If you're interested in getting a degree in Computer Science, read on to find out how you can become more competitive.
Introduction
Before I write about Computer Science, I have to first go back to a key economic science principle: supply and demand. At the moment we have far too many students interested in computer science than faculty who can teach. This has made computer science one of the most competitive majors in the country. It will take a few years to continue to build the faculty pipeline (most faculty need PhDs and PhDs take at least 5 years to finish). In the meantime, technology and software continue to change at a rapid pace. This means teachers in the field will have to continuously learn so they can be ahead of the students they teach. Lastly, many of the people who have the strongest backgrounds in computer science opt to work in industry, rather than education. As a result, the supply of computer science teachers may never meet the demand for students interested in studying in this highly competitive field.
What’s in a computer science major?
Ten years ago when students mentioned an interest in computers to me, I could simply ask, “hardware or software?” If it was hardware, we would look at computer engineering majors. If they answered software, we looked at computer science majors which included more programming. Majors in computer science vary wildly these days and I can no longer ask this simple question. Now, we see places like UIUC which has 14 computer science plus majors or MIT which lists multiple areas for computer science research. It’s more important than ever for students interested in computer science to explore if they want to do computer science AND what subfield they might be most interested in, whether it’s Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Educational Technology or something else.
So, what do I do if I am interested in majoring in computer science?
At the moment, computer science is not a required class at most high schools in the US. It sometimes fulfills a core requirement in math, science, language (yes, a shock to me too), Career Technical Education (CTE), or a general elective. It’s vital for prospective computer science majors to take some classes in high school, if their school offers computer programming, AP Computer Science, or computer related electives. If there are no computer science classes at the high school, the student should find online courses through platforms for credit like UC Scout, Johns Hopkins University, Brigham Young University, Crimson’s Global Academy OR through free platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy. There are also private coding schools like the Coder School which students can try. Students often must go out of their way to fit in computer science, but taking a class is a great way to do some initial exploration. When it comes to college applications, it’s important for students to show they have studied the basic computer science in some structured way and list the evidence of a class or other experience on their application.
What else do I need to be competitive for a computer science degree?
My most competitive students who get into the top computer science programs are doing the work both in and outside of the classroom. Some do independent research with faculty, some teach at coding schools, many are involved in robotics, while others work on their own computer science projects, like building an app or website. Most importantly, many of these students realize computer science is a tool to solve problems in the world. They do not study computer science alone. Many are interested in using computer science to solve problems in business, the environment, or communication. The topmost colleges are not interested in future programmers, but they do want to see innovators, problem solvers and big thinkers. So, in your application, you might talk about the problems you want to solve and how you will use computer science in that work.
What are the best programs for computer science?
Most Collegewise counselors don’t love the rankings that are out there, especially in a field like computer science where there are so many great programs that receive so little attention. Many families start with the top ranked programs which might be okay for a student who has done tons of work in computer science, both in and outside the classroom. The Code Signals report has been important for some students who want to know about job prospects while other students want to know about faculty. Most in-state public schools will offer solid computer science programs, but remember if you apply with a computer science major in mind, that school might be harder to get accepted into than the general applicant pool. Finally, I have had students with little to no experience get into programs like Oregon State, Arizona State, and Marquette.
What if I’m not majoring in computer science? Do I need to take computer science?
Certain college majors are emphasizing some exploration within computer science, even if the student doesn’t plan to major in computer science. For instance, business majors are often encouraged to take some computer science in college because businesses need to think about their data and security. Business fields like finance where analytics and forecasting are important, need people who have some basic understanding of programming, even if they are not doing the programming. Other fields which heavily use computer science might include engineering, science research fields, and education.
While it may feel daunting to think about applying to such a competitive major like computer science, the students who do the best work are ones who are curious. These students are interested in exploring and problem solving. They often follow their own interests and try to build skills along the way. They are intentional about their planning and exploration. Students who explore after high school and realize computer science is for them also do quite well. We know there is so much demand for computer related skills and many opportunities for students who are open minded to learn.
Practical tips for a successful computer science college application process
- Investigate each curriculum carefully to make sure you like all the required classes!
- Make a spreadsheet of the schools you are considering and the major you want at each school with notes about any special admissions processes.
- Make sure you have a second-choice major which is less competitive than computer science for each school. Informatics and data science are two computer science related majors that aren’t as competitive for admissions (although they are rapidly becoming more competitive.)
- Don’t just aim for the top computer science programs. Make sure to have a balanced list with less competitive computer science admissions. (Let’s be honest, someone with a computer science degree will get a job with good earnings in the future, regardless of which college they attended)
Conclusion
Pursuing a computer science major requires careful planning, exploration, and a proactive approach. As the field continues to grow rapidly, students need to not only focus on their academic readiness but also demonstrate their curiosity and problem-solving abilities. By balancing a strong application, researching diverse programs, and keeping an open mind, students can successfully navigate the competitive landscape of computer science admissions.
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