Are you a high school student dreaming of majoring in computer science? While maintaining a stellar GPA and crushing your standardized tests are important, your extracurricular activities can truly set your college application apart. 

In this article, we’ll explore the best extracurriculars for aspiring computer science majors, helping you stand out in the competitive world of college admissions. From coding clubs to hackathons, we’ll cover a range of activities that will not only impress admissions officers but also help you develop valuable skills for your future tech career.

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Why extracurriculars matter for computer science majors

You might be wondering, “Isn’t my perfect SAT score or 4.0 GPA enough to land me a spot in a top CS program?” While academic excellence is certainly crucial, extracurriculars play a vital role in your college application for several reasons:

Demonstrating passion beyond academics

Colleges want to see that you’re truly passionate about computer science, not just adept at taking tests. Engaging in CS-related extracurriculars shows admissions officers that you’re willing to go the extra mile to pursue your interests. This enthusiasm can set you apart from other applicants with similar academic profiles.

Developing relevant skills

The field of computer science is constantly evolving, and many of the most valuable skills aren’t taught in a traditional high school curriculum. Extracurricular activities provide opportunities to learn cutting-edge technologies, programming languages, and soft skills that will be invaluable in your future studies and career.

coding skills for computer science major

Standing out in a competitive field

Computer science is one of the most popular and competitive majors at many universities. With so many qualified applicants vying for limited spots, your extracurriculars can be the factor that makes your application shine. They provide concrete examples of your abilities and achievements, giving admissions officers a clearer picture of what you can bring to their program.

Building a professional network

Many CS-related extracurriculars involve collaboration with peers, mentors, and industry professionals. These connections can be invaluable as you progress through your academic and professional career, potentially leading to internships, job opportunities, or even letters of recommendation for your college applications.

building a professional network in the computer science field

Top 5 extracurriculars for future computer science majors

Now that we understand why extracurriculars are crucial for aspiring computer science majors, let’s dive into the top activities that will impress admissions officers and boost your skills. Here are five standout extracurriculars that every aspiring CS major should consider:

01

Coding clubs and competitions

Joining a coding club at your school is an excellent way to develop your programming skills and collaborate with like-minded peers. Many schools participate in competitions like the American Computer Science League (ACSL) or the USA Computing Olympiad (USACO), which can provide exciting challenges and opportunities to showcase your abilities.

Pro tip: If your school doesn’t have a coding club, consider starting one! This initiative demonstrates leadership skills that colleges love to see.

02

Hackathons and coding marathons

Participating in hackathons is a fantastic way to apply your coding skills to real-world problems. These events, often lasting 24-48 hours, challenge you to create innovative solutions under time pressure. Popular high school hackathons include CodeDay and Local Hack Day.

hackathons for computer science majors
03

Open source project contributions

Contributing to open source projects shows initiative, teamwork, and real-world coding experience. Platforms like GitHub allow you to collaborate on existing projects or start your own. This experience can be particularly impressive to admissions officers, as it demonstrates your ability to work on large-scale, collaborative coding efforts.

04

Internships or part-time jobs in tech

Securing an internship or part-time job at a tech company or IT department can provide invaluable real-world experience. While these opportunities might be more challenging to find for high school students, they’re worth pursuing. Check with local businesses, startups, or even your school’s IT department for potential openings.

computer science internship
05

Personal coding projects

Developing your own apps, websites, or software demonstrates creativity, initiative, and technical skills. Whether it’s a game, a tool to solve a local community problem, or a passion project, personal coding projects allow you to showcase your abilities and interests in a tangible way.

Additional computer science extracurriculars to consider

While the top 5 extracurriculars we’ve discussed are fantastic options, there are several other activities that can bolster your application and expand your skills. Here are some additional extracurriculars for aspiring computer science majors to consider:

Robotics clubs

Participating in robotics clubs, such as FIRST Robotics Competition or VEX Robotics, allows you to apply programming skills in a hands-on, interdisciplinary environment. These clubs often involve coding, engineering, and teamwork – all valuable skills for future CS majors.

robotics club

Tech-focused volunteer work

Use your budding tech skills to make a difference in your community. Consider volunteering to teach basic coding to younger students, helping local non-profits with their websites, or participating in events like Girls Who Code. This shows admissions officers that you’re not only passionate about technology but also committed to using it for social good.

STEM tutoring or mentoring

Tutoring other students in computer science, math, or other STEM subjects demonstrates your mastery of these topics and your ability to communicate complex ideas. It’s also a great way to reinforce your own understanding of key concepts.

Tech entrepreneurship clubs

Joining or starting a tech entrepreneurship club can help you understand the business side of the tech industry. These clubs often involve developing business plans for tech startups, pitching ideas, and sometimes even launching real products or services.

tech entrepreneurship club

Cybersecurity Competitions

With the growing importance of cybersecurity, participating in competitions like the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition can be an excellent way to develop specialized skills and stand out to admissions officers.

Key takeaways and moving forward

Extracurricular activities are crucial for aspiring computer science majors. As you move forward, focus on quality over quantity. Pursue leadership roles in your chosen activities and demonstrate long-term commitment. Colleges value the depth of involvement, so it’s better to show growth and increased responsibility in a few key areas rather than superficial participation in many. 

Remember, it’s never too early to start building your extracurricular profile. Whether you’re a freshman exploring computer science or a junior finalizing your college list, there’s always room to grow. By engaging in these activities, you’re not just improving your college applications – you’re laying the groundwork for a successful career in tech. So boot up your computer, join that coding club, and start building your future in computer science!

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