My Struggles With Math as a Computer Science Major

I'm the worst at math. Most people are lol. In this video, I wanted to talk about some of my struggles with math as a Computer Science major and hopefully ease some of your concerns with starting or continuing with the major.
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About me:
I'm a software engineer currently working at a really dope company in Silicon Valley. I'm about a year and a half out from college where I graduated with a degree in Computer Science. This channel is all about helping people who want to know more about software engineering and/or computer science and for me to be a helping hand in any way I can.
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Thanks for watching. You da best.
love,
sosa

[@heysosathedev]

Hey friends! Like most people, I absolutely suck at math. I wanted to give you some perspective about my struggles with some of my math-heavy CS classes and how I got through it. Have any advice for other students in the same position? Leave a comment down below :)

[@ahmadmahmodi9840]

Would u mind sharing GPA ?

[@beckibear]

Sameee!! I failed all my math/calculations courses in my first year the only one I passed was physics and that was because I was so scared because they collected my mid term paper before I was done so I read extra hard for my final (thnx adhd lol)

[@vivtornjuguna1005]

Which country did u study in

[@TwixTimeMS]

oh my god. The math requirements in my CS degree have been the bane of my existence. Thankfully I just finished getting most of my prereq's out of the way, bless

[@heysosathedev]

Yesss I'm so glad you're getting through it!

[@asskicker5641]

I would recommend really focusing in cal 1 bc you will use it alot in future years and its just a recommendation

[@altoclef4989]

SAME I'm pretty sure I'm failing discrete math which sucks even more because a whole lot of my upper level courses have getting at least a C in it as a prerequisite

[@pankajjoshi2032]

How is it going on ? Are you comfortable completing the CS ?

[@itsjoyofmylife]

Loved how candid this was! Definitely was not good at math during my cs undergrad degree. Had to retake Calc 2 but we made it through 😭😅

[@altoclef4989]

I feel spoiled for only having to take Calc 1

[@JTheGAWD]

did u end up becoming a software engineer?

[@itsjoyofmylife]

@@JTheGAWD yep! And I barely passed lol

[@JTheGAWD]

@@itsjoyofmylife do you use any of the math that u learned in your job today? Also did you ever cheat on math test?

[@CreatedbyLeon]

@@JTheGAWD you won’t ! Just pass the classes.

[@ashleypontay352]

I almost got rejected to a university because of my grades in math, but they still gave me a chane. I’m taking CS as major. I hope to learn a lot with this rough journey. Wish me good luck! 🙂

[@rated8619]

Same, it'd be nice to hear an update! Really curious to know how you're doing. :)

[@fireheart239]

How is it going?

[@naomidani3119]

how’s it going?

[@JunaidSamo-sj3kh]

how its going .... I also want to become a computer science but, I'm not bad but worst in math@@naomidani3119

[@elizabethmcintire7885]

Love this video, thank you!

[@TechGalDiaries]

Ahaha very relatable. Love your personality and your channel!

[@Maddie-sr5tp]

Hi, I just came across your channel! I really love the way you came forward with this struggle. I actually am entering community college as a computer science major with doubt in my math skills. Overall, I really appreciate this video! I shall work hard in my math classes hahaha!

[@Goals101.]

Thanks for being so open. As someone who also previously struggled with maths this is really encouraging to hear you pushed through and it is possible with hard work and persistence.

[@Sleanks]

Thank you so much for this video! 19yr comp sci major who just barely passed calc 1 with a C. Probably because im also going to school full time and working full time, but taking phys1 and calc2 next semester and this motivated me so much!

[@NoBoostAlex]

Im about to be 28 in a couple months and will be starting summer 2024, its been 9 years since I dropped out of college. I am fortunate enough to have my wife hold it down while I work part time and get my units out the way in community college and transfer to a CSU. I just keep beating myself up because I am horrible at math like I don't even understand pre algebra... but.. anything is possible and I know it's achievable. Also.. I beat myself up because I am in my late 20's going back to school :/. Wish me luck peeps! Any tips would be wonderful! Amazing video by the way!

[@darkhumor7256]

Thank you so much, I really needed this

[@tiowu]

Thank you for sharing your experience with math. Very helpful!

[@destineealexandriagonzalez5464]

Love your story, appreciate you sharing. I am super inspired!

[@youraverageprogrammer7532]

Thanks for the tips Sosa! Don't be too hard on yourself. As you said, there's nothing you can't accomplish without effort!

[@Lovecatholicfaith]

OMG ! This video was touched so deeply in my soul! I love that and you made me cry! I’m going to start my CS and I was so scared about math! But your talk just give peace to me ! ❤❤❤❤❤❤ thanks for sharing it! Thanks 😊

[@lilpinkie12]

You have no idea how much this helps!

[@nar3745]

I’m so glad I found this video 😭 I’ve always been interested in coding but was put off on pursuing it because I’m “bad at math”. After two semesters as an English major I’m changing my major and going into computer science.

[@Luke-mu5mq]

I needed to hear this, I thought I was the only one. Awesome video.

[@andrewvalenzuela1048]

This video is so encouraging. You are so real for laying out that you weren't a math genius but found ways to make it work for you. Thanks for this video! I appreciate you!

[@ancestorbackwithanewname]

Really needed this motivation, struggling in genetics now and needed to hear something positive💛

[@mini_mouseinthehouse]

As a junior Cybersecurity major in college, math and my coding class was always the most difficult for me. Calculus II was especially difficult but it feels so relieving once I solve that problem either there or in coding. Like you were saying, there was no other major for me that made it so challenging but worth it.

[@tylerposch4396]

Good video, I’m looking into CS because I discovered that I liked programming and abstract mathematical concepts when I was 15.

[@vic__5378]

Most wholesome KZbinr out there. She's still liking her comments till now. 😘

[@heysosathedev]

Haha well thank you :) y'all make doing this a lot of fun

[@briangrandy7316]

Thank you for your honesty

[@kristineroundtree355]

Ty, I can relate to struggling with math.. I certainly will study to get where I want to go..😊

[@beatriceberthiaume664]

Love love love your videos!

[@heysosathedev]

Thank you!!!

[@konfinally4114]

needed this video 💪

[@jasnoorsingh1683]

Holy shit this video is what I needed right now, going into my very first year of college and already had a bad encounter with math and a terrible teacher and it’s not like COVID helped lmao, really needed this motivation right now to pursue comp science, despite the Math. Thank you

[@spysynth1422]

How it's going ?

[@lizsalino7231]

Thank you for this video girl! 💘🥺

[@heysosathedev]

:’) anytime!

[@Brown597]

A lot of value 💪🏾💯

[@ChinoBautista]

I really enjoyed your video. I'm doing CS right now and I am struggling but somehow I am passing the class so far . Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@jackboy2472]

Im thinking about taking up cs but I haven’t been in school in a while

[@Noele21ful]

I want to go to med school too, today I just failed my discrete math 2 class and I’m so broken, specially cuz I put so much effort! This video made me more ok with that. Thank you!

[@TechBabe]

Thank you so much for recording this. I'm not a natural genius at math but I really want to get my CS degree. I start school next week, so this video came right on time. ❤

[@matz0rz4o8]

I love these type of videos , honestly it’s lonely as fuck during the study at home 📚 especially when ur the only one out of ur friends enrolled in college. The student journey is a lonely path. Network engineer / cyber security student and I’m closing in on my A/S degree this fall and hoping to finish two degrees! It’s cool to hear ur thoughts and stuff or doubts we all can get and how you tried to tackle it Wow that last piece was really helpful! I found that to be me a lot of times ! 🥺😭🤦🏻‍♂️ dont give up even if it’s tough and you can’t understand it Subscribed ! 📲

[@jetxiao659]

You are a hero thanks a lot

[@soufsidetrayy8051]

Oh my God thank you so much for this video it was amazing because I’m also Major in Computer Science and I’m also a freshman and I am so scared of the math and literally everything you talked about in the video I have to take it’s scary but I’ll keep going go CS students 🖤

[@jes8432]

How are you finding it? I'm debating whether to major in it because I'm terrible at maths

[@SevenRiderAirForce]

I admire your tenacity!

[@MSneberger]

The math never stops in CS. I just got done with one of the easier graduate algorithm classes at my school and it was all graph theory. Today I attended the masters defense of a TA in that class titled "Improved Bi-criteria Approximation for the All-or-Nothing Multicommodity Flow Problem in Arbitrary Networks" and let me tell you, the math she was doing boggled the mind, and the math notation on most of the slides was scary.

[@scarface8975]

I'm extremely grateful for this video. I will push through this Computer Science Bachelor’s degree

[@loucchiealexander6360]

I am terrified of math your story is inspiring I've already dropped out of pre calc one time… I love computer science so that's what's keeping me going like you said but whew the challenge.. Which is what computer science is about really problem solving lol so I guess it's preparing me to critically think.

[@jas-meeen3171]

This video gives me hope :’) I’m a senior in high school rn who’s easily frustrated with math, thinking about majoring is CS! Wish me luck!

[@heysosathedev]

Girl!! You got this!!

[@spencerrr9878]

Calc 2 not required???? OH what I would give 😂 Great video! My math reqs are tough (Calc 1, 2, Discrete math, linear algebra, upper div stats) but mainly because all of our math teachers are trash. You give me hope as I was the same as you in high school

[@vmomo]

It took me 2 tries to get through Calc II 😅. Finding friends in my class DEFINITELY helped. Was wondering if you could give some advice on what major CS concepts you learned in school that helped you the most/are used the most in the industry? Thanks! 💕

[@heysosathedev]

I'm so glad you got through Calc II! I've heard that class is ROUGH. In terms of concepts that I learned that still help me, definitely everything I learned in my data structures and algorithms classes. I say it all the time but those classes are essential to the work software engineers do

[@alexandriabrown1140]

Great f*****g video! I relate to so many points in this video, and the approach you have.

[@MaximusDM100]

Hey Sosa, During the current pandemic, I've been doing a lot of "soul searching" to figure out how I can find my purpose. I am 28 and I still struggle with a lack of confidence in my abilities. These negative thoughts have held me back most of my life and caused me to fall back on bad habits. I recently obtained my Associates degree in liberal arts and I plan on going for a Bachelor's in CS, however, I'm also terrible at math. Your video is very encouraging and thank you for your openness about your struggles!

[@heysosathedev]

I'm so glad this video was helpful for you! Good luck with your Bachelor's, I'm rooting for you!!

[@IamFrancoisDillinger]

You're still young. I didn't even start college until I was 34. Lol. Never attended high school or middle school. Started with remedial Math and been basically taking a Math course every semester since. Currently taking Discrete math and Linear Algebra. If you struggle with math, check out Professor Leonard here on youtube.

[@2_L8]

Is this me? I'm 28 y/o have an associates degree in the arts and have very low confidence in my abilities as well. Any update on where you're at in life now?

[@pankajjoshi2032]

Have you started CS ? How're hold up? How's Math treating you ?

[@xaviergoudeaux7530]

I’m really hoping I can get through Linear Al next spring. 😭 (it’s supposed to be "for computing" using some python but it just sounds like a trap)

[@1000judethomas]

I'm currently a third-year CS major and I breezed through my math courses. But doing the physics courses was the hardest part hands down for me... :)

[@hlokomani]

Thank you so much

[@I_Lemaire]

Subbed. Thanks, Sosa.

[@amenmahary]

I’ll take all of the calc classes 5 times again before finishing this Linear Algebra class omg I’m exhausted and it’s only been 2 weeks 🤢

[@nattysuee]

subscribed ! i’m currently thinking about going back to school (BA psych ) to do comp sci but i’m TERRIFIED of math. going to give it a go 🖤 thank you for the encouragement

[@turnerbree11]

Hello! Did you decide to go back? I have a BA PSYCH too and I’m thinking about going back for comp sci. If so, did you go for a BS or MA?

[@TwitchRadio]

I'm going to be taking discrete math and statistics this coming session... I struggled in all my other math classes so far so this one's probably going to throw me for a loop..

[@lesdiaryii3761]

how has it been going?? im starting in a few weeks lol

[@gabs0149]

Love this so much! We need more tech women on youtube like you!! 💖

[@heysosathedev]

Ohhh thank you!

[@kyouu5704]

wow you're so smart!!

[@lasonrisade100milpesos2]

I needed to watch this video. I’m majoring in CS & the amount of math was starting to discourage me 😭😭

[@drini6901]

How’s it going?

[@iTzzproclan]

These compliers love sosa

[@Hannah.Williams]

I was going for a CIS major to avoid the CS math classes but I’m realizing that’s wack and I should really just take CS since that’s what I really need to do 🥲 I’m binge watching your videos rn. I love seeing representation in the field

[@AerielFerguson]

Omg this was so me growing up.....I was set on studying med and I always said I wanted to ve a pediatrician.....I did all sciences n never thought about doing anything else until covid hit us and I couldn't go to uni.....i'm now interested in cs

[@heysosathedev]

You should totally do CS :)

[@keishaburke262]

I never really comment on any video's. However, I am so greatful for your encouraging words and your humbleness. I am a Cybersecurity major. I am also female. I have so much doubt, because in my school, I am normally the only female in my classes. I do feel a bit of anxiety. Any who, thank you for your time.

[@heysosathedev]

I'm so happy this video was helpful for you. I felt (and still feel) the same way you did when I was in school. Being the only woman in a class can feel scary but don't let that stop you from completing the major. You got this and I'm rooting for you

[@MaryMaria13]

Hello, pardon my intrusion but Did you end up finishing your cybersecurity major?

[@sniffablecow]

Thank you for the video! I am going to college this fall, im worried because I have forgotten some stuff from high school lol. Is it possible to make up for this?

[@heysosathedev]

Congrats on college, that's so exciting!! You should be fine. If you're really anxious then you can look at a site like Khan Academy to brush up on some subjects that you feel like you're lacking in

[@levelupgoddess9289]

I did an Intro to Computer Science class last semester and I despised it. I also DESPISE math. This is the main reason I decided do Cyber Security instead of a Computer Science Degree. I have to repeat Statistics next semester. I did discrete math too and REALLY hated that.

[@murk959]

Not just this, but the fact that I just turned 21 and still haven't finished HS to apply to uni+ dauntingness of KNOWING a lot of people my age already have with amazing work experience and job history in CS vs me always... always deters me

[@alphonse8144]

I love your honesty. I relate so much. I'm studying CS as a freshman this fall. Wish me luck!

[@alexssanchez2467]

Im honestly scared for the math even though I’m really Interested in majoring in CS. I’m a senior In hs

[@annenxotenyi5009]

Same 💔😭

[@altoclef4989]

@@annenxotenyi5009 (this is directed at both of you) I don't know what it's like at other unis (or your high school, for that matter) but the type of math my CS degree emphasizes (discrete math) is VERY different from the math you're exposed to (as a generalization) in high school. I'd recommend looking up discrete math stuff on MIT Opencourseware to get your feet wet!

[@soobindoll9767]

@@altoclef4989 Thxs

[@aaronaustrie]

I’m not good at maths either. When comes to solving problems and working out stuff I’m not all that good but I still want to pursue a CS major so that why I’m doing CS

[@maliha3305]

Same here, I’m not really good at Maths it was also my weakest subject in school but I really want to pursue Computer Science but I am determined to strengthen my mathematic skills.

[@MsTori_boss]

I tried switching to Information Systems to avoid math. I realized that I need to over math phobia and ride out Computer Science program. I tried view outline before classes start to get heads up studying. I agree with studies in class.

[@Rayshaun1519]

Calculus was so difficult for me. I switch from pure Computer Science to Applied Computer Science specializing in Software Development, so I don't have to take calc 1 & 2. Thank God lol

[@DoomDeity]

wait what school

[@cleocleo7653]

And this is the reason I'm afraid of cs. So far. Learning HTML and I'm having so much fun but I'm scared of the math and if I'm good enough.

[@ZDamian407]

Sosa my major is Forensic Science. I believe I will have to take Calculus with Analytic Geometry 1 and 2

[@dominicclark3774]

GIRL. WOMAN. SISTER. FRIEND. Thank you. I’m a 33 y.o. black male currently enrolled in a bachelors/masters CS program. I love it, when I get it. I love it when I don’t. I want to give up when I feel like I don’t get it for too long a period of time lol. Usually a few hours. Sounds simp, but FEELS like I’m kidding myself in those moments. Thank you for this.

[@gfdgdgghhfdgfggg1190]

Can you become a web developer or software engineer if you major in information technology!

[@dyaonna]

Where should i go for free coding tutorials to prepare for the cs major ?

[@sharlitajones8747]

This came in at the right time.by any chance can you talk about the internships you did or when you started to apply for internships.

[@heysosathedev]

Hey! Thank you so much for watching. Here's a video where I talk about my experience applying and getting an internship: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4O5m6ypqqh6oLM

[@sharlitajones8747]

@@heysosathedev thank you I didnt see this

[@toad4112]

WORD i am struggling a lot with math in highschool. And i cried so much this week because I want to become an engineer, but i just need to do a lot of work only to get a C, i’ve Also gotten a D.

[@seannorton2755]

Very inspiring. You may have convinced me to put aside my math fears and pursue computer science. Thanks for the video.

[@heysosathedev]

You should!

[@kylejackson7176]

Hi, I really need some some help. I currently want to study computer science which was a last minute choice I made. The problem is, I need Maths. I did maths lit in high school so im unable to apply. Can you please give me some advice on what to do.

[@aaronaustrie]

Cool! I’m actually a CS major and wondering if whether I should stay in it

[@jackboy2472]

Im not tht bright in math but I want to take up the major because of the opportunity

[@art-io1po]

What did you get for your sat?

[@maxwellmaragia2272]

I hated prob and statistics with a passion and failed the first try. Linear algebra is alright but boring, Discrete mathematics 1 & 2 is absolutely amazing and I enjoyed it extremely. DS and algorithms was hard but I later realized its among the most important courses if you want to be a software engineer

[@kenishastills-ogburn4197]

How do you form study groups with people when you struggle with an class? I find that it's difficult to join a study group if you struggle with the course, and it's not that I don't want to join a group.

[@melanyanguilar5620]

Would you say the hard part of Computer science is the math? I’m currently a math major and I’ve already taken Calc 1-3 which I loved! However I am considering changing my major to CS so I’m wondering if the programming part of it is also hard like the math.

[@millenium2003]

Watching this before I take discreet math this semester.

[@michaelovadiyah659]

I’m actually going thought this atm. I’m attempting to go to a CS program in the fall and I’m kind of nervous about the math since they put so much of an emphasis on it

[@heysosathedev]

Well the math is really important but you shouldn't be intimidated by it. Yes, it'll be hard but as long as you're prepared and ask for help when you need it, you should be fine

[@moxielowlife7689]

@@heysosathedev May I ask you does Khan Academy has cover that kind of math of college need, like basic?

[@heysosathedev]

Yup! Khan Academy covers most of the math needed from what I remember. They might even have more subjects now

[@colorfulcodes]

Whew, I was terrible at it lol.

[@heysosathedev]

Lol I'm still terrible at it

[@xandro2445]

Have you found that you've had to apply math in your daily job? I suck at math and not trying to do math daily lmao. I can push through for a few years if necessary.

[@heysosathedev]

Luckily, not intense math like calc 2-3, linear, etc. I feel like I use basic math that I don't necessarily need to think about like algebra and discrete math. You really only need those upper level math classes if you plan on going into gaming, machine learning, data science, etc.

[@rebeccaferreyra8649]

I am taking trig - then need pre-cal then cal 1 and cal 2. I hate math. I am keeping the end goal in MIND! c's get degrees lol

[@matthewcarhee6225]

Same!!!! Good luck we got it!!!

[@epixdevo3180]

I switched my major to IT and CS minor I still have to take my math classes

[@aaliyah-uv2cn]

do you like IT better?

[@front331]

I'm struggling to exhale this. You struggled with Calc I but breezed through your CS classes then? I breezed through all the Calc's but with constant tutoring, managed a low B in CSC105 or the 1st computer class there is based on using Microsoft office.

[@heysosathedev]

Yea idk, I've always struggled with math since high school but for some reason, programming + data structures + algos (for the most part) clicks

[@staciii]

I'm taking calculus I and discrete math next semester 😭

[@kannonpatterson]

Staci same! I’m taking calc 1 and discreet this summer . Might as well while I’m at home all day because of covid

[@mosesparente3540]

George23 I just finished taking both Calc 1 and discrete math this semester, wish you the best!

[@leslieclarkson2291]

Stay focused. You got it!! Discrete and calculus 1 is not that hard.

[@drini6901]

How’d it go?

[@goldmango6214]

Without the math you won't be able to write efficient code which if writing a large program it would not even work and prob lag

[@student0094]

Hi Ms. Sosa what made you love computer science while being in school?

[@heysosathedev]

Great question :) I found learning CS in school really fun. I also made close friends in the major so it was fun to do assignments with them and work on projects together. Studying CS was definitely challenging but it was challenging in a good way for me

[@student0094]

@@heysosathedev thank you!! Have a nice day and be safe :)

[@shariecebrewster5962]

KZbin class do hope I am looking over and video

[@amirshah3429]

Hi.Is it hard to maintain at least 3.0 every semester?

[@heysosathedev]

Depends on a bunch of factors. It was hard for me towards the end of my 4 years because I was taking really hard classes and dealing with personal issues outside of school. I think if your grades are starting dropping lower than you would like, you might need to switch up your study routine and/or reach out to professors to better help you understand the material

[@youremytear5658]

does comp engineering require same amount of maths as cs,

[@frazebean5117]

Probably more to be honest since you need to know some electrical engineering too

[@seroujghazarian6343]

Biggest bane of my existence in CS major: Numerical Analysis. Need I say more?

[@benjaminplatt4109]

You work at a dope ass Silicon Valley Company, and a year and a half out from WHAT College? That information could be useful. :-)

[@TheBavaNeche]

Math is just a Way of Thinking. Someone created the Very Algorithms you are studying just like the Spanish or Chinese you are trying to learn. Just another language to describe the World that we live in. Everything is Every Book -- had to be learned in some Language -- BEFORE it was Written in a Book! Every Axiom, Rule or Law --- was once Unknown UNTIL someone figure it out and Wrote it down and Accepted.

[@murk959]

If we don't need a lot of math for CS jobs, how does the math we learn dyeing CS help you then?

[@shariecebrewster5962]

I am there's for class

[@unknownsoul7043]

Too bad I love math but not good at it, the thing is I see math as a tool to solve some real issues I see with the world, plus some real problems of my own, so I need to learn it plus I want to apply it at work, but mostly to test the accuracy of it, the realness of math. I believe the only thing holding me back from my earthly purpose is math, the only thing capping my imagination is math, and it's so upsetting wanting to think and express your thought with just english language so I still need to dig a little deeper in math, though it's not my strong point its gonna have to be for the things I have in mind, without math am limited with math am unlimited when it come on to it's applications... 😅😅😅 Hope am making sense

[@unknownsoul7043]

For example I need to find a way to keep metal in a semi solid state, making it's properties still say together with the ability to change form😅😅😅 this isn't possible because I don't know the limits of math, but with enough math some physics I believe this can be achieved