There aren’t many subjects as popular among high schoolers as computer science. We're not sure if it's the allure of potentially coding the next big app, the fascination with how technology shapes our world, or just the fact that computer science and coding touches every part of our modern society. And if you’re here, you’re probably a freshman and want to know what you can do to help prep for college, especially since you think you like the crazy competitive major of computer science.
"Okay, well, I think 9th grade is way too early to think about college, and it doesn’t even matter to colleges anyway." Oh, how wrong you are, saucy teen. While 9th grade might seem early to dive into the nitty-gritty of college prep, it's definitely not too soon to start exploring your interests. And FYI, freshman year definitely matters to colleges. Like, a lot. Especially those top-tier ones.
When we team up with freshmen, our work revolves around helping students map out their summers. But we also like to dish out guidance so that when they join us for sophomore year, they're ready to hit the ground running and leap a few steps ahead in the college prep game.
Explore What You’re Interested In
You say you're into computer science, but have you pinpointed exactly why? Or what aspect of it gets you fired up? Or where you see yourself applying it in the future? Because that’s the stuff colleges are looking for! If you've got it all figured out already, kudos to you, you might just be the coolest freshman on the block. But if not (and let's be real, most of us are still figuring it out), it's time to dive deep into the world of comp sci.
Top-tier schools are on the lookout for students who carve out a niche in their chosen field. Just saying you're into computer science won't cut it, and neither will something generic like "Programming Basics." You've got to get super specific, like "Machine Learning Algorithms for Predictive Analytics." Now, don't stress if you're not at that level of specificity yet. It might take a bit of time to get there, but you've gotta start somewhere.
When we're mapping out summers, it's crucial for us to grasp what fuels your passion for computer science. Was it that mind-blowing coding project you tackled? Maybe there's a specific programming language or concept that ignited your curiosity. Or perhaps you're fueled by the idea of innovating tech solutions that'll change the world. Wherever your motivations lie, we're here to help pinpoint your niche in the world of comp sci. By asking the right questions, we can steer you toward opportunities that align perfectly with your interests and aspirations within computer science. So, let's dive into these questions together—they're not just about planning your summer, but also about charting the course for your exploration of computer science.
Freshman year is all about exploration, and what better way to dive in than by taking some online classes and cracking open a few comp sci books? As an aspiring comp sci whiz, staying updated on the latest tech news from reliable sources is key. Students who come back to us for their sophomore year after diving into this self-guided exploration are often lightyears ahead of their peers and primed to develop killer extracurriculars that'll make their college applications shine.
Do Well in School
Colleges are paying attention to your grades from the get-go, starting from day 1 of high school. That means it's crucial to buckle down and excel academically in 9th grade. We get it, adjusting to high school can be tough, but if you're struggling now, the road ahead will only get bumpier. Seek out tutoring, have honest chats with teachers if you’re struggling, and master those study habits to ensure you're paving the way for success.
Top-tier schools are all about seeing you ace the toughest classes. When we work with freshmen, we're not just about summer planning—we're also helping them navigate their course selection for sophomore year and beyond. For all you comp sci enthusiasts out there, it's essential to ensure that AP Computer Science (or similar) is on your course list (which you might be able to take in 10th grade!). But that's not all. You'll want to make sure you have strong grades in your STEM classes and take extracurriculars that fit into that comp sci niche as well.
Extracurriculars
Students who come knocking on our door later in the game often find themselves lacking in the extracurricular department—or worse, not involved in any at all. And let me tell you, it's something we're itching to help them fix! Maybe one of you comp sci whizzes will help design a time travel machine so we can go back in time to help, but alas. Anyways, freshmen, this is your time to spread your wings and explore! Dive into clubs, hit up events, and soak up all that knowledge like a sponge. If you've got a knack for computer science, consider joining coding clubs, attending tech meetups, contributing to open-source projects, or even starting your own coding initiatives. The options are endless, and the best part? You can start right now.
Now, let's talk about meaningful extracurriculars. Sure, the musical, soccer, and debate might all be a blast (and if you're head over heels for them, by all means, stick with it!), but if they're eating up too much of your time and not aligning with your comp sci passion, it might be time to make a switch. Prioritize opportunities that fuel your interest in computer science and make the most of your high school experience.
Summer Plans
Mapping out your summer adventures is our specialty. Here at 91Ě˝»¨, we're dedicated to unraveling your passion for computer science and connecting you with summer opportunities to dive headfirst into the field.
Ah, summer—the ultimate stretch of uninterrupted time in your calendar! While the temptation to lounge around or binge-watch TV is real, if you've got your sights set on those top-tier colleges, every moment counts. So let us help you take advantage of this chunk of time.
For freshmen, we love helping you find summer programs. Pre-college programs at top-tier universities like UCLA, Harvard, UPenn, Brown, Columbia, Yale, and UChicago abound! If there’s a perk to being interested in such a competitive major, it’s that you’ll have a lot of opportunities to explore it. These programs offer a golden opportunity to delve deep into comp sci topics alongside like-minded peers and explore your interests on a whole new level.
By discovering the interests of our freshmen, we're able to tailor-fit the perfect summer programs for them. We're with you every step of the way—brainstorming, fine-tuning applications, securing those recommendation letters, and ultimately guiding you towards the perfect fit.
Listen up, freshmen! It's never too early to start plotting your college journey, especially if you're eyeing a seriously competitive major like computer science. Dive into your interests early, ace those classes, and let us lend a hand in crafting your summer plans!
Freshmen, if you want to start strategizing for college, or just need help planning your summer, reach out to us today.