Hey, I'm a junior wanting to major in computer science when applying for college. Can you guys recommend any extracurriculars related to CS that can help me stand out and show my passion? Thanks!
Sure, there are plenty of computer science-related extracurriculars that can help you showcase your passion for the field. Here are a few ideas:
1. Programming competitions: Get involved in regional or national programming competitions such as the USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) or the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). These can demonstrate your coding skills and problem-solving abilities.
2. Hackathons: Participate in hackathons, where you and a team of other students work together to create a product or solve a problem in a short amount of time. This can showcase your teamwork and coding abilities while highlighting your ability to work under pressure.
3. Coding clubs: Join or start a coding club at your school or in your community where you can share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and learn from others with similar interests.
4. Online coding courses: Enroll in online courses to deepen your understanding of computer science topics, such as edX, Coursera, or Codecademy. This shows your dedication to self-improvement, and you can include the coding projects you complete in a portfolio for college applications.
5. Volunteer your skills: Offer to help local non-profit organizations or schools with their technology needs, such as building websites, developing apps, or teaching coding classes. This can demonstrate both your technical abilities and your commitment to community service.
6. Independent projects: Develop your own software, app, or website to showcase a personal interest or solve a real-world problem. Doing so illustrates your creativity, problem-solving skills, and the depth of your CS interest.
7. Research or internships: Seek out research opportunities or internships in the computer science field to gain hands-on experience and develop relationships with professionals in the field. Reach out to local universities, companies, or connect with your school's career center for opportunities.
Also, check out this CollegeVine article for some more ideas: https://blog.collegevine.com/extracurriculars-for-aspiring-computer-science-majors
Remember, it's important to focus on quality over quantity. Pursue the activities that truly interest you, and make an effort to excel and showcase your passion for computer science. Good luck!
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