12 answers
Aashish
Student
Morrisville, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
3369 views
What kind of computer science related passion project should I do?
I am a junior in high school. I have heard the term passion project before, but I am unsure about what type of project to do. I am interested in Computer Science but want to differentiate myself from others with a unique project. What kind of project, using my skills from business as well, will look good for college admissions?
Login to comment
12 answers
Nivea Hanley
AI Engineer
16
Answers
Clearwater, Florida
Updated
Nivea’s Answer
Hey Aashish,
For a cool passion project, combine your computer science and business interests. Try creating a startup simulation, do data analysis for a local business, build an e-commerce website, develop a niche mobile app, or work on a tech solution for a charity. The key is to show your skills and commitment. Good luck with your project! 😊
For a cool passion project, combine your computer science and business interests. Try creating a startup simulation, do data analysis for a local business, build an e-commerce website, develop a niche mobile app, or work on a tech solution for a charity. The key is to show your skills and commitment. Good luck with your project! 😊
Ashley Bomgardner, CPA, CISA
Auditor
5
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Hi Aashish,
When deciding what to focus on for a project, don't worry so much about what will look good for college, as much as you focus on having actual passion around the topic you choose to pursue. The old adage, find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life, while somewhat idealistic, is somewhat true when it comes to pursuing something that you're going to spend lots of time doing.
You may want to consider the following when deciding what passion project you want to pursue:
1. What's of most interest to you
2. What problems exist (big or small) in the world that you could solve with your skillsets?
3. Are there things that exist that you could improve upon with your skillset?
4. Is there something people need or want that isn't readily available that you could create?
5. What is something you think would make your life easier or add value to your life in some way that you could create/do with your skillset? The odds are if you'd find something useful/beneficial/of value, others might as well.
Colleges ultimately want to see that you can take your interests/passions, formulate a goal, create a plan about how you're going to execute on the goal, and then demonstrate what comes from meeting that goal. Whether it's wildly successful or not isn't usually the focus.
Also know that if your first passion project doesn't pan out, that's ok! Many people fail, often many times, before they succeed - it's part of the process usually. The good news is that failure gives us feedback on what we could do differently the next time around and helps our next pursuits to be even more successful usually.
Best of luck in your endeavors!
Ashley
When deciding what to focus on for a project, don't worry so much about what will look good for college, as much as you focus on having actual passion around the topic you choose to pursue. The old adage, find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life, while somewhat idealistic, is somewhat true when it comes to pursuing something that you're going to spend lots of time doing.
You may want to consider the following when deciding what passion project you want to pursue:
1. What's of most interest to you
2. What problems exist (big or small) in the world that you could solve with your skillsets?
3. Are there things that exist that you could improve upon with your skillset?
4. Is there something people need or want that isn't readily available that you could create?
5. What is something you think would make your life easier or add value to your life in some way that you could create/do with your skillset? The odds are if you'd find something useful/beneficial/of value, others might as well.
Colleges ultimately want to see that you can take your interests/passions, formulate a goal, create a plan about how you're going to execute on the goal, and then demonstrate what comes from meeting that goal. Whether it's wildly successful or not isn't usually the focus.
Also know that if your first passion project doesn't pan out, that's ok! Many people fail, often many times, before they succeed - it's part of the process usually. The good news is that failure gives us feedback on what we could do differently the next time around and helps our next pursuits to be even more successful usually.
Best of luck in your endeavors!
Ashley
Anas Masri
Data Analytics Consultant
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Anas’s Answer
Hello Aashish, when creating a passion project, it's very important to make sure it is relevant and helps solve a particular problem (there's a need for it). Since you want to merge CS and business, here is a simple idea that can help solve a problem: a computer program or web application that aids people in managing their personal finances, particularly high school students. Your aptitude for computer science and relevancy with people in your age group will both be on display in this project.
-Develop a platform for users to enter their daily expenses and classify them (for example, food, transportation, and entertainment).
-Budgeting: Provide a function that allows users to set monthly spending caps for various expense categories.
-Visual analytics: Produce reports and dashboards with visuals that show users their spending patterns over time. You may make these reports visually appealing by using tools like PowerBI or Tableau.
-Automation: Include functions that categorize expenses automatically, notify users when their spending exceeds their budget, or suggest ways to save money.
-User-Friendly Interface: Make sure the user interface is intuitive and easy to use. In my experience, simple but clear in its message is always the way to go.
Remember, you do not have to follow the idea exactly. Pick whatever concept that is relevant to you (which is the point of a passion project) and that helps solve a particular problem (there is a need for it). Your initiative and commitment in helping others would have a great impact on your college applications. Good luck!
-Develop a platform for users to enter their daily expenses and classify them (for example, food, transportation, and entertainment).
-Budgeting: Provide a function that allows users to set monthly spending caps for various expense categories.
-Visual analytics: Produce reports and dashboards with visuals that show users their spending patterns over time. You may make these reports visually appealing by using tools like PowerBI or Tableau.
-Automation: Include functions that categorize expenses automatically, notify users when their spending exceeds their budget, or suggest ways to save money.
-User-Friendly Interface: Make sure the user interface is intuitive and easy to use. In my experience, simple but clear in its message is always the way to go.
Remember, you do not have to follow the idea exactly. Pick whatever concept that is relevant to you (which is the point of a passion project) and that helps solve a particular problem (there is a need for it). Your initiative and commitment in helping others would have a great impact on your college applications. Good luck!
Nik Mohan
Tech Alliances & Partnerships
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Nik’s Answer
Hi Aashish, firstly it's very impressive that you are looking into this while still in junior high school! A passion project is something that you really feel interested in, something that you are passionate about. Maybe it won't be commercially viable, but it's something you have an interest in doing. If you can find something that you are passionate about + something you are good at (e.g.: computer science) + build something that is of value to others or can help others, you will be on a winner! Maybe try writing down some thoughts over a few days - list out everything that interests you and something may stand out. All the best with this!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6181
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Aahish,
There's a topic you're passionate about that requires comprehensive study. Let's tackle it using https://iask.ai/. You might find Microsoft Visual Studio useful. My journey in development began in 1972. I was drawn away from astronomy due to the untimely deaths of my family members, some as young as 38. I questioned why, but even the medical experts were at a loss. Interestingly, my doctor was just being born when I was already instructing medical students in biochemistry.
I continued to create nutrition education software, delving into nutrition and dietetics, and even pursued a postgraduate diploma in public health. My fervor for nutrition is akin to your enthusiasm for programming. I devote 100 hours a week to development, and the progress is significant.
When we pass out of this world let's leave a special legacy! There has to be something I can leave that is extremely empowering for their self-actualization! Health is a Magnificent Gift.
Feel free to use https://iask.ai/ for any queries. You'll find the responses to be quite insightful.
How could a Python project utilizing Darvas Boxes and Artificial Intelligence tell you when to buy and when to sell shares? Easily!
May you be blessed.
Jim.
There's a topic you're passionate about that requires comprehensive study. Let's tackle it using https://iask.ai/. You might find Microsoft Visual Studio useful. My journey in development began in 1972. I was drawn away from astronomy due to the untimely deaths of my family members, some as young as 38. I questioned why, but even the medical experts were at a loss. Interestingly, my doctor was just being born when I was already instructing medical students in biochemistry.
I continued to create nutrition education software, delving into nutrition and dietetics, and even pursued a postgraduate diploma in public health. My fervor for nutrition is akin to your enthusiasm for programming. I devote 100 hours a week to development, and the progress is significant.
When we pass out of this world let's leave a special legacy! There has to be something I can leave that is extremely empowering for their self-actualization! Health is a Magnificent Gift.
Feel free to use https://iask.ai/ for any queries. You'll find the responses to be quite insightful.
How could a Python project utilizing Darvas Boxes and Artificial Intelligence tell you when to buy and when to sell shares? Easily!
May you be blessed.
Jim.
Rock Sharma
Director, Technical Solution Delivery
3
Answers
Hillsboro, Oregon
Updated
Rock’s Answer
A great passion project idea that combines Computer Science and business acumen could be developing a unique mobile app or software tool that solves a specific problem or addresses a need in a creative way.
For instance, you could create an app that streamlines a common process, offers a novel solution for a local business, or helps a non-profit organization with their operations.
This will not only showcase your technical skills but also your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to making a positive impact. It's a standout project that college admissions will certainly appreciate.
For instance, you could create an app that streamlines a common process, offers a novel solution for a local business, or helps a non-profit organization with their operations.
This will not only showcase your technical skills but also your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to making a positive impact. It's a standout project that college admissions will certainly appreciate.
Curt Leeman
Sales Executive / Consulting
6
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Curt’s Answer
I genuinely appreciate this question, as it's a topic I've frequently explored with my children. Discovering your passion is the cornerstone of your capacity to excel in any field. For instance, I can clearly perceive when my children are singing a song that resonates deeply with them. The difference is palpable. This same principle applies to their academic essays and research at the university level. Therefore, invest some serious thought into identifying what truly ignites your passion and conviction. Once you've found it, dive headfirst into that project. Whether it's a business venture, philanthropic work, or music, it doesn't matter. When you apply computer science to a cause you truly believe in, everything will fall into place much more smoothly.
Nida Lopez
Associate Director of Digital Analytics
20
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nida’s Answer
Dear Aashish,
When choosing the topic for your project, there are several strategies that can help you stand out:
1. Develop a detailed plan. Consider whether you want to execute your project all at once or in stages. What are the prerequisites? What is the timeline? Are there any dependencies? In real-world situations, projects are often developed in stages, using methodologies like Agile, where 'Sprints' serve as delivery checkpoints.
2. Clearly articulate the problem you aim to solve, how you plan to address it through coding or other means, and what you expect the results to be.
3. Prioritize ongoing improvement. What are your plans for after the implementation? Many people stop at this stage, but having worked in the tech industry for over ten years, I can tell you that a feature's effectiveness is directly related to the systems in place to maintain it.
4. Always include data, whether it's from research or profit figures. The ultimate measure usually boils down to cost and return on investment. What do these metrics look like for your project?
Addressing these points will demonstrate your ability to think holistically and ensure the overall success of whatever you plan to create, regardless of your focus area. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
When choosing the topic for your project, there are several strategies that can help you stand out:
1. Develop a detailed plan. Consider whether you want to execute your project all at once or in stages. What are the prerequisites? What is the timeline? Are there any dependencies? In real-world situations, projects are often developed in stages, using methodologies like Agile, where 'Sprints' serve as delivery checkpoints.
2. Clearly articulate the problem you aim to solve, how you plan to address it through coding or other means, and what you expect the results to be.
3. Prioritize ongoing improvement. What are your plans for after the implementation? Many people stop at this stage, but having worked in the tech industry for over ten years, I can tell you that a feature's effectiveness is directly related to the systems in place to maintain it.
4. Always include data, whether it's from research or profit figures. The ultimate measure usually boils down to cost and return on investment. What do these metrics look like for your project?
Addressing these points will demonstrate your ability to think holistically and ensure the overall success of whatever you plan to create, regardless of your focus area. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
Ruth Murphy, MS
Security Compliance and Assurance
3
Answers
Hillsboro, New Hampshire
Updated
Ruth’s Answer
As many have mentioned.. ask yourself.. what excites you.
Do you like to tinker, break fix things....? or better understand a program by looking at the source code?
Are you a runner, like a certain sport.... anything in your life could be a passion project....
- like sports, create an app to keep score and track statistics; use AI ( Shameless plug.. ) WATSONx free account to develop an app.
- develop a kit- of -the- month for kids to learn how to build things and then do a business plan for it.
- like clothes? maybe you have a sneaker collection.... create an app to track and trade with others.
decide what excites you.. what would you work day and night to do and not notice the time that went by
get a mentor ( 1 or more) from multiple areas and multiple career levels.
look at crowdsource websites to get ideas.
Do you like to tinker, break fix things....? or better understand a program by looking at the source code?
Are you a runner, like a certain sport.... anything in your life could be a passion project....
- like sports, create an app to keep score and track statistics; use AI ( Shameless plug.. ) WATSONx free account to develop an app.
- develop a kit- of -the- month for kids to learn how to build things and then do a business plan for it.
- like clothes? maybe you have a sneaker collection.... create an app to track and trade with others.
Ruth recommends the following next steps:
Josias Cruz
Software Developer
2
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Josias’s Answer
I highly recommend creating your own personal website. As you grow and develop, so too will the value of this project. Begin with the most basic website you can construct. As your knowledge expands, gradually increase its complexity. This approach serves dual purposes. Firstly, it allows you to showcase your technical skills, even the basic ones, as you're the architect of the site. Secondly, it provides a personal platform to elaborate on your experiences and aspirations, offering more detail than a traditional resume typically allows. This is an encouraging step towards personal and professional growth.
Elizabeth Knox
Software Engineer
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Aashish, great question! A good way to figure out a cool passion project is to first build the application that will serve as the platform for your passion project. Once you have a functioning and fairly robust app, start to make a list of things that would help you or others in daily life. An easy way to do this is to make a list of things that seem mundane or take a lot of your time. Then start to think if there are ways to solve those problems or occurrences with an app. A lot of remarkable apps and breakthroughs have been realized by individuals striving to simplify their lives :)
Katherine Griffin
Software Engineer
7
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Find something to do to make your life easier! Even if it exists already, it's all about being able to learn and try out new technologies. Do you use Goodreads to track your reading? Make your own reading tracker! Add the things that you already love about it and change the things that you don't. It's not about finding something that other people will use, but finding a way to further your own learning. Good luck!