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What is the best way to improve my computer science which will impress and catch the college's eye?
I am a high school student who loves science and sometimes math. I am an athlete, musician, in stem courses, stem clubs, debate, and much more. I am very indecisive of my career choices, so I want to know how much I can excel in the careers paths I am interested in.
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James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Greetings Sage!
BE A BIT LIKE ME, PROGRAM UNTIL THE COWS COME HOME!
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!
LONG PRACTICE MAKES EXPERT!
If you're a high schooler eager to strengthen your computer science prowess and make a lasting impression on colleges, there are numerous avenues to expand your understanding and display your skills. Here are some potent tactics to help you thrive in computer science and attract the attention of premier colleges:
1. Establish a robust command of programming languages: It's beneficial to master two to three programming languages, such as Python, Java, JavaScript, and C++. You can begin with online tutorials, coding platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, Udemy, or edX, or opt for advanced courses at your school.
2. Engage in coding contests and hackathons: Involvement in coding contests and hackathons can enhance your problem-solving abilities, train you to work under time constraints, and exhibit your coding skills to colleges. Platforms like HackerRank, CodeForces, and CodeChef present a range of coding challenges tailored for high school students.
3. Compile a portfolio of projects: Assemble a portfolio that reflects your coding skills, creativity, and problem-solving capacity. This could include apps, games, websites, or tools that you've built from scratch. Remember to document each project, detailing its features, functionality, and any obstacles you encountered during its creation.
4. Become part of online communities and forums: Platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, or Reddit’s r/learnprogramming offer a space to interact with fellow coders, pose questions, and learn from their experiences. These communities can offer invaluable resources, feedback, and support during your learning journey.
5. Undertake internships or research projects: Seek internships or research projects in computer science or related fields to gain practical experience and enhance your resume. You could also approach professors or industry experts for mentorship and advice.
6. Attend computer science conferences and workshops: Participating in computer science conferences, workshops, and seminars can keep you updated on the latest trends and technologies in the field. These events also provide networking opportunities with industry professionals and college admissions representatives.
7. Network with professionals and college admissions representatives: Networking can offer insights into the industry and inform you about the attributes that top colleges seek in computer science applicants. Career fairs, networking events, and informational interviews are excellent platforms to connect with professionals and college representatives.
8. Highlight your skills through online platforms: Develop a personal website or blog to display your coding projects, articles, and accomplishments. Platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket enable you to share your code and collaborate with others.
9. Obtain specialized certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications in fields like machine learning, data science, or cybersecurity can underline your expertise and passion for specific facets of computer science.
10. Keep abreast of industry developments: Stay informed about the latest advancements in computer science by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and following industry leaders on social media. This will help you remain competitive and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field.
In summary, to captivate colleges and draw their attention, it's crucial to exhibit a solid grounding in computer science, a passion for the field, and an eagerness to learn and evolve. By adopting these strategies, you can cultivate a comprehensive skillset, construct a compelling portfolio, and present your abilities to top colleges.
Recommended Reference Titles:
“The Best Way to Learn Programming: A Guide for High School Students” by Codecademy
“The Complete Guide to Computer Science for High School Students” by Harvard University
“Computer Science for High School Students: An Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving” by Carnegie Mellon University
Stay Blessed,
James.
BE A BIT LIKE ME, PROGRAM UNTIL THE COWS COME HOME!
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!
LONG PRACTICE MAKES EXPERT!
If you're a high schooler eager to strengthen your computer science prowess and make a lasting impression on colleges, there are numerous avenues to expand your understanding and display your skills. Here are some potent tactics to help you thrive in computer science and attract the attention of premier colleges:
1. Establish a robust command of programming languages: It's beneficial to master two to three programming languages, such as Python, Java, JavaScript, and C++. You can begin with online tutorials, coding platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, Udemy, or edX, or opt for advanced courses at your school.
2. Engage in coding contests and hackathons: Involvement in coding contests and hackathons can enhance your problem-solving abilities, train you to work under time constraints, and exhibit your coding skills to colleges. Platforms like HackerRank, CodeForces, and CodeChef present a range of coding challenges tailored for high school students.
3. Compile a portfolio of projects: Assemble a portfolio that reflects your coding skills, creativity, and problem-solving capacity. This could include apps, games, websites, or tools that you've built from scratch. Remember to document each project, detailing its features, functionality, and any obstacles you encountered during its creation.
4. Become part of online communities and forums: Platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, or Reddit’s r/learnprogramming offer a space to interact with fellow coders, pose questions, and learn from their experiences. These communities can offer invaluable resources, feedback, and support during your learning journey.
5. Undertake internships or research projects: Seek internships or research projects in computer science or related fields to gain practical experience and enhance your resume. You could also approach professors or industry experts for mentorship and advice.
6. Attend computer science conferences and workshops: Participating in computer science conferences, workshops, and seminars can keep you updated on the latest trends and technologies in the field. These events also provide networking opportunities with industry professionals and college admissions representatives.
7. Network with professionals and college admissions representatives: Networking can offer insights into the industry and inform you about the attributes that top colleges seek in computer science applicants. Career fairs, networking events, and informational interviews are excellent platforms to connect with professionals and college representatives.
8. Highlight your skills through online platforms: Develop a personal website or blog to display your coding projects, articles, and accomplishments. Platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket enable you to share your code and collaborate with others.
9. Obtain specialized certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications in fields like machine learning, data science, or cybersecurity can underline your expertise and passion for specific facets of computer science.
10. Keep abreast of industry developments: Stay informed about the latest advancements in computer science by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and following industry leaders on social media. This will help you remain competitive and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field.
In summary, to captivate colleges and draw their attention, it's crucial to exhibit a solid grounding in computer science, a passion for the field, and an eagerness to learn and evolve. By adopting these strategies, you can cultivate a comprehensive skillset, construct a compelling portfolio, and present your abilities to top colleges.
Recommended Reference Titles:
“The Best Way to Learn Programming: A Guide for High School Students” by Codecademy
“The Complete Guide to Computer Science for High School Students” by Harvard University
“Computer Science for High School Students: An Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving” by Carnegie Mellon University
Stay Blessed,
James.
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Hello Sage
Again, Sage you have many gifts to be proud of yourself and thank God🙏🏾I will continue to pray with you.
That's great to hear that you have a wide range of interests and activities! Improving your computer science skills can definitely help you stand out to colleges. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Take advanced computer science courses: If your high school offers computer science classes, make sure to take them and challenge yourself with advanced coursework. If your school doesn't offer these classes, consider online courses or find local coding bootcamps.
2. Participate in coding competitions: Join coding competitions like the International Olympiad in Informatics or the USACO. These competitions not only improve your problem-solving skills but also demonstrate your passion and dedication for computer science.
3. Develop your own projects: Start working on your own coding projects, such as building websites, creating mobile apps, or contributing to open-source projects. This will showcase your practical skills and creativity.
4. Seek internships or research opportunities: Look for internships or research positions at local universities or companies where you can gain hands-on experience in computer science. This will not only enhance your technical skills but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
5. Participate in extracurricular activities related to computer science: Join computer science clubs or organizations where you can collaborate with like-minded individuals, attend workshops, and engage in projects related to your interests.
Remember, it's important to balance your activities and not overwhelm yourself. Pursue the things you genuinely enjoy and find ways to connect your different interests. This will help you explore various career paths and excel in the ones you choose.
That's wonderful that you have a passion for software engineering! Here are some tips to help you improve on your career:
1. Continuously Learn and Stay Updated: Technology is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay updated on the latest programming languages, tools, and frameworks. Take online courses, attend workshops, and read relevant industry blogs to keep up with the latest trends.
2. Build Projects and Gain Experience: The more you practice coding and work on real projects, the better you will become. Start building your own projects, contribute to open-source projects, or consider doing freelance work to gain practical experience.
3. Networking: Connect with other professionals in the software engineering field through online forums, meetups, conferences, and social media platforms. Networking can lead to valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and potential job offers.
4. Practice Problem-Solving: Software engineering involves solving complex problems. Practice your problem-solving skills by attempting coding challenges and puzzles regularly. Websites like LeetCode and HackerRank offer coding exercises to help you sharpen your skills.
5. Seek Feedback and Learn from Others: Don't be afraid to ask for feedback on your code and seek advice from more experienced software engineers. Join coding communities or find a mentor who can provide guidance and help you grow professionally.
6. Stay Organized and Manage Time Efficiently: Software engineering often involves working on multiple projects simultaneously. Develop good organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines and deliver quality work.
7. Keep Your Portfolio Up to Date: Create an online portfolio to showcase your projects, skills, and achievements. Having a visually appealing and updated portfolio will help you stand out to potential employers or clients.
Remember that perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to learn are key to improving your career as a software engineer. Good luck on your journey!
I hope this helps!
Wishing you Great Success!!
Best Regards!
_Pamela Knight
Again, Sage you have many gifts to be proud of yourself and thank God🙏🏾I will continue to pray with you.
That's great to hear that you have a wide range of interests and activities! Improving your computer science skills can definitely help you stand out to colleges. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Take advanced computer science courses: If your high school offers computer science classes, make sure to take them and challenge yourself with advanced coursework. If your school doesn't offer these classes, consider online courses or find local coding bootcamps.
2. Participate in coding competitions: Join coding competitions like the International Olympiad in Informatics or the USACO. These competitions not only improve your problem-solving skills but also demonstrate your passion and dedication for computer science.
3. Develop your own projects: Start working on your own coding projects, such as building websites, creating mobile apps, or contributing to open-source projects. This will showcase your practical skills and creativity.
4. Seek internships or research opportunities: Look for internships or research positions at local universities or companies where you can gain hands-on experience in computer science. This will not only enhance your technical skills but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
5. Participate in extracurricular activities related to computer science: Join computer science clubs or organizations where you can collaborate with like-minded individuals, attend workshops, and engage in projects related to your interests.
Remember, it's important to balance your activities and not overwhelm yourself. Pursue the things you genuinely enjoy and find ways to connect your different interests. This will help you explore various career paths and excel in the ones you choose.
That's wonderful that you have a passion for software engineering! Here are some tips to help you improve on your career:
1. Continuously Learn and Stay Updated: Technology is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay updated on the latest programming languages, tools, and frameworks. Take online courses, attend workshops, and read relevant industry blogs to keep up with the latest trends.
2. Build Projects and Gain Experience: The more you practice coding and work on real projects, the better you will become. Start building your own projects, contribute to open-source projects, or consider doing freelance work to gain practical experience.
3. Networking: Connect with other professionals in the software engineering field through online forums, meetups, conferences, and social media platforms. Networking can lead to valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and potential job offers.
4. Practice Problem-Solving: Software engineering involves solving complex problems. Practice your problem-solving skills by attempting coding challenges and puzzles regularly. Websites like LeetCode and HackerRank offer coding exercises to help you sharpen your skills.
5. Seek Feedback and Learn from Others: Don't be afraid to ask for feedback on your code and seek advice from more experienced software engineers. Join coding communities or find a mentor who can provide guidance and help you grow professionally.
6. Stay Organized and Manage Time Efficiently: Software engineering often involves working on multiple projects simultaneously. Develop good organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines and deliver quality work.
7. Keep Your Portfolio Up to Date: Create an online portfolio to showcase your projects, skills, and achievements. Having a visually appealing and updated portfolio will help you stand out to potential employers or clients.
Remember that perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to learn are key to improving your career as a software engineer. Good luck on your journey!
I hope this helps!
Wishing you Great Success!!
Best Regards!
_Pamela Knight
Updated
Olayinka’s Answer
Hello Sage, Here are my suggestions-
1. Go for trainings
2. Network with students or groups you can join to take on projects related to computer science.
Thank you!
1. Go for trainings
2. Network with students or groups you can join to take on projects related to computer science.
Thank you!
Updated
ash’s Answer
Hello Sage,
Let's dive into an exciting three-step journey!
- First, let's tap into the vast ocean of free online resources. Begin with programming - Python could be a great starting point - and keep expanding your knowledge.
- Secondly, make connections with college students and professors. They can provide valuable insights and guidance on your learning path.
- Lastly, consolidate your learning by creating a project. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also boost your confidence in your abilities.
Remember, every step you take is bringing you closer to your goal. Keep going!
Let's dive into an exciting three-step journey!
- First, let's tap into the vast ocean of free online resources. Begin with programming - Python could be a great starting point - and keep expanding your knowledge.
- Secondly, make connections with college students and professors. They can provide valuable insights and guidance on your learning path.
- Lastly, consolidate your learning by creating a project. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also boost your confidence in your abilities.
Remember, every step you take is bringing you closer to your goal. Keep going!
Updated
ShaRon’s Answer
Sage,
I applaud you for being well rounded and maintaining your musical interest while also flexing the athletic muscle! That is not easy to do while handling your business in the classroom. You didn't mention what year you are in, in high school so I will just share my overall thoughts.
You are more likely to be successful in a career that you enjoy, so it is important to do a self evaluation to determine WHAT YOU WANT TO BE? So your first assignment is to go to your school librarian and guidance counsel. Ask them if they have access to any assessments or similar tools that will help you in determining (based on how you answer the questions) what career options fit your personality. That is your starting point.
Once you have that information, ask yourself if based on what you know right now, IS THIS SOMETHING I CAN BE HAPPY DOING 8+ HOURS A DAY FOR A LIFETIME? If the answer is yes, then start looking at schools that have that as a degree program. Look at the admissions criteria, can you get in with your current grades? Do you need to make some changes in your academic performance to ensure that you are a qualified candidate for admission? Create a spreadsheet of your top 3 - 5 schools and the admission criteria. Get a copy of your transcript and plug in the classes you are currently taking that fulfill the requirement. Begin planning the rest of your class choices based on what you need to get into the school you want to go to.
Next you want to meet with your guidance counselor or someone in the community - church, civic clubs or family friends. You are now looking for a mentor in the field who would be willing to meet with you to discuss the day to day of that role. You can inquire about internships or a shadowing opportunity during a school break that will allow you to see up front what it looks like to do the job. Ask questions, document your thoughts and feelings. Try to learn as much as you can so that you are going into this with your eyes wide open. Spend time reflecting at each point, IS THIS SOMETHING I CAN COMMIT TO? IS THIS SOMETHING I WOULD ENJOY? WILL I FEEL LIKE I AM ADDING VALUE? WILL THIS PROVIDE ME WITH THE ABILITY TO LIVE COMFORTABLY? If the answer to any of these is NO, go back to the drawing board and try something else on your list. If the answer is YES, then find out if while you are still in high school you can find a summer job in that space. This will give you practical hands on experience that will assist you as you move forward. You can volunteer just a few days a week, OR you can get a paying role. Either way the exposure will be invaluable.
Do not be discouraged if you find out that what you thought you wanted to do is not for you. You learned before investing years to come to the same conclusion. Be open to figuring it out. At least you had the experience and met some people along the way that will help shape your future. The important thing is to expose yourself to as much as possible and to put yourself into a situation where you have choices. So whether is music, athletics or a stem career do what makes you happy and gives you the life you desire. There is no rule that you only have to do one thing. You can have a primary career and a backup that gives you another income source that you use to invest in retirement, home ownership, being an FILL IN THE BLANK. As you are exploring have FUN!
Best of luck to you!
ShaRon Bynum
I applaud you for being well rounded and maintaining your musical interest while also flexing the athletic muscle! That is not easy to do while handling your business in the classroom. You didn't mention what year you are in, in high school so I will just share my overall thoughts.
You are more likely to be successful in a career that you enjoy, so it is important to do a self evaluation to determine WHAT YOU WANT TO BE? So your first assignment is to go to your school librarian and guidance counsel. Ask them if they have access to any assessments or similar tools that will help you in determining (based on how you answer the questions) what career options fit your personality. That is your starting point.
Once you have that information, ask yourself if based on what you know right now, IS THIS SOMETHING I CAN BE HAPPY DOING 8+ HOURS A DAY FOR A LIFETIME? If the answer is yes, then start looking at schools that have that as a degree program. Look at the admissions criteria, can you get in with your current grades? Do you need to make some changes in your academic performance to ensure that you are a qualified candidate for admission? Create a spreadsheet of your top 3 - 5 schools and the admission criteria. Get a copy of your transcript and plug in the classes you are currently taking that fulfill the requirement. Begin planning the rest of your class choices based on what you need to get into the school you want to go to.
Next you want to meet with your guidance counselor or someone in the community - church, civic clubs or family friends. You are now looking for a mentor in the field who would be willing to meet with you to discuss the day to day of that role. You can inquire about internships or a shadowing opportunity during a school break that will allow you to see up front what it looks like to do the job. Ask questions, document your thoughts and feelings. Try to learn as much as you can so that you are going into this with your eyes wide open. Spend time reflecting at each point, IS THIS SOMETHING I CAN COMMIT TO? IS THIS SOMETHING I WOULD ENJOY? WILL I FEEL LIKE I AM ADDING VALUE? WILL THIS PROVIDE ME WITH THE ABILITY TO LIVE COMFORTABLY? If the answer to any of these is NO, go back to the drawing board and try something else on your list. If the answer is YES, then find out if while you are still in high school you can find a summer job in that space. This will give you practical hands on experience that will assist you as you move forward. You can volunteer just a few days a week, OR you can get a paying role. Either way the exposure will be invaluable.
Do not be discouraged if you find out that what you thought you wanted to do is not for you. You learned before investing years to come to the same conclusion. Be open to figuring it out. At least you had the experience and met some people along the way that will help shape your future. The important thing is to expose yourself to as much as possible and to put yourself into a situation where you have choices. So whether is music, athletics or a stem career do what makes you happy and gives you the life you desire. There is no rule that you only have to do one thing. You can have a primary career and a backup that gives you another income source that you use to invest in retirement, home ownership, being an FILL IN THE BLANK. As you are exploring have FUN!
Best of luck to you!
ShaRon Bynum
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Sage, your question is truly commendable and I'm glad you've raised it. To enhance your computer science abilities for university applications, it's crucial to take proactive measures. One such measure could be embarking on coding projects that combine your technological interests with your love for subjects like science or math. Here are some key emerging technologies that I believe are not only significant today, but will also shape the future:
1. AI and ML advancements are revolutionizing various sectors by enabling automation, predictive analytics, and better decision-making.
2. The fifth generation of wireless technology, 5G, offers faster speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced connectivity, paving the way for progress in communication and IoT devices.
3. Edge Computing processes data near its source rather than relying solely on centralized cloud servers, which boosts efficiency and cuts down on latency.
4. Blockchain, known for its role in cryptocurrencies, is gaining popularity in different sectors for its secure and transparent record-keeping and transaction capabilities.
5. Both Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are changing the landscape of gaming, education, healthcare, and training by offering immersive experiences.
6. The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding the interconnectedness of devices and systems, impacting areas like smart homes, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial processes.
7. Biotechnology advancements, especially the CRISPR gene-editing technology, are reshaping healthcare, agriculture, and genetic research.
8. Quantum Computing, though still in its infancy, holds the potential to dramatically change complex problem-solving and cryptography.
9. As cyber threats increase, innovative cybersecurity technologies like AI-driven threat detection and advanced encryption are continuously evolving.
Hence, incorporating computer science into your extracurricular activities, such as STEM clubs, can display your adaptability. Delve into real-world applications through projects and consider joining coding competitions or contributing to open-source initiatives to showcase your practical skills. Your varied involvement in athletics, music, STEM courses, and debate reflects a comprehensive skill set that universities value. Aim for excellence in your chosen career paths by capitalizing on your unique talents and showing a steadfast commitment to ongoing learning and innovation.
1. AI and ML advancements are revolutionizing various sectors by enabling automation, predictive analytics, and better decision-making.
2. The fifth generation of wireless technology, 5G, offers faster speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced connectivity, paving the way for progress in communication and IoT devices.
3. Edge Computing processes data near its source rather than relying solely on centralized cloud servers, which boosts efficiency and cuts down on latency.
4. Blockchain, known for its role in cryptocurrencies, is gaining popularity in different sectors for its secure and transparent record-keeping and transaction capabilities.
5. Both Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are changing the landscape of gaming, education, healthcare, and training by offering immersive experiences.
6. The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding the interconnectedness of devices and systems, impacting areas like smart homes, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial processes.
7. Biotechnology advancements, especially the CRISPR gene-editing technology, are reshaping healthcare, agriculture, and genetic research.
8. Quantum Computing, though still in its infancy, holds the potential to dramatically change complex problem-solving and cryptography.
9. As cyber threats increase, innovative cybersecurity technologies like AI-driven threat detection and advanced encryption are continuously evolving.
Hence, incorporating computer science into your extracurricular activities, such as STEM clubs, can display your adaptability. Delve into real-world applications through projects and consider joining coding competitions or contributing to open-source initiatives to showcase your practical skills. Your varied involvement in athletics, music, STEM courses, and debate reflects a comprehensive skill set that universities value. Aim for excellence in your chosen career paths by capitalizing on your unique talents and showing a steadfast commitment to ongoing learning and innovation.