Turing Scholars Program: Prospective Students

Summer Preparation

During your first semester in the Turing Scholars program you will begin studying the two foundations of computing as a science:

Programming (in CS 315H), and
Logic and formal reasoning (in CS 313H)

We have accepted into the program a diverse group of students. You all show exceptional academic promise. But your backgrounds differ widely. The purpose of this page is to give each of you the opportunity to spend some time over the summer, before you come to UT, filling in holes in your prior experience and enriching your understanding of the depth of computer science as an intellectual discipline.

The suggestions we offer here are divided into three areas:

» Programming in Java:
An introduction to object-oriented programming in Java. We describe a basic set of skills we hope everyone will have at the beginning of CS 315H. We suggest that you review that list and then follow the suggested study guide if your background seems weak.

» Logic and formal reasoning
An introduction to formal logic and proof techniques. Although no specific formal background is required for CS 313H, prior familiarity with the main concepts will be a help. We suggest a couple of books you might want to look at (including the text for your class). But mostly we list websites that contain tools that will let you practice some of the fundamental skills. You'll also find links to some logic games that you can use to hone your reasoning skills.

» The big picture
Key intellectual ideas in the history of computer science and other things it is fun to think about. We list here books that influenced our thinking about computing. We want to share them with you. None of them is required, but if you can find the time to read a few of them over the summer you'll come to the program with a deeper understanding of why you're doing what you're doing.

Explore the Turing Scholars Program

» Benefits of the program
» Curriculum
» Read about our successes

Who Should Apply?

Do you have what it takes to be a Turing Scholar?
» Learn More

How to Apply

The Turing Scholars Program is open to the following prospective students.
» Prospective Freshmen
» Transfer Students
» Current UT Students

Summer preparation for recently admitted students

Ready to get started? Here are a few tips about how to use your summer time to get ready to be a Turing Scholar!
» Get ready for classes!

This Page Last Updated: August 1, 2006