Best "path" for Computer Science?

[RudyGrow]

Ok, so I was browsing future CEGEPs/universities online and it looks like I will be going from Highschool into a 3-year "career" CEGEP program which you basically learn the basics of programming, JAVA, Photoshop, Database stuff and so on

Now, I was looking at the McGill University website and it shows that if you want to apply to Computer Science, you have to have your Biology and Chemistry, just like if you were going to apply in any of the other Science fields.

Usually I wouldn't mind it much, but this CEGEP program does not have any Biology/Chemistry/Math related courses in it and I probably wouldn't be able to get into University straight from this program. On top of that, I really dislike Biology.

So what would be my best bet? Go for the 3 year program and forget about university or go into a totally different program and then do all my computer related studies in university?

The different program would either be part of the International Baccalaureate, which would more than likely boost my resume and get me into University.

Getting into these programs are not a problem (88 average in the enriched program in High School, captain of multiple sports teams at school, paid internship with the head of IT at a custom's brokerage company). Which program would be better for me in the long run?

Thanks, and I really appreciate your responses!

Rudy

Side note: for those of you who don't know, in Quebec, instead of going from Highschool directly to university, we go from Grade 11 to a 2 year CEGEP and then to university. The 3 year program is "career based" whereas you are supposed to go directly from CEGEP to a job, but I would like a university degree.

 

[DisMyMac]

a 3-year "career" CEGEP program which you basically learn the basics of programming, JAVA, Photoshop, Database stuff and so on

You can teach yourself practically all of that for free, using better resources on the web than anything they are trying to sell you. Only some software costs a bit much. If you get into comp sci at a university, your peers will have already done that and you'll be blown away by the competition.

Usually I wouldn't mind it much, but this CEGEP program does not have any Biology/Chemistry/Math related courses in it and I probably wouldn't be able to get into University straight from this program. On top of that, I really dislike Biology.

Bioinformatics is a good field (genomics, proteomics, etc) as is computational chemistry. You don't need to dissect anything or spend much time in a laboratory - just learn a decent amount about cell biology and be good with graphs and statistics.

You really need to be able to apply your specialty (computer science) to something other than... your specialty (computer science). If you only want to program but have no clue where to apply it, then it's an aimless path and you will probably get discouraged.

(If you are a "hardcore" comp sci/UNIX geek, whatever, then my reply means nothing because you'd already know everything and wouldn't be wondering what to do. (In a way, I just called you stupid, but I didn't mean it that way... ))

 

[DisMyMac]

Also keep in mind that many certificate programs are just directing you to (or re-packaging) published standards that are free and widely available, all with tutorials, examples, etc. How many scammers have sold FSI language lessons that way...

 

[RudyGrow]

Thanks for the excellent response! I have a few questions related to it.

If you are a "hardcore" comp sci/UNIX geek, whatever, then my reply means nothing because you'd already know everything and wouldn't be wondering what to do. (In a way, I just called you stupid, but I didn't mean it that way...

Far from. Aside from hosting a few private game servers, I really haven't done much programming at all. I will buy a few books however. What would you recommend I start learning? C?

You really need to be able to apply your specialty (computer science) to something other than... your specialty (computer science)

Would doing programming for business related programs fall into this? I really wouldn't be on board for a medical/physics-type program, but maybe double majoring in business AND computer science?

Off topic - do you have a CS degree?

 

[adroit]

Since you haven't done much programming and are doing well academically, I would say that going through the IB/McGill combo would probably be the best option for you.

This is because IB program would be more general and academic than CEGEP so you won't get tracked into a trade too early in your life. IB will give you an option to try out a computer science course or two before going to university. It would also be a better base for you if you later decide you want to go into a different program in university or get a minor or double major. A lot of CS jobs do require a bachelor degree as well so a bachelor degree is definitely a better option.

Another related program to consider is Computer Engineering. More hardware related, but most computer engineers can work in either hardware or software anyway.

Don't bother with the business double major unless you have plans for it. Most of people are better off getting a 2nd major or a minor in a science or arts program or get some work experience since it will more likely set your application apart from other new grads. There are too many people with business minor/2nd major already. Also, if you can, get into the co-op program!