Harvard Computer Science for Python Programming

Hey everyone,
A couple of days ago one of my friends suggested that I should so the harvard computer science for python programming course. I think this isn't the CS50(x).

Link:https://www.edx.org/certificates/professional-certificate/harvardx-computer-science-for-python-programming

I am not like an elite programmer. I just finshed my edexcel iGCSEs this May/June & I am finding something to do during the first few months of IALs. iGCSE python programming was actually very easy for me, but I have no other knowledge outside the boundaries of the syllabus.I am someone who does a whole bunch of extra activities at school and at sports clubs.

1. What I wanted to know was, is the course extremely challenging?
2. How much time will it take?
3. Am I capable for doing it (according to desc. I gave)?
4. Are there like a ton of new things to learn?

Thank you for helping!

Reply 1

hotpud

Original post

by Peter Falking

Hey everyone,
A couple of days ago one of my friends suggested that I should so the harvard computer science for python programming course. I think this isn't the CS50(x).
Link:https://www.edx.org/certificates/professional-certificate/harvardx-computer-science-for-python-programming
I am not like an elite programmer. I just finshed my edexcel iGCSEs this May/June & I am finding something to do during the first few months of IALs. iGCSE python programming was actually very easy for me, but I have no other knowledge outside the boundaries of the syllabus.I am someone who does a whole bunch of extra activities at school and at sports clubs.
1. What I wanted to know was, is the course extremely challenging?
2. How much time will it take?
3. Am I capable for doing it (according to desc. I gave)?
4. Are there like a ton of new things to learn?
Thank you for helping!

Seems a bit expensive for something you can do for free. In my experience the challenge students face is not the programming, it is the problem solving and the only real way to do this is to solve problems. I'm a big fan of this site
https://edabit.com/challenges

All the challenges are free. It should be obvious if you have solved them correctly or not. Good luck!

Reply 2

Peter Falking

How accepted is it by universities, like the fairly top ones (Not the best like Harvard, but yk)? Will I help improve my profile apart from academics?

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 3

throwengineer

Original post

by Peter Falking

How accepted is it by universities, like the fairly top ones (Not the best like Harvard, but yk)? Will I help improve my profile apart from academics?

I would've thought this is something you would just put into your personal statement, akin to MOOCs. Of course, if you don't have any prior skills, then this'll help refine your statement.

Reply 4

artful_lounger

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by Peter Falking

How accepted is it by universities, like the fairly top ones (Not the best like Harvard, but yk)? Will I help improve my profile apart from academics?

I doubt this would be acceptable in lieu of standard qualifications required to enter e.g. GCSEs and A-levels or equivalent. This sort of thing would fall under the category of "personal statement material" as alluded to above - things you can do to discuss in your personal statement to demonstrate your engagement with the subject area and how you've explored it beyond the A-level (or equivalent) curriculum.

That said, there are plenty of other ways to demonstrate that kind of engagement that don't cost ~500 USD. I don't think you're getting value for money doing that - you could just as well do wider reading, some (free) MOOCs, and/or teach yourself some programming and do some self-driven projects and talk about how you problem solved your way through those. Plenty of places you can get ideas or suggestions on things to work on with potentially help, for free, online!

Basically, I think unless you're super rich and would walk past ~500 USD on the street rather than stoop down to pick it up, it's probably not worth the cost relative to just doing similar experiences elsewhere for free. You're basically paying that money just to get the Harvard name stamped on a certificate which doesn't really mean much by itself.

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