FAQ
Contents
CS 101 versus CS 151
As indicated in CS Programs, CS 151 Introduction to Computer Science is required for all concentrations of the CS major, while CS 101 Fundamentals of Computing is required only in the Information Science concentration.
Students take the CS 151 Placement Test to determine whether you can start in CS 151 or not. As a rule of thumb, those who have no previous experience with computer science should normally start in CS 101. CS 151 has a prereq of either a B- in CS 101 or passing the CS 151 placement test. Note, however that at this time the placement test is only available for students who have already been admitted to ISU and have their ISU login credentials. To determine which course you should start in, you do the following.
- Current ISU students or incoming students with ISU login credentials - take the Computer Science Placement Test. Note for incoming students - you will not be able to login to the quizzes until you have registered for a course; once you register for any course at all, you should be able to get into the quizzing system (possibly needing to wait until the next day). Note that the test is not timed and can be does not need to be completed in one sitting.
- Those without ISU login credentials can try the following CS 151 challenge
- Start working your way through the Python tutorial at https://www.learnpython.org/.
- Create an account at https://repl.it/languages/python3 so you can create some python programs and save them online (to share with others).
- Solve the exercises at the end of the first few pages of the learnpython tutorial, and save each one in your repl.it account.
- If you figured things out eventually and enjoyed it, you will likely be okay to start in CS 151 (and are likely to pass the CS 151 placement test when you get a chance to take it). If you got frustrated at the computer or anything else and gave up, you are likely better off starting in CS 101. Note that either is "okay", there isn't a right or better one to start in. All new ISU CS students will have the chance to take the placement test to help place you in the best first course.
Students can complete any of the concentrations by starting in either CS 101 or 151. Any of the concentrations can be completed in four years by starting in either. See Undergraduate Advising for more details on course sequencing. If you do start in CS 151, it is also a good idea to take CS 101 during your first term (in particular if you plan to complete the information science concentration that requires CS 101).
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 will be posted outside of each professor's door and at ISU CS People.
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.
