Does Simon Fraser University accept Computer Science HL?

💡Expert's Take

“REAL CREDIT — CMPT 120 IS SPECIFIC, BUT PREP FOR THE NEXT STREAM

The Good News: SFU grants 6 units for IB Computer Science HL: CMPT 120 (3) + CMPT 1XX (3).

• The Threshold: Diploma students generally earn credit with 4+; Certificate/Partial students need 5+ (HL only). • The Specific Win: You receive specific credit for CMPT 120, SFU's intro programming course (commonly taught in Python). This allows you to skip the first standard coding requirement.

The Reality Check:

• The "Language & Systems" Jump: Many CS pathways move next into CMPT 125. Unlike the high-level Python you skipped, CMPT 125 is often taught in C++ and focuses on lower-level concepts like memory management and pointers. • The Gap: If you learned Java in IB, the logic transfers, but the toolchain does not. You will need to learn C++ syntax and manual memory management quickly to survive CMPT 125.

Strategic Advice:

• For CS Majors: TAKE THE CREDIT. CMPT 120 is often too basic for an HL student. Use the summer to learn basic C++ syntax so you aren't fighting the compiler while learning Data Structures. • For Non-Majors: This is a "Golden Ticket" elective. ◦ CMPT 120 is designated Quantitative (Q) and Breadth-Science (B-Sci). If CS is not your major, this single course can satisfy both requirements instantly. ◦ The remaining CMPT 1XX is a generic elective.

Verdict: Green Light. Take the credit to save time and money, but treat the "C++ gap" seriously before starting your next course.”