Colleges with highly rated computer science programs?

I'm aiming for a career in computer science, so I want to apply to colleges with great programs. Does anyone know which schools are highly rated for computer science? Any insights into what makes their programs stand out?

Sure, there are several universities known for their top-notch computer science programs. Here are a few to consider:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT is renowned for its Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), which is the largest research lab at MIT and involves over 1,000 members.

2. Stanford University: Stanford is also a great choice with its strong ties to Silicon Valley. Their CS curriculum is both deep and broad, offering students a wide range of programming concepts and languages.

3. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): UC Berkeley's computer science program is known for research in areas like artificial intelligence, theoretical computer science, and networks.

4. Carnegie Mellon University: Carnegie Mellon has a School of Computer Science that offers a variety of specialized programs, including human-computer interaction, language technologies, and robotics.

5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: UIUC has strong programs in areas like algorithms and computational theory.

6. Harvard University: Harvard's computer science department has close connections to other disciplines, particularly mathematics, resulting in strong offerings in areas like computational theory.

7. University of Washington: Known for a strong program that encourages research, UW students have opportunities to contribute to a range of projects and work with top researchers in the field.

What makes these programs stand out is a combination of strong curriculum, unparalleled research opportunities, access to cutting-edge technology, and faculty who are leaders in the field. Additionally, many of these schools have relationships with tech companies that could potentially lead to internships or job opportunities. Remember, the best fit for you will depend on your own goals and interests in computer science.