Chance Me Purdue Cybersecurity/CS

Chance Me / Match Me!
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1

Demographics

  • State/Location of residency: California
  • Type of high school *: Public, did dual-enrollment at community college as well
  • Gender/Race/Ethnicity (optional): female, Caucasian
  • Other factors *: first generation American citizen

Intended Major(s): Cybersecurity (at Purdue) computer science (at others, with security focus)

GPA, Rank, and Test Scores

  • Unweighted HS GPA: 4.0
  • Weighted HS GPA *: 4.35 (total GPA)
  • Class Rank: top 20% based on GPA ( attended different school for Fresman/Sophmore year with no honors classes that would translate to a GPA boost at the new school)
  • ACT/SAT Scores: 1440 (debating on submitting)

Coursework
AP: CS, CS Principles, Physics C: Mechanics, European History, Literature, Government, Macroeconomics, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics

Dual Enrollment: CompTIA A+ IT, Intro to Networking, Computer Operating Systems - Windows, Computer Information Systems, CompTIA Security+

Also took CSIS 1100 - Outreach Computing Projects at Southern Utah University

Awards
-NSLI-Y scholar for Russian (State Department program for studying abroad to learn a new language and culture)
-National Center for Women in Technology National Honorable Mention and Regional Winner (2020-2021 award cycle)

Not sure if it’s an ‘award’ but applied and was selected to attend GenCyber Warrior Academy at University of Northern Georgia

Extracurriculars etc.
-Competed in CyberPatriot for 4 years, team captain on last year (and starting team at new school this year, online school last year made it unfeasible to start one then)
-ScienceOlympiad for 7 years (compete in 4 events each year, one of which is now cybersecurity since it’s introduction to the regional competition and always place top 20 in at least 3 of my 4 events at the regional level)
-FIRST Robotics team for 2 years
-Organizer/mentor for all girls middle school robotics team
-founder of Women in Technology club at school
-Organized two week long summer camps to teach younger students cybersecurity and programming (‘sponsored’ by an NGO)
-Volunteered for two summers at a STEM camp for Elementary and Middle School students
-Varsity tennis for 3 years
-(also about to get a job at Mathnasium as a math tutor)
-National Honor Society

Any feedback would be appreciated!

2

Would you prefer a more technical major (CS) or a less technical major that also includes other relevant subjects based on social sciences, business, and communications (cybersecurity, at least how it is defined at Purdue)?

3

I’ve been leaning towards cyber considering my interests (career and otherwise) and past experiences with cyber/cs. As such, while I would gladly major in CS (likely on a security track), I think I want to apply cybersecurity first to the colleges I can.

4

Cybersecurity at Purdue is in the Polytechnic Institute. With a 1440 and those grades, you’ll have no problem.

Engineering middle 50% is 1370-1500 so you’re solid there as well. Average is 1432. Your ECs are impressive.

5

CS is CoS is a harder admit.

Do your research on the 4 year plans of study for each of the programs and be sure you are applying to the program that aligns best with your interests.

6

Yes, I did, and while I was on the fence I’ve decided on cyber where I can, based on the 4 year plans.

7

@Ghostmorning If you’re in California, why are you considering Purdue? What’s the draw? California has amazing schools for CS/Cybersecurity.

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