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What colleges are best for getting into the technology field, especially software development?

I'm currently a 10th grader in a dual enrollment program for computer science looking to get into software development. I have very little experience with programming outside of what was needed for class, like very basic use of the windows command prompt and Ubuntu. I would appreciate it if I'm recommended colleges around Maryland, but if there's something much better that's further away that is also fine.

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Thank you comment icon Think about what you can do now to prepare to prepare for, and be accepted at, good colleges and universities. Good grades in English and math are important as well as good grades in computer science courses. Take AP computer science courses if you can. Think about what you are interested in and what you'd like to use computer science to do. Take courses related to your interests (physics?, chemistry?, biology?). Look for extracurricular activities related to your interests. All these will help you be accepted at good colleges and universities so you will have a choice of where to go. Allan Thompson
Thank you comment icon You’re already ahead by seeking advice! Keep learning, keep asking, and keep believing in yourself. Every career path has challenges, but with determination and curiosity, you’ll find success. Keep reading my peer's advice. Isida Mici
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Atul’s Answer

State universities are great for studying almost any subject, especially in science and technology. Unless you receive full scholarships from Ivy League schools, it's wise to choose state schools to keep student loans low, unless your family can easily afford the costs. You'll be happy with this choice in the long run.
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Mrinalini’s Answer

By selecting a college that balances high academic standards, practical learning, and strong industry connections, you’ll position yourself well for a software development career. Choose the environment that aligns with your goals—
Thank you comment icon It looks like the user was asking for specific college recommendations. Do you have any that you would suggest the learner look at? Gurpreet Lally, Admin
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

Consider exploring schools in Maryland like the University of Maryland, College Park, Johns Hopkins University, UMBC, Bowie State University, Towson, or Loyola University. Community colleges such as Anne Arundel Community College, the Community College of Baltimore County, Montgomery College, and Howard Community College also offer great programs. These schools can set you up for success with strong courses and transfer options for a four-year degree.

Getting involved in personal projects, open-source work, coding clubs, hackathons, or online challenges can really boost your skills. Building a portfolio, learning different programming languages, and connecting with professionals on LinkedIn, GitHub, or at tech meetups can make you stand out to employers. Working on team projects will also improve your problem-solving and communication skills, which are key for a career in software development.

When picking a school, look for programs that teach important skills and offer industry connections, internships, or research opportunities. Consider the school's reputation, student services, financial aid, and campus culture. Visiting campuses, talking with students or faculty, and checking out courses and career support can help you choose the right place. By combining a strong academic base with hands-on projects and networking, you'll have a great start in the tech field.
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David’s Answer

That's a fantastic goal, and your dual enrollment is a brilliant start! For software development, the "best" colleges are those that combine rigorous computer science fundamentals with strong co-op/internship programs and a heavy emphasis on hands-on project work. Your immediate area, the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia), is a major tech hub for both government and commercial contractors, offering excellent local options. Within Maryland, the two powerhouse choices are Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in Baltimore, consistently ranked among the top private universities for its Computer Science program, and the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). UMCP is highly regarded for its public affordability and strong specialization in areas like Software Engineering and Cybersecurity, which are directly relevant to your interest and highly sought after by local employers like Amazon, Google, and the numerous defense/cyber firms in the area. UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) is also excellent and noted for its hands-on approach and specialized graduate programs in Software Engineering.

Expanding beyond Maryland, your next best options, offering a competitive advantage, are regionally close and highly influential in tech recruiting. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, PA, is internationally renowned for its School of Computer Science and is arguably the top choice for software engineering specifically, though it is highly competitive. For public universities just outside Maryland, Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, and Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in Atlanta, GA, are both top-tier programs known for their deep technical curriculum, excellent career services, and strong placement rates in the software industry. Remember, no matter where you go, the key to landing the job will be supplementing your degree with internships and a portfolio of personal projects you've built on your own time—your degree opens the door, but your practical experience gets you hired.
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