Navigating the Path to University of Wisconsin - Madison for Computer Science

Exciting news! You have been offered admission to the University of Wisconsin - Madison (UW-Madison) for Computer Science. However, you might be wondering about the type of admission and the challenges you may face. This article will help clarify the situation and provide valuable insights.

Direct Admission or Challenging Path?

To begin, it is important to understand that the admission process to UW-Madison's Computer Science program is not straightforward. Despite the misconception that you will enter directly, you may need to overcome certain challenges, particularly after joining the university.

A recent relevant answer from Irina Kitova provides valuable information about the grading system and admission standards at UW-Madison. Here are the key points to consider:

Grading System: UW-Madison uses a unique grading system. Unlike other institutions, they employ grades such as A, A/B, B, B/C, D, and F. An A/B grade is equivalent to 3.5 grade points, and a B/C is worth 2.5 points. Academic Requirements: The University of Wisconsin - Madison does not have strict admission criteria. Rather, they require students to maintain a decent grade average above a C. However, the coursework is known to be challenging. Irina recalls struggling in MATH 221 (Calc I), even though she managed to pass, and her friend took MATH 222 (Calc II) three times before finally dropping out.

Despite these challenges, it is important to recognize that you will not have to fight for a spot in the CS program. However, you will need to meet specific requirements to declare your major in Computer Science.

Declaration Requirements for the Computer Science Major

Here are the requirements you need to meet to declare the Computer Science major at UW-Madison:

Completion of Comp Sci 300 and Math 222 or Math 276: You must complete these two courses. While you can take either one, it is recommended that you take both to ensure a solid foundation. Grade Requirement: You need to achieve a grade of BC or higher in one of the introductory programming courses: Comp Sci 300, Comp Sci/E C E 354, or Comp Sci 400 (Programming III). GPA Requirement: You must maintain a 2.250 GPA among your first completed attempts of Comp Sci 300 and either Math 222 or Math 276. GPA is calculated using only UW-Madison courses and does not include repeated coursework.

If you have difficulties meeting these requirements, you can utilize other courses such as Comp Sci/Math 240, Comp Sci/E C E 354, and/or Comp Sci 400 (Programming III). It is important to consult with a Computer Science advisor for further guidance on meeting the requirements.

Note: Upon admission, you will first be part of the College of Letters and Science. You will declare your major in Computer Science after completing certain coursework, typically during your sophomore year.

Conclusion

While the admission to UW-Madison's Computer Science program may not be direct, preparing for the challenges and meeting the specific requirements will help you succeed. Understanding the grading system and requirements provides a clearer path forward.

Key Takeaways

UW-Madison has a unique grading system. While admission requirements are not extremely stringent, coursework and GPA requirements are important. You do not need to fight for a spot but must meet specific requirements to declare the major.

Further Reading

For detailed information, refer to the Department of Computer Sciences website.