A career in Computer Engineering

[unilliterate]

Hey guys, I am currently a 16 year old Junior in high school. I am incredibly interested and fascinated in computers as they are constantly changing. I had the aspiration of being a computer engineer since Junior High school.

But... I'm weak in math. I've passed Alg 1 and 2 with A and B's. Geometry over summer school and gotten a C and currently have a C in Pre-Calculus. I plan to take AP Calculus my senior year and see how I do. I mean I'm all for math and love it if I answer the questions right.. but when I'm constantly trying my best and getting the questions wrong discourages me.

California Standards Tests are coming up for Math. My teacher gave me a review packet.. and I've completely forgotten/don't know how to do half of the problems which discourages me also.

I know that Computer Engineering involves math, but how much of it exactly? I know some college courses can be intensive as hell in math. Some may say to stay away from engineering if I'm not interested/or weak in math.. But I don't want to let that one subject to restrict me from a career that I would love to pursue.

What are your advices? Should I just quit now? Study 154543541x harder?

Many thanks.
- Uni.

 

[Ivan92]

Well, I could only tell you from a Freshman in Computer Engineering point of view of how much math is required. For general math courses, I am expected to take up to Differential Equations and Linear Algebra. So you have to better your skills in math. You have to be fairly comfortable with Physics as well, which would bring about more Math and applications.Im also taking my first engineering class and it requires plenty of math skill. We dealt with Boolean Algebra, which is different from regular algebra (to some extent).

What I am basically saying is yes, you will be dealing with a fair amount of complex math. I don't get how you are getting a C in Pre-Calculus when you got A's and B's in your Algebra. How is your trig skill? Bring those grades up and if you need help, go to a tutor or ask your teacher for more help. Do whatever you can.

I always believed that the learning comes in the struggle. Not a lot of people get math at their first shot. They had to keep practicing and studying until they got it. Math is not an easy subject and requires time to master. Do not quit now, keep trying.

I'd like to put this up for you, for me it kind of helps me because when I first learn a new concept, I would not get it at times. Then I hit an epiphany and realize what I am supposed to do.

Good luck

 

[unilliterate]

Yes.. the second semester of my Pre-Calculus was basically all straight up trig so far. I've done silly mistakes on tests and it took me a while to grasp and memorize the Unit Circle. But now we're doing limits and that is totally easy peasy. I'm just not sure if I'm ready to stay up almost every night during college days trying to figure out those intensive math problems, stressing myself to the max. Many thanks your input!

Also, would you say Linear or Boolean Algebra is more difficult than Calculus 1?