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What can I do to prepare for computer science major in high school as a sophomore ?
What extracurriculars should I look out for, and which colleges would you recommend? I don't really know where to start when it comes to preparation.
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7 answers
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T.J.’s Answer
Hello Serena!
Some colleges with good computer science (CS) programs are UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UC San Diego/UCSD, and UC Davis.
The first four (UCLA to UCSD) are known to have high admission standards.
Many colleges have decided not to consider SAT/ACT scores anymore, and mostly focus on:
- Your GPA
- Your coursework, and whether you've taken AP or IB classes
- Your extracurriculars
- Your personal skills and level of passion.
- Your writing ability. Since you don't need the SAT anymore, having strong writing skills for personal essays is very key.
To learn more about their programs and freshman requirements check out their websites. Also, specifically look for "Computer Science" under "Academics" to take a look at their courses.
You can focus on your schoolwork and take math and science courses. Since CS contains a lot of theoretical concepts, math & science can help you develop logic + problem-solving skills to tackle complex problems.
For extracurriculars, a good mix of clubs that match your interest in CS and other things you enjoy will work.
Also, coding outside of high school counts as a extracurricular activity! Learning programming will help you as well. Especially if you complete individual projects on your own.
Here's some examples of what I mean by coding projects: https://code.org/athome/project-ideas
If you want to learn more about programming, I also recommend starting with this website! | https://roadmap.sh/
Colleges care more about your dedication and commitment to clubs over a period of time vs having multiple clubs for a short amounts across high school. Schools with high admission requirements also appreciate leadership.
So, if you can join the executive board of a high school Computer Science club, that's a great way to stand out! If your school doesn't have one, start one! You'll still stand out well. You can also join Girls Who Code which helps girls get into Technology: https://girlswhocode.com/
Sending you good luck as you prepare for computer science :)
Some colleges with good computer science (CS) programs are UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UC San Diego/UCSD, and UC Davis.
The first four (UCLA to UCSD) are known to have high admission standards.
Many colleges have decided not to consider SAT/ACT scores anymore, and mostly focus on:
- Your GPA
- Your coursework, and whether you've taken AP or IB classes
- Your extracurriculars
- Your personal skills and level of passion.
- Your writing ability. Since you don't need the SAT anymore, having strong writing skills for personal essays is very key.
To learn more about their programs and freshman requirements check out their websites. Also, specifically look for "Computer Science" under "Academics" to take a look at their courses.
You can focus on your schoolwork and take math and science courses. Since CS contains a lot of theoretical concepts, math & science can help you develop logic + problem-solving skills to tackle complex problems.
For extracurriculars, a good mix of clubs that match your interest in CS and other things you enjoy will work.
Also, coding outside of high school counts as a extracurricular activity! Learning programming will help you as well. Especially if you complete individual projects on your own.
Here's some examples of what I mean by coding projects: https://code.org/athome/project-ideas
If you want to learn more about programming, I also recommend starting with this website! | https://roadmap.sh/
Colleges care more about your dedication and commitment to clubs over a period of time vs having multiple clubs for a short amounts across high school. Schools with high admission requirements also appreciate leadership.
So, if you can join the executive board of a high school Computer Science club, that's a great way to stand out! If your school doesn't have one, start one! You'll still stand out well. You can also join Girls Who Code which helps girls get into Technology: https://girlswhocode.com/
Sending you good luck as you prepare for computer science :)
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Serena!
It's so great that you want to study computer science! One thing that could really help you would be working on personal coding projects. Colleges want to see your interest and passion for the field of CS, and personal projects are a great way of showing that. Coding an app or a website that has some usefulness, perhaps solving a issue in your community, is a great way to stand out and show your interest in CS. Another great way to get involved is to participate in Hackathons. Hackathons are constatnly happening and there are a bunch of online hackathons you can compete in as well. Major League Hacking is a great website to learn more and see what Hackathons are available near you.
It's so great that you want to study computer science! One thing that could really help you would be working on personal coding projects. Colleges want to see your interest and passion for the field of CS, and personal projects are a great way of showing that. Coding an app or a website that has some usefulness, perhaps solving a issue in your community, is a great way to stand out and show your interest in CS. Another great way to get involved is to participate in Hackathons. Hackathons are constatnly happening and there are a bunch of online hackathons you can compete in as well. Major League Hacking is a great website to learn more and see what Hackathons are available near you.
Updated
Taryn’s Answer
-Look into taking some of your college courses in high school (reach out to local tech schools)
-Attend conferences and events (related to your major) with your parents
-Join or start clubs in your school related to your major.
-Attend conferences and events (related to your major) with your parents
-Join or start clubs in your school related to your major.
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hey Serena!
Preparation:
As a Frontend Developer with 5 years of experience, I can confidently say that personal projects are an excellent way to: 1) display your abilities; 2) acquire new skills; and 3) expand your knowledge of new technologies and various types of development.
Extracurriculars:
Consider joining a coding club at your school, or even starting one if none exist. This way, you can collaborate on exciting projects, gain hands-on experience working with others on coding tasks, and enhance your resume. Programs like Girls Who Code are also great options to explore.
Colleges:
I would say your college choice depends on the kind of experience you want. You could attend a tech-focused school, study computer science at a liberal arts college while exploring other fields, or pursue a liberal arts degree and continue to grad school if needed. Your priorities and preferred learning style will guide your decision. Larger schools, especially tech schools, may have more comprehensive computer science programs, while smaller schools might offer more personalized feedback despite a less extensive program.
I hope this advice is helpful!
Preparation:
As a Frontend Developer with 5 years of experience, I can confidently say that personal projects are an excellent way to: 1) display your abilities; 2) acquire new skills; and 3) expand your knowledge of new technologies and various types of development.
Extracurriculars:
Consider joining a coding club at your school, or even starting one if none exist. This way, you can collaborate on exciting projects, gain hands-on experience working with others on coding tasks, and enhance your resume. Programs like Girls Who Code are also great options to explore.
Colleges:
I would say your college choice depends on the kind of experience you want. You could attend a tech-focused school, study computer science at a liberal arts college while exploring other fields, or pursue a liberal arts degree and continue to grad school if needed. Your priorities and preferred learning style will guide your decision. Larger schools, especially tech schools, may have more comprehensive computer science programs, while smaller schools might offer more personalized feedback despite a less extensive program.
I hope this advice is helpful!
Thank you!
eyejay
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Hey Serena,
If your school offers AP Computer Science A or Principles, I'd highly suggest squeezing either into your class schedule. Not only is it impressive on college apps, but it'll also take some of the stress out of your freshman year of college. Many universities design their lower-division CS courses to be challenging, and having been exposed to programming will boost your confidence.
If your school offers AP Computer Science A or Principles, I'd highly suggest squeezing either into your class schedule. Not only is it impressive on college apps, but it'll also take some of the stress out of your freshman year of college. Many universities design their lower-division CS courses to be challenging, and having been exposed to programming will boost your confidence.
Updated
Sanaz’s Answer
From one of our Technical PMs in Engineering:
"The great thing about going into a CS-related career is you don't have to wait to get started! There are many resources online that walk you through how to set up a development environment on your computer to build websites and even apps for your iPhone! For extracurricular events, consider local meet-ups with other aspiring engineers or professionals to network and find opportunities to expand your skills. College is important, but most employers will value how you demonstrate problem solving, resilience, and innovation.
Most high schools offer college prep courses to better prepare you for your interests when heading to college. There are also developer boot camps you can now attend if college isn't for you. The ability to learn different programming languages is a plus."
"The great thing about going into a CS-related career is you don't have to wait to get started! There are many resources online that walk you through how to set up a development environment on your computer to build websites and even apps for your iPhone! For extracurricular events, consider local meet-ups with other aspiring engineers or professionals to network and find opportunities to expand your skills. College is important, but most employers will value how you demonstrate problem solving, resilience, and innovation.
Most high schools offer college prep courses to better prepare you for your interests when heading to college. There are also developer boot camps you can now attend if college isn't for you. The ability to learn different programming languages is a plus."
Updated
Nadia’s Answer
Hi Serena!
I'm a current 4th year college student studying computer science. I think it's great that you are thinking about what you want to do so early on! There's a ton of coding summer programs for highschoolers that you can apply for that can help you learn about foundational CS concepts. This will help you gain more experience with coding, working together with peers, and exploring different aspects of computer science that will help you prepare for college. A lot of colleges will offer these types of summer programs for highschoolers, and there are also other programs such as Girls Who Code, Kode With Klossy, Google CSSI, and many more (you can research about more programs online). Best of luck!
I'm a current 4th year college student studying computer science. I think it's great that you are thinking about what you want to do so early on! There's a ton of coding summer programs for highschoolers that you can apply for that can help you learn about foundational CS concepts. This will help you gain more experience with coding, working together with peers, and exploring different aspects of computer science that will help you prepare for college. A lot of colleges will offer these types of summer programs for highschoolers, and there are also other programs such as Girls Who Code, Kode With Klossy, Google CSSI, and many more (you can research about more programs online). Best of luck!