay off to do your best in your classes. | |||
== On Campus Jobs == | |||
You can view available on-campus jobs by visiting [http://jobs.indstate.edu/] and clicking on the appropriate category for you. Make sure to check back regularly because jobs might not all be posted by the beginning of the semester. To apply for a position, you need to apply online; it will normally not do you any good to contact the department in person as well. Make sure to submit all documents that are asked for (e.g., resume, transcripts, cover letter). A cover letter should briefly explain your background and interests, and indicate enthusiasm for the position you are applying for. For the resume, see [[Careers]] for advice and you can find examples online to get ideas for the appropriate format and contents; as a general philosophy, you should be very positive about yourself, but do not ever lie (e.g., do not say you know Java if you do not). For additional help in writing your resume and cover letter, you can contact the Career Center or more senior CS students (e.g., lab assistants who are currently on duty in the lab). | |||
Note for new students. The application system asks you to list some number of references. You can list professors who you will have in class or your advisor, but they will not be able to say much about you other than what they might know from your transcript. It is better to list a reference that knows you (possibly someone you had in previous studies or work). Once you have been in class long enough to have had some assignments or exams graded, the professors you have in class might able to give more support in a recommendation for you. And always check with someone before listing them as a reference. | |||
== Programming Assessment == | |||
See [[Programming Assessment]] | |||
== | |||
Revision as of 16:44, 1 June 2026
CS 151
New students majoring in computer science should take ECT 130 and CS 151 their first term. ECT 130 is an overview of CS, IT, and CEET majors. It is required for all of those majors. There is a small amount of programming. CS 151 is the first programming course in the CS major, is a full semester of programming (in Python, as of 2026), and helps to decide whether you prefer CS or IT.
If you are a new student and have a really full first semester, you might just take ECT 130 your first term, and wait to take CS 151 your second term. But we recommend taking CS 151 your first term if you can fit it in; it helps you decide if you want to stick with computer science, and it gets you further into the major sooner (which is good for applying for internships).
Should you buy your textbooks?
Find a copy for a reasoanble price, and yes, purchase it. You will be more likely to actually read it if you have a copy (rather than trying to borrow a copy or something). If you are getting a CS degree you should want to learn the course content. Also, not everything you need to know is covered in lecture (there just isn't enough time), and it's up to you to fill in the gaps.
Positions in the department
We consider all CS students whenever we have an opening. The most important qualities we consider are how well you do in your courses (are you one of the top few students?), how responsible and hard-working you are, and how well you communicate and interact with others.
Finding information at ISU
Think of what the department might be called, and try going to ISU A-Z and searching using the browser's search option (ctrl-f). Also, see [1] for undergrads, and [2] (and click on Current Students) grad students.
How to contact your professors
Check your professor's class schedule (see the schedule of classes linked off the CS homepage). You can normally catch a professor just before or just after one of their classes, and then ask them when you could come to their office or how they prefer to be contacted. Once the semester starts office hours should be in the syllabus for each course.
Why are you Here?
Ask yourself why you are paying ISU thousands of dollars for a degree? Presumably because you are interested in CS and also want to get a job in CS after graduating. This will only happen (getting a job in CS) if you take your courses seriously and put your full effort in. Weak students who do not do their best, or try to get others to to their work, have little success in securing good jobs after graduating.
Programming and Linux
Many professors (Exoo, Sternfeld, Baker, Kinne) require students to turn in assignments on the CS server. For these courses you will be given an account for the course, and will do all your programming assignments for the course on the CS server with your class account. To be counted as correct, in these courses your program must compile and run on the CS server. See Programming and CS - Getting Started for help in getting started on the CS machines.
Planning Ahead
You should begin to think about applying for jobs at least one year before you will do so. If you wait until you graduate to think about how to get a job after graduation, you will not be as successful. Some of our graduates have decided to complete an industry certification program (e.g., from Microsoft, Oracle, or Cisco) to increase their chances of getting a job after graduation; we have been told this can take about one year from when you begin.
For both on campus jobs and jobs after graduation, you wil benefit by doing well in your classes - (i) doing well better prepares you, (ii) having a higher GPA looks better to prospective employers, and (iii) your professors can give you good recommendation letters if you have done well in their classes. It really does pay off to do your best in your classes.
On Campus Jobs
You can view available on-campus jobs by visiting [3] and clicking on the appropriate category for you. Make sure to check back regularly because jobs might not all be posted by the beginning of the semester. To apply for a position, you need to apply online; it will normally not do you any good to contact the department in person as well. Make sure to submit all documents that are asked for (e.g., resume, transcripts, cover letter). A cover letter should briefly explain your background and interests, and indicate enthusiasm for the position you are applying for. For the resume, see Careers for advice and you can find examples online to get ideas for the appropriate format and contents; as a general philosophy, you should be very positive about yourself, but do not ever lie (e.g., do not say you know Java if you do not). For additional help in writing your resume and cover letter, you can contact the Career Center or more senior CS students (e.g., lab assistants who are currently on duty in the lab).
Note for new students. The application system asks you to list some number of references. You can list professors who you will have in class or your advisor, but they will not be able to say much about you other than what they might know from your transcript. It is better to list a reference that knows you (possibly someone you had in previous studies or work). Once you have been in class long enough to have had some assignments or exams graded, the professors you have in class might able to give more support in a recommendation for you. And always check with someone before listing them as a reference.