What subjects do you need to take for a programmer?

So, you have decided to connect your life with the field of information technology. This is a good choice! The IT industry is developing rapidly, there is a constant demand for qualified specialists, interesting tasks and decent pay await you. However, the first step is to get an education. In this post, you'll find out what exams you need to take and what are the specifics of applying to become a programmer.

University or college?

The conditions of admission to the programmer programme primarily depend on the choice of educational institution. If you are planning to study at a university after grade 11, you will be admitted on the basis of entrance exams, which are an assessment of the applicant's readiness. This year, the entrance exam is held in the form of a national multi-subject test.

Instead, admission to a college programme in programming is much easier. Instead of catching up on school subjects and preparing for the NMT, you just need to create your own applicant account on the EDEBO website, submit an electronic application, send a package of documents and sign an agreement. By the way, after completing your college studies, you can enter a higher education institution immediately for the second or third year.

A little advice

If you are planning to combine your studies with work or have other responsibilities or interests that require a flexible schedule, consider a distance learning format. This is an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and develop the skills necessary for a successful career as a programmer at your own pace and from anywhere in the world

What subjects will be covered in the exams?

The National Multidisciplinary Test includes three compulsory subjects.

1. Ukrainian language. This part covers all the language topics covered in the school course in this subject: phonetics, spelling, word structure, lexicology and phraseology, syntax, stylistics, speech development, etc. There are 20 tasks in the Ukrainian language CST block: 15 questions with one correct answer out of four or five options, as well as 5 matching exercises (search for logical pairs).
2. Mathematics. This is not only a compulsory subject for admission to a higher education institution, but also an important discipline for future programmers. Therefore, it is worthwhile to be responsible for the preparation. Graduates should know that the mathematics block contains 22 tasks. You need to complete 15 tasks with one correct answer out of five options, 3 exercises to establish logical pairs, and answer 4 open-ended questions.
3. History of Ukraine. Another compulsory subject for admission to the programme. There are 30 tasks in this block. Among them are multiple-choice questions, matching tasks, and exercises to find the sequence of the proposed events. During the preparation, you need to repeat the historical period ‘the second half of the 16th century - the beginning of the 21st century’.

The NMT also involves taking one subject of the applicant's choice. It can be a foreign language (English, German, French, Spanish), geography, chemistry, physics, Ukrainian literature or biology.

A little advice
It is better to choose physics or English as a fourth subject, as they usually have a much higher weighting factor for admission to programmer and other IT specialities. In addition, knowledge of physics will help you better understand the basics of computer science and algorithms, as this subject develops logical thinking and analytical skills. English is required to access the latest resources, technical documentation and international standards in programming. The right choice of subjects will not only ensure your admission to an educational institution, but will also become a solid foundation for further study and career in the IT field.

How many points do I need to score?

Now you know which subjects you should study especially hard to get accepted as a programmer. However, it all depends on your exam results. Most often, you need to score at least 130 points to qualify for state-funded places. If you are considering a paid form of education, then 100 points will be enough to participate in the competition. However, each educational institution sets its own requirements for points and subjects, so check the conditions of admission to become a programmer on the official websites of the educational institutions you are interested in.

A little advice

The passing score for Computer Science will be known only after the results of this year's admission campaign are announced. Therefore, when choosing a profession as a programmer, it is useful to pay attention to the passing score of the previous year. This will help you better orientate yourself and plan your preparation.

What else should future programmers know?

Although certain subjects are not mandatory for admission to the programmer programme, their in-depth study can significantly increase your competence in this field. Here's what you should pay special attention to.

• Computer science. This subject is the basis of programming. In-depth study of computer science allows you to better understand algorithms, data structures, and computer systems, which is very useful for any programmer. You will be able to master new and more complex technologies faster and will be better orientated in computer science after entering university.
• Financial literacy (economics). Understanding the basics of finance and economics is especially important if you plan to work on projects related to the development of financial applications or corporate systems. In addition, knowing the basic business processes will help you better understand customer needs and create solutions that effectively meet those needs. Understanding the business side of things will help you implement optimal resource management solutions and better coordinate with other team members, such as business analysts and project managers.

With this knowledge, you can become a competitive professional. The skills and knowledge you acquire are a great foundation for a successful career in IT.
Diligent preparation for the entrance exam is crucial. If you are diligent and study the necessary subjects, you will easily pass any entrance exams and achieve the desired results. Good luck with your studies and future career as a programmer!