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As we move towards the digital age, an ever-increasing number of computer science aspirants seem to prevail. In fact, there are around 400,000 CS students. Computer science is a technical skill— one that takes time to develop and constantly changes over time. It is also a job area that is highly demanded and that will only continue to grow.
Why you should take CS?
If we haven’t convinced you enough so far, here’s why you should computer science:
It is always growing. A computer science degree will not only allow you to see how far things have come, but also how far we will go. With various ongoing technological developments, you can never expect to be working a monotonous job.
CS will challenge you and help you stay up to date with all kinds of digital advances (Bonus: your grandkids won’t have to teach you how to connect to the Wi-Fi)
Computer science doesn’t just involve looking at a screen full of code and rapidly bashing your keyboard. It has multitudes of dimensions to it. Here are a few:
- Software developer
- Computer systems analyst
- IT manager
- Computer network architect
- Mobile application designer or developer
- Research and development (R&D) scientist
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning engineer
It is a HIGH paying job. CS is highly respected and demanded. You could be making a hundred thousand dollars right after graduation.
There are two very important aspects when it comes to securing a high paying, challenging and rewarding job. The course that you select, and the college that allows you to foster your growth. Computer science is a great course. But with a top college, it’s even better.
| Ranking | College | IB score | GPA | SAT/ACT | TOEFL/IETLS | Acceptance rate |
| 1 | MIT | Minimum score of 39 | 3.8 | SAT- 1520
ACT- 34 |
TOEFL- 90
IELTS- 7 |
6.7% |
| 2 | Carnegie Mellon | Minimum of 30 | 3.7 | SAT- 1500
ACT- 32 |
TOEFL- 102
IELTS- 7.5 |
5% |
| 2 | Stanford | Minimum score of 39 | 3.8 | SAT- 1520
ACT- 33 |
TOEFL- 100
IELTS- 7 |
5.2% |
| 2 | University of California–Berkeley | Minimum score of 37 | 3.5 | SAT- 1450
ACT- 33 |
TOEFL- 90
IELTS- 7 |
8.5% |
| 5 | University of Illinois | Minimum score of 35 | 3.6 | SAT- 1385
ACT- 30 |
TOEFL- 96
IELTS- 6.5 |
15% |
| 6 | Cornell | Minimum score of 37 | 3.7 | SAT- 1480
ACT- 32 |
TOEFL- 100
IELTS- 7 |
10.7% |
| 6 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Minimum score of 37 | 3.6 | SAT- 1439
ACT- 32 |
TOEFL- 90
IELTS- 7 |
21.3% |
| 6 | University of Washington | Minimum score of 37 | 3.6 | SAT- 1325
ACT- 29 |
TOEFL- 76
IELTS- 6 |
28% |
| 9 | Princeton | Minimum score of 40 | 3.8 | SAT-1460
ACT- 32 |
TOEFL- 100
IELTS- 7 |
5.8% |
| 9 | University of Texas–Austin | Minimum score of 37 | 3.6 | SAT-1335
ACT-31 |
TOEFL- 79
IELTS- 6.5 |
15% |
How can you stand out as an applicant?
To be a part of that small percentage of students that get selected into one of the top universities for computer science, the bare minimum won’t do. You will certainly need to go above and beyond to impress the admissions officer and be that 1%. Here’s how you can do that:
Extracurriculars. Remember, it is always quantity over quality. Ensure that you show consistency no matter what extracurricular you take up. Whether it be playing the piano or starting your own business.
- Service: Colleges will always appreciate social work. You can volunteer to teach basic computer skills at an orphanage, help clean the streets, raise funds for a good cause, etc.
- Passion: Do what makes you feel good. It may be painting, music or coding. Ensure that you show improvement over time.
- Career/academic: The final type revolves around building your knowledge and career. This could take the form of a web development/data analytics internship, as it provides you with the experience of working at a firm and helps develop skills that are crucial in the real world.
Personal essays. Make them real. Don’t try to be what you think the college wants you to be. Authenticity is valued more than anything. Be genuine when it comes to your essays and communicate YOUR story. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.
Letters of recommendation. One of the most difficult questions in the world could possibly be ‘how would you describe yourself?’. So have someone else do it for you instead. Sometimes an external point of view can be very beneficial in your application process.
Now that you have the one and only guide you will ever need to apply to universities for Computer Science, it seems like a good time to get started on your application and knock off their hats. Good luck!
