Prompt:
What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had in the field - such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities - and what you have gained from your involvement.
Essay:
My intended major is Computer Science. I am, and was, astonished at how computer programs and video games are produced. This led me to a number of concepts related to computer science, and the practical aspect of programming.
Most people believe that computers are incredibly complex and difficult to use. A series of ones and zeroes, also known as binary, represents all processes done by computers. The concept of binary, how the most advanced processes are controlled by binary, influenced me to advance towards computer science. I imagined that someday I could be one of those that design a program to recreate the Big Bang, or perhaps save lives by replicating an Influenza epidemic. Binary is extremely important because if it wasn't for binary, my field of study would have been extremely different.
The theoretical concepts of computer science are interesting, but the practical part demonstrates where my interest in computer science has grown. James Gosling and Bjarne Stroustrup created Java and C++ to solve problems affecting computer scientists at that time. They both have dedication and a desire for challenge, the same that I have learning the concepts inscribed in their languages. No one will write a perfect program the first time. When I first began programming at home with Java, prior to taking classes to formally educate myself, programming was a feat to overcome. I would set personal goals for myself to make large, difficult problems into smaller and more manageable challenges. Gosling and Stroustrup didn't just dive straight into the languages they created, it required setting goals and themselves up for success, the same things I use every day to solve my own problems.
Since the beginning of my academic career in computer science, my logic in computer science has improved exponentially. Many believe that if they learn a specific language, they "know" computer science. "Thinking" as a computer, outside the scope of a single programming language, is a much more important concept than just programming. Classes for computer science has shown me alternative logic, as a computer science major and in life. I have a great deal to learn, but the logic I have taken away from my intended major will stay with me forever.
Problem solving is the most important aspect of computer science. It is a challenging subject that is not right for everyone. Trial and error, research and frustration are all part of the computer science major. I was having problems writing a program to view and switch a picture uploaded from the internet. A few things helped me finish my program, including my problem solving skills, using a tutor and visiting my professor during office hours for help. These attributes allowed me to finish and excel with my program.
I hope that the University of California will consider me for my intended major. I would be honored to become a student to further pursue a life and career dedicated to computer science.
What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had in the field - such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities - and what you have gained from your involvement.
Essay:
My intended major is Computer Science. I am, and was, astonished at how computer programs and video games are produced. This led me to a number of concepts related to computer science, and the practical aspect of programming.
Most people believe that computers are incredibly complex and difficult to use. A series of ones and zeroes, also known as binary, represents all processes done by computers. The concept of binary, how the most advanced processes are controlled by binary, influenced me to advance towards computer science. I imagined that someday I could be one of those that design a program to recreate the Big Bang, or perhaps save lives by replicating an Influenza epidemic. Binary is extremely important because if it wasn't for binary, my field of study would have been extremely different.
The theoretical concepts of computer science are interesting, but the practical part demonstrates where my interest in computer science has grown. James Gosling and Bjarne Stroustrup created Java and C++ to solve problems affecting computer scientists at that time. They both have dedication and a desire for challenge, the same that I have learning the concepts inscribed in their languages. No one will write a perfect program the first time. When I first began programming at home with Java, prior to taking classes to formally educate myself, programming was a feat to overcome. I would set personal goals for myself to make large, difficult problems into smaller and more manageable challenges. Gosling and Stroustrup didn't just dive straight into the languages they created, it required setting goals and themselves up for success, the same things I use every day to solve my own problems.
Since the beginning of my academic career in computer science, my logic in computer science has improved exponentially. Many believe that if they learn a specific language, they "know" computer science. "Thinking" as a computer, outside the scope of a single programming language, is a much more important concept than just programming. Classes for computer science has shown me alternative logic, as a computer science major and in life. I have a great deal to learn, but the logic I have taken away from my intended major will stay with me forever.
Problem solving is the most important aspect of computer science. It is a challenging subject that is not right for everyone. Trial and error, research and frustration are all part of the computer science major. I was having problems writing a program to view and switch a picture uploaded from the internet. A few things helped me finish my program, including my problem solving skills, using a tutor and visiting my professor during office hours for help. These attributes allowed me to finish and excel with my program.
I hope that the University of California will consider me for my intended major. I would be honored to become a student to further pursue a life and career dedicated to computer science.
