Prerequisite C++ course advice needed.

[Ethan Lim]

Hi.
I was wondering if you could share your opinions on C++ courses.
I am going to apply for 2014 MFE programs. By then I will have Bachelor degrees in
Mech Eng, Math and Econ, so I think I will meet most of the math prerequisites.
However I am worried about my programming qualifications.
I have used several programming tools for classes but I have only take two "pure" programming classes in school, both only covering C and Java, so no C++.

I took the C++ Certificate course here on quantnet and received a certificate with distinction last year, but I am worried that this might not be enough to show programming proficiency.

I am currently looking into the UCB pre MFE C++ class since registration is currently open, but I see mixed opinions on how good or worthwhile the course actually is.

Any advice would be great.

In short,
No C++ classes taken in school.
Completed Quantnet C++ Certificate with distinction.
Is taking UCB C++ pre MFE course a waste of time and money or will it help strengthen my application?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Taking the UCB C++ may be redundant since you already took the Baruch C++ course and did really well. If you compare the syllabus, the C++ course you took is much more comprehensive.
What you need to do is to keep your C++ skill current.
Join an open source project. Get some advanced C++ books in our reading list and do some of those topics.
Mark Joshi, Daniel Duffy have some good books on C++

 

[Daniel Duffy]

Ethan Lim

Is the UCB C++ course available for public viewing?

 

[Ethan Lim]

Daniel Duffy
As far as I am aware online viewing is only for registered students.
I'm not sure about auditing the on-site lecture, but that is not an option for me now.

 

[Daniel Duffy]

Daniel Duffy
As far as I am aware online viewing is only for registered students.
I'm not sure about auditing the on-site lecture, but that is not an option for me now.

Sorry, I mean the course outline. i.e. the bullet descriptions of each module.

 

[Ethan Lim]

Daniel Duffy

The course syllabus is open to the public.

Here is the link
http://mfe.berkeley.edu/download/preprogram_c_syllabus.pdf

 

[Daniel Duffy]

Daniel Duffy

The course syllabus is open to the public.

Here is the link
http://mfe.berkeley.edu/download/preprogram_c_syllabus.pdf

for some strange reason I can't download this pdf.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Google search has this

 

[Daniel Duffy]

Thanks, all.
Personally, I would go for QN

And all that great support from TAs and Andy.

 

[Ethan Lim]

Daniel Duffy
Yes I have to agree with that.
Andy and the TAs were more than helpful throughout the course and all questions were kindly answered very promptly.

Also for whoever is interested, I just found out that the UCB C++ program is only graded pass/fail.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Also for whoever is interested, I just found out that the UCB C++ program is only graded pass/fail.

The tuition for all pre-program courses for 2013 is $1,695. Last time I checked, it was $1,395 for 2011.

 

[Daniel Duffy]

That's almost 21.5% increase. What's inflation these days?

 

[bigbadwolf]

That's almost 21.5% increase. What's inflation these days?

Officially or the real rate?