My CS Degree Journey

 Part One: Set Your Educational Goals My goal is to graduate from the CS program with a strong understanding of core computer science concepts and score above the national average on the Major Field Test. I want to strengthen my skills in algorithms, systems, and software engineering so I can grow in my current software development role and take on more advanced projects with confidence. Part Two: Set Your Career Goals My career goal is to move into a senior or lead software engineering role within the next few years. I want to become someone my team can rely on for architecture decisions and mentorship. I can picture myself leading major projects, making technical decisions, and helping others grow. Part Three: Take a Wild Guess of Your Percentile I feel reasonably confident about taking the ETS Computer Science test in 18 months. Based on the sample content, I'd probably land around the 75th percentile.  I already have a job in software development, and with continued learni...

    Part 1: Effective Time Management Strategies The AcademicTips.org website offers a variety of helpful resources on academic skills, such as time management, focus strategies, memory improvement, and productive study habits. A standout feature is its section on note-taking, which shares useful techniques for organizing and retaining information more effectively. One method discussed is the 2-6 format, where the page is split into two columns - a smaller one for key points and a larger one for supporting details - making it easier to review and identify main ideas. Another approach, called the Split Page Method, encourages combining lecture notes with textbook content on a single page for a more connected understanding. The site also stresses the value of reviewing and refining notes shortly after class to help reinforce what was learned. I think implementing these techniques should significantly improve my note-taking skills, leading to better comprehension and academic suc...

  Part 1: Review and Reflect Learning Strategy After reading Learning Strategy, I can say that my top 3 items that I am good at are: Creating and Following a Study Schedule: I habitually block out study time in my calendar, which keeps me on track and prevents the possibility of being late. Choosing a Distraction-Free Environment: I’ve set up my work desk specifically for studying - it's a quiet and comfortable space where I can focus. Everything I need is within reach and neatly organized, which helps me stay on task and avoid unnecessary distractions. Active Reading with SQ3R: Before diving into a chapter, I survey headings, turn them into questions, and then read to answer them. That helps me retain key concepts. Here are the top 3 items that I need to improve:  Tendency to Cram When Tired: I sometimes push into late-night review sessions when I'm already exhausted, which makes studying inefficient and causes stress levels to spike. Inconsistent Note Organization: Although ...

It is the beginning! My journey through the CS Online Program starts here.  This week, I spent about 14 hours reading the materials and completing the assignments for the first module. Assuming this is just a warm-up, I am considering looking for more effective strategies to follow the course pace. We have 9 graded assignments this week. I had to review the module assignments multiple times because I forgot whether I finished them. Therefore, I created a spreadsheet called "CS Online Assignments," listing all weekly assignments, the day of the week I plan to work on them, and the progress. Now, I can track my progress more quickly and efficiently. I accomplished all of them except for the group meeting with the instructor, which will happen tomorrow evening. Some of the material in the first module was familiar to me, while other parts were new. I have realized that I need to deepen my understanding of APA style, which feels like a significant shift since I primarily used MLA...