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How do I get ahead of other incoming computer science college students??

Basically, I want advice on how to be better prepared than my peers for college. Should I start doing computer science projects during the summer or computer languages that I should learn beforehand? Thanks!

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Chary’s Answer

Hey Caleb,

It's a great idea to start early and check out the latest popular tech in the industry. Don't worry if everyone else is doing the same thing—everyone learns and grows at their own speed and in their own style.

You don't need to know everything before college. Lots of successful computer science students start with little or no coding experience. But getting a bit of practice ahead of time can really help you feel more confident and make your first year easier and more fun.
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Allan’s Answer

Caleb, I suggest to think more about teamwork and leading rather than getting ahead. Almost all computer science projects involve teams. Learn how to work in and lead teams. Get ideas from others and work together to build better projects and products. Make AI a member of your team.
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Jumanah’s Answer

I would build foundational knowledge in system design, solution designing, and best practises in the tech stack you are in. Stay up to date with trends. Learn how to use Claude and AI to automate your work flow. Showcase 2-3 projects on your portfolio and the tech stack you used to build them.
Software engineering is moving towards efficiency, show them what you can do (with the help of ai)!
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Varsha’s Answer

To get a head start, try building skills and gaining experience instead of learning every programming language. Working on fun coding projects over the summer, like creating a simple website, game, or app, can teach you a lot more than just memorizing code. Learning the basics of a popular language like Python can also boost your confidence when classes start. Most importantly, focus on developing strong problem-solving skills, practice coding regularly, and stay curious. Remember, college isn't about competing with others—it's about learning and growing. Enjoy the journey!
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Atul’s Answer

Challenge yourself by taking advanced courses and focus on your own growth instead of comparing yourself to others. As you set personal goals and aim for excellence, you'll naturally progress and succeed.
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Warren’s Answer

I hate to say it but the earlier you get ahead in the AI world you better off you will be. And I have found a very good career and data analytics, which will always be needed in the world we live in.
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Sandeep’s Answer

Hello Calleb,

The best way to get ahead is to start building things before college begins. Even small projects like a simple website, app, or tool will give you practical experience and confidence.

You can also learn a language like Python or Java and get comfortable with basic problem-solving. Sharing your projects on GitHub/Bitbucket helps you track progress and stand out early
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Ryun’s Answer

Check out GitHub and explore open source projects. Learn by seeing how others work and try to contribute. Some companies hire people who have contributed to their open source projects on GitHub, so it's a great way to get noticed.
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Jacob’s Answer

Start with one thing: build something real.

Most incoming CS students show up having watched tutorials or maybe tinkered with a language here and there. The ones who stand out aren't necessarily the ones who know the most — they're the ones who have actually made something.

Pick a simple project you genuinely care about this summer and build it. A small game, a personal website, a tool that solves a problem you have. It doesn't need to be impressive — it needs to be yours. You'll learn more debugging your own broken project for an hour than you will following along with a tutorial for a week.

On languages:
Don't overthink this. If you want to get a head start, Python is the friendliest starting point and is widely used in college curricula. But honestly, the language matters far less than just getting comfortable with the process of writing code, breaking things, and figuring out why.

The mindset that will actually set you apart:
Be curious about how things work, not just that they work. When something breaks, resist the urge to just copy a fix from Stack Overflow — try to understand why it broke in the first place. That habit, built early, will compound throughout your entire degree.
You've got the right instinct just by asking this question. Most of your peers aren't thinking this far ahead yet.

Good luck — you're already ahead.
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