Extracurriculars are an essential part of any college application, but for students interested in computer science and technology, bolstering your application with activities and achievements that show your passion and dedication is vital. College admissions officers, especially those at the top schools, are looking for students who show promise and proficiency in all aspects of their profile—not just academics. To help students better their applications and increase their chances of acceptance into a top national college, here are some of the best computer science extracurricular activities for high school students.
1. Hackathons
Hackathons are events where participants gather to test their skills in software and coding. Hackathons can differ significantly, sometimes time-based, team-focused, in-person, online, sponsored by tech companies large and small, or a combination of all. As an event exclusive to computer science, hackathons are great extracurriculars to have on an activities list when applying for college.
2. Open Source Contributions
Experience is vital in many industries. Often, it can be challenging to get experience in a field when you’re just starting out, but those interested in technology can get started with little required besides a computer and an internet connection.
Open source software are programs users can freely work on, change, use, and improve. These software are often community-developed projects that can be worked on publicly, with most users free to make contributions. Programmers can contribute to open-source projects to gain experience, and there are hundreds of thousands of open-source projects that programmers can contribute to—each utilizing different skills and software. Students are encouraged to explore these projects to see which ones suit their interests and how they can be a part of the development process.
3. Internships
Internships are another great way to gain experience in your field. The top tech companies are always looking for new talent to join their team, and students can get hands-on experience at companies such as Google, Nvidia, and Amazon through their recruitment programs.
Internships, like other jobs, can be highly competitive—especially at the top companies. But students can also search for opportunities within their own communities.
4. Coding Competitions
Coding competitions allow CS students to test their skills and compete against their peers for prizes and accolades. These competitions can be a big boon for students looking to improve their activities list and showcase their dedication to college admissions officers.
Some notable competitions include the Imagine Cup, the Congressional App Challenge, the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Program, and the USA Computing Olympiad (USACO).
5. Clubs and Organizations
Clubs are a go-to for any student looking to participate in extracurricular activities. High schools offer their own clubs for students to join, and if there are no relevant clubs available, students can also create their own—which shows leadership and proactivity on a college application.
However, there are also national clubs and organizations that students can join. These organizations, such as the Technology Student Association (TSA) and the American Computer Science League (ACSL), are examples of national clubs that high schoolers can participate in. Each brings its own focuses and culture, but can provide just as much opportunity for growth as local clubs.
6. Personal Projects
There’s no shortage of activities and organizations that students can get involved in if they want to positively impact their academics and extracurricular activities. However, students can also start their own ventures and work on personal projects in tandem with other activities.
Students should aim to foster as many positive character traits as possible through their academics and their activities since admissions officers consider these traits when selecting applications. Leading one’s own personal project is a great way to show independence, leadership, and ambition in one’s field. Computer Science majors have an abundance of projects that they can lead. From starting fundraisers to creating an app or developing a video game, students can dive deep into their passions on their terms.
InGenius Prep also offers our Leadership and Innovation Lab for students looking to develop their projects and emerge as leaders in their field.
7. Teaching and Tutoring
Many schools and organizations offer students the chance to tutor their peers in a subject they choose. Volunteering as a tutor or teaching assistant not only enhances one’s understanding of the subject but can also improve one’s communication skills and showcase proficiency and leadership on a resume.
Students interested in tutoring should reach out to their teachers or counselors to see if there are any opportunities open to them.
8. Community Service Projects
Being involved in your local community through charitable organizations or outreach programs is a significant part of college applications that students leverage to make connections and enhance their chances at admittance into their dream schools. Many high schools require community service as a prerequisite for graduation, so students should take advantage of this requirement and use it to engage in a stand-out activity that will make a good impression on college admissions officers.
Whether it’s developing software for non-profit organizations or teaching coding to underprivileged youth, community service projects make a positive impact and showcase your altruism and empathy. Initiatives like Code for America, which leverages technology to address civic issues, or Code.org, which promotes computer science education in schools, provide opportunities for computer science majors to make a meaningful difference in society.
Programs like these—whether they be national organizations or local groups—are great opportunities for students to volunteer and satisfy prerequisites for graduation.
9. Summer Programs
Summer is a prime time for students to get ahead in their studies and partake in projects and programs they otherwise wouldn’t have time for during the school year. Many students use summer to gain experience and skills, and for college admissions, it’s the perfect opportunity to solidify yours, especially before senior year.
Computer Science students have a wide range of summer programs to participate in, such as UPenn’s Summer Coding Camps or Berkeley’s Summer Computer Science Academy. However, for students who want specialized courses, InGenius Prep also offers summer programs for students in every major, including computer science. Click here to learn more.
10. Attending Workshops and Tech Conferences
Workshops and tech conferences provide valuable learning opportunities and a platform to network with industry professionals and thought leaders. Conferences like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Google I/O, and TechCrunch Disrupt feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and hands-on demos that inspire innovation and collaboration among attendees. While these may not be as proactive as some other activities, these events offer valuable insight for any student looking to get ahead in their field and shows interest in their subject matter.
The Experts in College Admissions
For their college applications, students should aim to create a robust, balanced activities list that showcases not only their proficiency in their subject of interest, but also highlights their positive characteristics. Traits like leadership, industriousness, creativity, communication, and team-working are all skills that will help students. Applying these skills and building one’s candidacy throughout their time in high school is the key to a compelling student persona and successful college application.
As the foremost experts in the college admissions landscape, InGenius Prep is here to provide expert guidance for students. Our tailored programs offer strategic support, helping students achieve acceptance into top national universities. With a proven track record of success, InGenius Prep empowers students to thrive amidst changing admissions landscapes. To learn more, click here and schedule a free consultation call with one of our advisors today.
Tags :application counseling,candidacy-building,computer science,extracurricular activities
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