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how to make my subject strong ?

I plan to pursue Computer Science as my major, and I would like to know what additional activities I should focus on beyond my college coursework to strengthen my profile and improve my chances of getting into a good university. I am especially interested in learning about online courses, summer camps, online programming platforms or other programs that I can apply for to build my skills and gain more experience in this field

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Vianne’s Answer

Hi Sabiha,

Doing well in your computer science classes is important, but what really makes you stand out is what you do outside of them. Schools love to see that you're truly interested in CS and that you explore it on your own, not just because it's your major.

One great way to do this is by practicing coding regularly. Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codeforces help with problem-solving, while Replit and GitHub let you create and share projects. Even small projects like a simple game, a website, or a script that automates a task are valuable if you can explain them. For structured learning, online courses from Harvard's CS50, Coursera, edX, or Udemy are excellent for deepening your knowledge and showing initiative. Summer coding camps, university programs, and hackathons (even online ones) are also fantastic because they mix learning with teamwork and real deadlines.

Also, try to use CS in ways that help others or connect to your interests. Join or start a coding club, tutor classmates, build a website for a local group, or contribute to open-source projects. You don’t have to do everything at once. Choose a few activities you enjoy and stick with them. Consistency and true curiosity are much more important than having a long list of activities, and that's what really strengthens your profile for a good university.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Vianne for the advice. Sabiha
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Sandeep’s Answer

Hello Sabiha,

To strengthen your CS background, focus on building skills outside class. Practice regularly on coding platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, take a few well-structured online courses in programming and data structures, and try to build small projects of your own. If possible, join summer camps, coding bootcamps, or tech clubs, and participate in hackathons or competitions. These activities show real interest and hands-on experience, which universities value a lot.
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Jerome’s Answer

I am a big believer in volunteering and giving back. I would almost bet money that there is some sort of nonprofit in the community that is geared at helping younger kids learn technology and how to code. If you can take the skills you have learned and help others find success, not only will that look good on college applications, but the people who work for the nonprofit will likely be willing to write you a reference..
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Ashutosh’s Answer

For computer science, focus on learning Mathematics, Statistics, and Probability Theory. Gaining work experience in these areas is always valuable. You might find it easier to get experience in related fields like economics, biostatistics, or pharmaceuticals. Taking summer classes and doing hands-on internships can also be very helpful.
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

To strengthen your profile for a Computer Science major, start by mastering key programming languages like Python, Java, or C++, and studying data structures and algorithms. Explore MIT OpenCourseWare for free, comprehensive computer science courses and follow YouTube channels like Traversy Media, Academind, and Tech With Tim for valuable tutorials. Platforms like W3Schools, Khan Academy, and freeCodeCamp also provide strong foundations in these areas.

Build personal projects and contribute to open-source projects on GitHub to demonstrate your skills. Engage in coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode, TopCoder, and Exercism.io to improve problem-solving abilities. Participate in hackathons and coding competitions such as Major League Hacking (MLH), Google Code Jam, and Hacktoberfest to refine your skills, collaborate under pressure, and network with industry professionals.

To gain real-world experience, seek internships and volunteer opportunities via Internships.com and LinkedIn. Look for free virtual internships through programs like Outreachy, which offers paid remote internships for open-source contributions, or Google Summer of Code (GSoC), which funds students to work on open-source projects with mentoring. You can also volunteer at local coding clubs or contribute to open-source projects on GitHub. Establishing a strong online presence on LinkedIn and GitHub will help you build your professional network, enhance visibility, and create a competitive profile for top universities and future employers.
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