Prompt: I'm a high school student who wants to maximize my chances of getting into a top-tier college in the US to study engineering, preferably computer science and engineering.
What are top three things I should do during my high school to improve my chances?
Unedited advice on college admissions from The Best AI Advisor in the world.
To maximize your chances of getting into a top-tier college in the US for engineering, especially computer science and engineering, here are the top three things you should focus on during high school:
1. Excel Academically in Rigorous Courses
- Take Advanced Classes: Enroll in AP, IB, or honors classes, especially in math, science, and computer science. Colleges look for students who challenge themselves.
- Maintain a High GPA: Aim for top grades, particularly in STEM subjects, as they are directly related to your intended major.
- Standardized Tests: Perform well on the SAT/ACT (if applicable), and consider taking SAT Subject Tests in Math and Science if offered.
2. Engage in Meaningful Extracurricular Activities
- STEM Competitions: Participate in competitions like math olympiads, science fairs, coding challenges, robotics, or hackathons. They showcase your passion and skills in engineering.
- Clubs and Leadership: Join or lead clubs like the Computer Science Club, Robotics Club, or Math Club. Leadership roles can demonstrate initiative and dedication.
- Personal Projects: Develop personal projects such as coding apps, building robots, or contributing to open-source software. This not only demonstrates initiative but also provides tangible proof of your skills.
3. Seek Out Enrichment Opportunities
- Internships and Research: Pursue internships or research opportunities in tech companies, universities, or labs. Showing hands-on experience in your field can set you apart.
- Summer Programs: Attend prestigious summer programs like MIT's RSI, Carnegie Mellon's SAMS, or Stanford's Pre-Collegiate Studies. These programs offer exposure to advanced topics and a taste of college life.
- Community Involvement: Engage in community service related to STEM, like teaching coding to younger students or volunteering at science museums. Colleges appreciate students who give back.
Should I take an AP class from an accredited online school such as 2Sigma School?
Taking an AP class from an accredited online school like "2Sigma School" can be a great option, especially if your school doesn't offer advanced AP courses in computer science. Here are some key points to consider when deciding:
Benefits of Taking AP Courses Online
- Demonstrates Academic Rigor: Online AP courses show colleges that you are willing to go beyond your school's offerings to challenge yourself academically, which is highly regarded.
- Preparation for AP Exams: An accredited online school will provide structured learning, guidance, and resources that prepare you effectively for the AP exam, which can earn you college credit.
- Flexibility and Self-Paced Learning: Many online schools offer flexible schedules, allowing you to balance your studies with other extracurricular activities or commitments.
- Boosts Your College Application: Successfully completing AP courses from an accredited online school adds weight to your transcript and shows initiative.
- Access to Qualified Instructors: Accredited online programs often have experienced teachers who can guide you through challenging content, similar to what you'd expect from in-person AP courses.
Things to Consider
- Accreditation and Recognition: Ensure that the online school is accredited and that their AP courses are College Board approved. This will ensure your efforts are recognized by colleges.
- Time Management: Online AP courses require good time management skills and self-discipline. Make sure you can commit the time necessary to keep up with the coursework.
- Cost: Some online AP courses have fees. Consider the cost and make sure it fits within your budget, but remember it's an investment in your education.
- College Board Exam Registration: Ensure you can register and take the AP exam at a local testing center. You'll need to make arrangements to take the test since it's not included with online coursework.
Taking an AP course from an accredited online school like 2Sigma School is a great idea, especially if you're motivated and can manage the coursework alongside your other commitments. It can help bridge the gap in your school's offerings and strengthen your college application significantly.