Computer science aptitude tests are a blessing for standardising the way we process and evaluate candidates that apply to computer science programs. These tests provide a consistent approach to measuring analytical, problem solving, and troubleshooting abilities. They also provide a standard link between the application of knowing a set of computer science concepts and being able to apply those same concepts. The computer science aptitude test consists of a series of historical and current problems related to programming for software developers, engineers, and scientists. The purpose of these types of tests is to provide a comprehensive review of basic computer science concepts commonly taught in introductory computer science courses.
Benefits of Computer Science Aptitude Test :
1. Aptitude tests provide consistent content and evaluation :
Aptitude tests provide a consistent review of concepts across institutions, or even within institutions. It also allows a common way to compare candidates that have had exposure to different academic programs. It provides a consistent framework to make comparisons that would otherwise be difficult to make. Aptitude questions test the fundamental knowledge and abilities students learn in their computer science courses. Aptitude tests are designed to measure the ability of a candidate to apply their knowledge of computer science concepts and to write correct software code.
2. Aptitude tests provide early exposure to difficult problems :
Aptitude tests provide exposure to difficult problems by presenting candidates with a review of common programming concepts, such as binary trees and linked lists, along with new and challenging problems. These problems allow candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their problem solving skills. Aptitude tests provide a common language for the computer science industry to discuss candidates. The questions provided in aptitude tests are common to the industry and can be discussed among professionals.
3. Aptitude tests provide exposure for harder concepts :
Aptitude tests allow the candidate an opportunity to determine if computer science is the career path they want to pursue in their academic endeavours before committing a significant amount of time and money. Additionally, the exposure of harder problems provide candidates the opportunity to grow in their problem solving skills through their career. This can be as simple as learning a new programming language, but it can also be as complex as learning algorithms to solve difficult problems.
4. Aptitude tests provide a consistent way to acquire a deeper understanding of computer science concepts :
Aptitude tests not only allow candidates to review existing computer science concepts, but also allow them the opportunity to approach these concepts from another perspective, typically one that is more difficult and time consuming than it would be in an academic setting. The process of having to solve difficult and challenging problems trains candidates for other aspects of professional programming. The ability to solve difficult problems will allow candidates to be more prepared for other activities, such as working with mentors and team members.
5. Aptitude tests provide a consistent review of basic computer science programming language concepts :
Aptitude tests typically focus on fundamental programming concepts such as data types, control flow, or data structures. These questions allow candidates exposure to new languages and scenarios where they can apply the knowledge they have learned previously in other programming languages. The exposure of this information allows candidates the opportunity to learn multiple languages and identify those that work best for themselves in future activities.
6. Aptitude tests provide a way to measure the depth of computer science concepts :
The ability to solve difficult problems provides candidates the opportunity to approach new concepts in an efficient way, which teaches candidates how to apply the knowledge they have learned previously. The ability to apply computer science concepts and problem solving skills at different levels gives candidates the opportunity to be productive in a variety of careers. It also provides them with a common language that can be discussed among professionals in their future career.
7. Aptitude tests provide an early warning system :
Aptitude tests provide a way for candidates to identify if they want to pursue computer science as a career or not. The exposure to difficult problems allows candidates the opportunity to assess whether it is worth devoting substantial time and resources towards pursuing computer science as a full-time vocation, or in other areas such as graduate school or research. Aptitude tests also provide an opportunity for students to pursue computer science as part of their undergraduate curriculum, which may provide them valuable technical skills in college and perhaps allow them the opportunity to pursue new subjects in graduate school.
8. Aptitude tests provide an objective review :
Aptitude tests allow for more precision and objectivity in testing since the questions are written by experts and the evaluation is performed by experts with statistical means of dealing with issues such as the subjective perspective of individual reviewers. The removal of subjectivity removes potential biases that may skew the results towards a particular group or candidate. Experts are trained to review and grade problems in a consistent manner. This consistency allows for the removal of subjectivity in the review process, and subsequently provides more accurate results.
9. Aptitude tests provide real world problems :
Aptitude tests provide candidates exposure to real world scenarios commonly faced by personal computer users, but still allow them the opportunity to apply their learned knowledge. The inclusion of code samples, code data structures and control structures allow candidates exposure to real world concepts that they may face in their professional careers. The evaluation of these problems takes into account previous knowledge related to programming constructs.
How to Prepare for Computer Science Aptitude?
Students who have decided to pursue computer science as their career path should make sure to review any information provided by the university to prepare for the aptitude portion of the computer science interviews. This may include practice problems or links to other resources available online. In addition, candidates should study any materials that may be provided by their mentor, such as a reference guide for common interview questions and answers. Taking a practice test is also beneficial in order to gain familiarity with the expected format and scope of the interview process.
What is an aptitude exam and how does it help in Computer Science Aptitude?
Computer Science Aptitude is a generic term for the set of questions that are typically asked in the computer science interview. The aptitude exam is a test that is taken by the computer science students to determine the suitability of skills and aptitude related to computer science. The computer science aptitude test is taken to decide whether a student is fit for computer science.
Mercer Mettl is a leading provider of assessment solutions for the personal computer science industry. Mercer Mettl has developed a Computer Science Aptitude test, which is a free online test that can be taken to assess aptitudes related to computer science. This test consists of questions that are typically asked in computer science interviews. The questions are based on concepts such as data structures, programming languages and algorithms.
