The importance of computer science and math classes for grad school admissions?

[DukeofDuke]

Say two students both express interest in becoming experimentalists of some sort. They both have research experience with experimentalists, comparable GPA's and GRE's, even similar letters of rec.
However, one of them took two computer science courses, and the other didn't.
Would admissions officers take the kid with the programming experience over the kid without it?

And what about a similar scenario, except the kid instead got a math double major and so ended up with some extra math courses.

 

[maverick_starstrider]

To be honest I'd think the similarity of your previous research to what the prof has in store for you would be the biggest decider. People who take a course or 2 in CS are not really going to be able to program anything on an academic level anyways (knowing the syntax of a for loop in c++ is only the tiniest of steps towards the full amount of CS knowledge you'd need to design scientific computation algorithms). As for the math, I think a double major in math would be a lot more appealing to a theory student then an experimentalist student.

 

[Mene]

I can attest to the fact that computer science and math skills are becoming increasingly important in many fields of research. In today's data-driven world, being able to analyze and interpret large amounts of data is crucial for conducting successful experiments and making meaningful discoveries. Therefore, it is not surprising that many graduate programs, particularly in science and engineering, place a strong emphasis on computer science and math coursework.

In the scenario described, while both students may have comparable academic achievements and research experience, the student with computer science courses would likely have a slight advantage in the eyes of admissions officers. This is because having a strong foundation in computer science can be highly beneficial in conducting research, regardless of the specific field of study. It shows that the student has the ability to handle and analyze data, which is a crucial skill in any research setting.

Similarly, a student with a math double major would also have an advantage over the student without it. Math skills are essential for many aspects of scientific research, including data analysis, modeling, and problem-solving. Having a strong background in math can demonstrate to admissions officers that the student has the quantitative skills necessary to excel in graduate-level research.

However, it is important to note that admissions decisions are not solely based on coursework. Other factors, such as research experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements, also play a significant role in the admissions process. So while having computer science and math courses on a transcript may give a student an edge, it is not the only determining factor in admissions decisions.

In conclusion, as a scientist, I highly recommend that students interested in pursuing graduate studies in any field should consider taking computer science and math courses. These skills are becoming increasingly important and can give students a competitive edge in the admissions process. However, it is also essential for students to focus on building a well-rounded academic profile with strong research experience and other relevant skills.