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What should I look for at schools when it comes to Computer Science/Computer Engineering?
Hi there! I'm a high school senior planning on going into computer science or computer engineering. As acceptances begin to roll in, are there specific things I should look for on campus to determine if the school has a strong program?
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Jason’s Answer
Hi Chimdinma,
Choosing the right computer science (CS) or computer engineering (CE) program is a big decision, and there are definitely some key factors to consider when visiting campuses or researching schools. Here’s what to look for:
<Course Offerings & Specializations>
Check if the school offers courses in areas that interest you, like:
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Cybersecurity
Software Engineering
Embedded Systems & Hardware (for CE)
Data Science & Cloud Computing
Game Development
Some schools may have strong programs in one area but not another, so make sure their curriculum aligns with your interests.
<Hands-On Learning & Research Opportunities>
Look for programs that emphasize:
Undergraduate research opportunities in labs or with professors.
Capstone projects or senior design projects that simulate real-world experience.
Hackathons, coding competitions, or robotics clubs to get practical experience.
Strong partnerships with companies (for internships and co-ops).
<Internship & Job Placement Support>
A strong CS/CE program should have:
Good connections with tech companies (Google, Microsoft, Apple, etc.).
Career fairs with major tech employers attending.
A dedicated career center that helps with resumes, mock interviews, and networking.
High job placement rates for graduates (check LinkedIn to see where alumni work).
<Lab & Facilities Quality>
If possible, visit the engineering/CS building and check out:
Modern computing labs with industry-standard tools.
Makerspaces or engineering labs with 3D printers, microcontrollers, and soldering stations (important for CE students).
Cloud computing & AI research resources if you're interested in those fields.
<Class Size & Faculty Accessibility>
Are CS/CE classes huge or smaller and more interactive?
Can undergrads easily meet with professors, or is it mostly TA-led instruction?
Look at student-to-faculty ratios and see if office hours are accessible.
<Clubs, Competitions & Student Organizations>
A strong program should have:
ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) or IEEE (for CE students) chapters.
Hackathons, coding clubs, or cybersecurity competitions.
Game development, AI, or robotics clubs.
Entrepreneurship or startup incubators if you’re interested in launching a business.
Choosing the right computer science (CS) or computer engineering (CE) program is a big decision, and there are definitely some key factors to consider when visiting campuses or researching schools. Here’s what to look for:
<Course Offerings & Specializations>
Check if the school offers courses in areas that interest you, like:
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Cybersecurity
Software Engineering
Embedded Systems & Hardware (for CE)
Data Science & Cloud Computing
Game Development
Some schools may have strong programs in one area but not another, so make sure their curriculum aligns with your interests.
<Hands-On Learning & Research Opportunities>
Look for programs that emphasize:
Undergraduate research opportunities in labs or with professors.
Capstone projects or senior design projects that simulate real-world experience.
Hackathons, coding competitions, or robotics clubs to get practical experience.
Strong partnerships with companies (for internships and co-ops).
<Internship & Job Placement Support>
A strong CS/CE program should have:
Good connections with tech companies (Google, Microsoft, Apple, etc.).
Career fairs with major tech employers attending.
A dedicated career center that helps with resumes, mock interviews, and networking.
High job placement rates for graduates (check LinkedIn to see where alumni work).
<Lab & Facilities Quality>
If possible, visit the engineering/CS building and check out:
Modern computing labs with industry-standard tools.
Makerspaces or engineering labs with 3D printers, microcontrollers, and soldering stations (important for CE students).
Cloud computing & AI research resources if you're interested in those fields.
<Class Size & Faculty Accessibility>
Are CS/CE classes huge or smaller and more interactive?
Can undergrads easily meet with professors, or is it mostly TA-led instruction?
Look at student-to-faculty ratios and see if office hours are accessible.
<Clubs, Competitions & Student Organizations>
A strong program should have:
ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) or IEEE (for CE students) chapters.
Hackathons, coding clubs, or cybersecurity competitions.
Game development, AI, or robotics clubs.
Entrepreneurship or startup incubators if you’re interested in launching a business.
Thank you so much for this advice!!
Chimdinma
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Chimdinma,
Congrats on your upcoming college acceptances! Picking the right school for computer science or engineering can be thrilling. I advise to check out schools with courses and specializations such as AI or cybersecurity that match your interests. Also, look for professors who you are interested in their research and offer research opportunities. I have seen that schools with strong industry connections can help you land awesome internships. Accreditation and certifications by bodies like ABET are a plus. A solid alumni network can be a game-changer for future job prospects. Finally, vibe with the campus culture—visit if you can and talk with students to see if it feels like your kind of place. Enjoy the journey!
Congrats on your upcoming college acceptances! Picking the right school for computer science or engineering can be thrilling. I advise to check out schools with courses and specializations such as AI or cybersecurity that match your interests. Also, look for professors who you are interested in their research and offer research opportunities. I have seen that schools with strong industry connections can help you land awesome internships. Accreditation and certifications by bodies like ABET are a plus. A solid alumni network can be a game-changer for future job prospects. Finally, vibe with the campus culture—visit if you can and talk with students to see if it feels like your kind of place. Enjoy the journey!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Chimdinma