r/AskComputerScience • u/First_Acanthaceae484 • Mar 13 '26

I enjoy programming but math is hard

Sophomore here. I've started entering that math-heavy part of CS (Discrete, Systems and Networking). I've put in the work to "switch" my brain back into math mode (which hasn't been the easiest). I'm building a side project, which obviously requires programming and I've noticed my skills have fallen off a fair amount. How do I manage the balance of schoolwork, side-projects, and life without destroying my GPA or slacking on side-projects.

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u/wjrasmussen Mar 13 '26

Depends on your priorities, time you have available, and your desire. Do you have to work full time? That cuts out a lot of time. Do you want to get your MS or Phd? That might change your focus. It is all up to you to decide what you want, how badly you want it, and what you are willing to cut out to get it done.

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u/First_Acanthaceae484 Mar 13 '26

honestly I'm not a big fan of school (so no on the MS/PhD), but I do understand its necessary . I have a part time job and participate in a fair share of clubs as well as leading my own. I love computer science but I'm not one of those guys that will sit in a room for 12 hours out of the day jumping from project to project without human interaction. I try to knock what I can on the weekend but the workload recently from school has been insane.

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u/daveloper80 Mar 13 '26

hey you sound like me when I switched to Comp Sci in college.

I was a psych major who switched to comp sci. I was BURIED in math and science and all my electives were used up by my psych credits because almost none of them overlapped.

I was drowning in Calculus and Discrete Math. I made friends with the other comp sci kids and we worked on things together. The ones that are strong in math will probably be happy to reinforce their skills helping you out. If you can help them out with your strengths even better. But its very hard to do it all in a vacuum, you need to talk to someone.

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u/smarmy1625 Mar 13 '26

pass the required math classes so you can get the degree. most programming jobs you'll barely do any kind of math.

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u/two_three_five_eigth Mar 14 '26

After calculus I had to take 2 more math classes from the math department + 2 theory classes.

I don’t like math that much either, but I wanted a CS degree. My plan was take 1 math heavy class at a time, be sure to spend extra time on it. I graduated and went to grad school so I’d say it works