Is ICS H21 For You?

ICS H21, the honors version of ICS 21, is an unparalleled opportunity for highly successful students to begin their study of computer science in in an enriched, small-group setting.

Are you eligible? If you're in the Campuswide Honors Program, if you scored 3 or more on the AP Computer Science A exam ,or if you scored at least 620 on two of the three sections of the SAT I exam, you are eligible. No previous computing experience is required [Story]; students who have done a lot of programming should consider taking ICS 22 or ICS H22. If you don't meet these eligibility criteria but you think you should be in ICS H21, you may consult with Andre van der Hoek, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. If you don't take ICS H21, you can become eligible for ICS H22 next quarter by getting a very high grade in ICS 21.

Will the workload be higher in ICS H21? No. Both ICS 21 and ICS H21 are six-unit courses with a subsantial lab component; both courses require a serious commitment of time and effort. The ICS H21 assignments are not longer or harder, but if you're a highly successful student, you may find that you'll enjoy them more because they cover a broader range of topics and involve more cutting-edge concepts. [Details]

Will the competition be tougher? The campus policy on honors courses is that students should receive the same grade in an honors course as they would have received in the regular course; in practice, this means that nearly everyone in ICS H21 gets a grade in the A range. [Caution] This also opens up some opportunities for group collaboration; in some ways, ICS H21 may actually be less competitive than the regular version.

What are some other advantages of ICS H21? The class is a lot smaller than ICS 21, so you get more attention from the instructors and TA. The small size also lets us explore more of the material and its implications. A small class also creates a unique camaraderie; some of your classmates in ICS H21 will become your friends for life. [Story]

When and where does ICS H21 meet? Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:50 in room ICS 243. The lab meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 2:50 in room 192 ICS; attendance at lab is not optional.

What should you do if you're ready to sign up? See Neha Rawal in the ICS Student Affairs Office to take care of the paperwork. Try to do it by Welcome Week so you're able to attend the first class meeting of ICS H21 on Thursday, September 24.

What if you have other questions? Feel free to send a message to David Kay at kay@uci.edu.