Studying Computer Science At University

Q: I'm thinking of studying Computer Science at university, and currently am doing Maths, Physics and English A-levels (oh, and general studies). I'm likely to apply to the considered 'top of the league' universities in this subject - Cambridge, York, Imperial, Warrick, etc. Does anyone have any experience in CS when applying to these universities - and just how important IS further maths? I figured I could leave further maths and substitue it with physics instead (I don't really fancy the prospect of doing another A-level this far into the course - I'm a year 12 student), but recently I've been hearing rumblings from the great entity that is our school's sp-called 'careers adviser' that further maths is more or less essential, regardless of the other A-levels, for CS - especailly with the universities I've listed above. At the moment, I'm looking at a three A result (4 if you include GS), but I will try and study further maths aswell if it is really important. CAn anyone enlighten me here?

A: -Check the uni prospectuses for details about what subjects they want. If you are still unsure, phone or e-mail them. Remember they all want you and will be extremely helpful! -Phone up and ask the CS department admissions tutor in these places. Further Maths *is* necessary if you want to get into the top Maths degrees, but I've never seen it stated as necessary for any Computer Science degree. I looked at my copy of this year's prospectus for Imperial, and they state that grade A in A-level Maths is necessary, and two other A-levels at grade B are necessary. It doesn't state that one of those other A-levels must be Further Maths. I'm pretty sure even the very

top places would regard Physics as quite acceptable instead. Indeed, for Computer Science courses with a hardware emphasis, Physics is an essential A-level. Computer Science requires similar skills to Maths, so A-level Maths is a good test for potential ability in it, but it tends not to use the sort of Maths found at A-level. Therefore university Computer Science departments who are fortunate to have sufficient applicants to pick and choose do ask for A-level Maths. That's not because much of the material in A-level Maths will be used, but because if you're good at A-level Maths you're likely to be good at degree-level Computer Science, and if you're not, you're not.