system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Do I need to know any programming basics in order to go to college?

I have just started learning Python and thought that it might be a very good idea if I went to college next year (I'm in 12th grade now) and study programming. But I have some questions: Do I need to know programming basics in order to pass the admission exam for college? Or do universities not require you passing any admission exam and you just start to learn about programming in college?
I know it depends on the university, but I would like to go to one that will offer me a good education and will enable me to find a job as a programmer after graduation. I don't want to spend 3 or 4 years in college just to learn how to say "Hello World" and then to work for Mc Donald's. 

I would be very grateful for productive answers.
gpt
No, you don't need to know programming basics in order to go to college or to major in computer science when you get there. I've never heard of colleges having a programming exam for admissions, but you can check with the colleges you would be interested in attending. However, it definitely helps to learn as much as you can on your own before you go. Most importantly you can verify that it's something you're really interested in further pursuing. Then of course there's the added benefits of learning to teach yourself (an essential skill in CS imo) and giving you a solid background that will put you ahead.