Georgia Tech OMSCS (s0e2) Preparing for the OMSCS program

[@chelseaip759]

Thanks for the insight!

[@DavidStrube0]

These two links in the description seem to be broken: Georgia Tech links: 1. www.omscs.gatech.edu/current-... Specializations: www.omscs.gatech.edu/program-...

[@ComputerGuyChris]

That is odd, here is 1. omscs.gatech.edu/current-courses and here is 2. omscs.gatech.edu/program-info/specializations

[@AvielLivay]

Once you start the OMSCS program, let's say in the fall, then is it expected that you will take at least one course in that fall, then spring, then summer, fall, sprint... etc.? I specifically refer to the summer. Is it possible to take 0 courses during the summer? That is, to rest, to take a vacation, or actually, since some of the more difficult courses are not provided during summer, then it kind of changes your plans as for what to take and how to finish your specialization(s).

[@ComputerGuyChris]

Yes, the rule is: you can take 1 semester off in a row at any time after your first semester. Meaning if you want to take the summer off, you need to take a class in the spring and fall. If you want the fall off, you need to take a class in the spring and summer, etc.

[@investor0005]

I am thinking of applying for the program next year. Could you suggest how much programming experience is required to get in the program? I am very concerned about my non-STEM undergraduate major. I took 5 CS intro courses (e.g., C/C++ and Data Structures and Algorithms) and 4 math courses(e.g., Discrete Math, Graph Theory and Differential Equations and Linear Algebra) at a local community college. Do you suggest taking upper division CS courses as well?

[@ComputerGuyChris]

Great question, I think you are taking fantastic steps to get into the program. The only thing I would suggest is if you can find a way to use coding either at work or on a personal project that you can place on your resume, I think that will be the cherry on top.

[@Surbhijain290]

HI @ComputerGuyChris, The whole series is very helpful. I am starting my MS program in Aug 2019 i.e in Fall 2019. I was in great trouble about the process. But thanks to your videos. They have cleared so many doubts. But I am still confused about which subject and how much to choose for 1st Sem. Can you please help with this.

[@ComputerGuyChris]

GONGRADULATIONS ON BE8NG ADMITTED! I'm so happy my videos are able to help. Within your first year you need to complete 2 "foundational courses". This list can be found by googling "Georgia tech current courses". I would look at that list, then use omsCentral to figure out which ones you fit best with. Also, I would have at least one backup class, just in case.

[@ComputerGuyChris]

For your first semester, it is usually suggested that you take only 1 course. Getting started and dealing with an all online program can be overwhelming in the beginning. After your first semester, you can always take 2 course in the following semesters. I believe 2 is the maximum you are allowed to take.

[@AKN7-z3b]

Hi @ComputerGuyChris, I got admitted for Spring 2020 in OMSCS. I am a little weak in coding my background is in Civil Engineering, Can you suggest how much coding is needed in the course, I am a little bit scared how and where to start with. Appreciate your help on this !!

[@ComputerGuyChris]

First off, CONGRADULATIONS! That's great that you got into the program! I wasn't very into CS either in college. I was an ME and really couldn't program at all so don't worry about it, you have time to build. I would be happy to suggest some ways to prepare for the program. Do you know which specialization you want to do? Also, I put out a recent video about "Preparing for the Program". Also, feel free to email me, my email is on my channel page. Comments always appreciated!

[@ThatSic]

Can I ask what you did to demonstrate in your application that you have the equivalent of a 4 year CS bachelor? The application page mentions that as a requirement (www.omscs.gatech.edu/program-info/admission-criteria). My background is in Civil Engineering as well.

[@sueellen360]

Wait, I thought Machine Learning Theory wasn't available for OMSCS, did you actually take that class?

[@ComputerGuyChris]

According to the website www.omscs.gatech.edu/specialization-machine-learning CS 7545 (Machine Learning Theory) is one of the classes offered in the Machine Learning specialization. To answer your question thought, no, I have not yet taken that class.

[@sueellen360]

ComputerGuyChris yes but to my knowledge, only the ones in bold are available for OMSCS, the others are on-campus only

[@ComputerGuyChris]

@@sueellen360 Wow, going through it, I think you might be right. Thank you for the heads up!

[@r2_rho]

How did your registration process go? I just got my time ticket yesterday and tried getting into CSE6242 (also taking it on Udacity and really enjoying it). Unfortunately I couldn't get into the class and got waitlisted. Such a pain.

[@ComputerGuyChris]

My time ticket started at 9:45 AM yesterday and I was wait listed for the course I wanted too. I will be putting out a new video soon about my signing up for classes so be sure to look out for it :)

[@r2_rho]

@@ComputerGuyChrisAwesome I'll keep an eye out for it!

[@simonmichealsmpangayonse9329]

@ComputerGuyChris how many semesters are in the year and is it advisable to take two courses a semester. am finishing my computer science, undergraduate, this June and am thinking of applying once my unofficial transcript is available somewhere in august

[@ComputerGuyChris]

great question and congratulations on finishing up your degree! The OMSCS program has fall, spring, and summer semesters. Fall and spring semesters allow a maximum of 2 courses and summer a maximum of 1 (without prior approval). If you are working, I would suggest only 1 class a semester but if you plan on being a full time student, especially because your undergrad is already in CS, I would say 2 per semester would be fine.

[@simonmichealsmpangayonse9329]

@@ComputerGuyChris thanks for the reply and i will keep following you on this wonderful journey ,hoping to be admitted to the program too i hear its quiet competitive

[@rishabhjain4320]

@ComputerGuyChris I will be starting this programme in the month of August 2019. How is your daily schedule looks like? Are you working too along with this programme?

[@ComputerGuyChris]

That's great! I think you will love the program. My daily schedule really depends on the class. For example, for S1 I took CS6475 which I spent about 12 hrs a week on except for during midterms and finals where it was more. Now I am in CS7637 (videos to follow) and so far, it has been less of a time commitment. Also, yes, I work a full time job along with the program which does make it hard. I would definitely recommend 1 class a semester if you are working.

[@suharosr5027]

Gre required for this program??

[@ComputerGuyChris]

No, the GRE is not required :)

[@aayushparwal]

Do you know of a similar series for GaTech's OMSA ( Online MS in Analytics ) ? This is great btw :)

[@ComputerGuyChris]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback. Not that I know of, when I started, from the research I had done, there was nobody doing anything like this for the program. If you are in the OMSA program, you should try starting a channel :)

[@DeadsupraEE3]

stereo audio would be lovely to my right ear. great video though!

[@ComputerGuyChris]

Sorry about that Paul, this was one of my first videos and I was still figuring things out. I did fix the problem by the time I got to Semester 1. I hope you enjoy the videos!