Year 1

Classes

First things first, set up your classes. For more information on how to schedule classes, see class scheduling. You can find your requirements on the PSU course catalog. It is important to choose classes that are prerequisites for other classes. This includes your intro CS classes (CMPSC 131 and CMPSC 132) and intro math classes (Math 140 and 141). Penn State provides flow charts for each major in the college of engineering. Check out the Computer Science one for a suggested four year schedule. After choosing your classes, check in with your academic advisor. This is important to do each semester to make sure you’re staying on track.

How to Choose Your Section

Most classes, especially popular ones, have multiple sections at different times with different professors. Your professor matters much more than when your class is. An 8am with a great professor will always be more enjoyable than an afternoon class with a terrible professor. Coursicle[will provide a link when done] is a great site to see which professor you should take your class with. See the Coursicle resource page[will provide link] for more information.

Clubs

Freshman year will typically be your least busy year. A club is a great idea to both build a sense of community and improve your future job prospects. My primary suggestion is Nittany AI’s Machine Learning bootcamp. This bootcamp looks great on a resume, especially for a freshman, and can help you find an internship with Nittany AI later.

Internships

Don’t be concerned if you don’t get an internship within your first year. This is extremely difficult and isn’t worth stressing over. Instead focus on your classes. A common problem for many college students in general is that they treat it too much like High School. Show up to class, go to office hours, complete all your assignments on time (without AI), and start studying a week before your exams. This may sound like a lot of work, but these are your foundational classes which everything else builds upon. Now is not the time you want to fall behind.

Projects

Try building something. Unlike many other majors, a Computer Science resume relies heavily on self made projects. Just try creating something you’re interested in. This could be anything from a scheduler for your daily life to a game. Have fun with it! This is also the best way to get better at programming in general.