Hey, I’m an international student who is applying this fall and am going to major in Computer Science. I have sent the colleges that I applied to 2 games that I personally coded. But most of them won’t take in consideration of this material? I don’t know why, isn’t this proof that I could perform well in college in my designated major? Anyone who has ever sent the materials like me (apps, games, computer programs,etc…) please share your experience, and maybe give me some advice on how to improve my application? Thank you all
It seems that you’re sending what you want them to see.
But this one isn’t your call-- they’ll accept or deny you based on what THEY want to see. And there’s no reason to assume that the adcom reviewing your application is well enough versed in computer science to know a good example of coding from a poor one. Besides, that example is just one tiny little part of what it takes to “perform well in college.”
So fill out their application. Talk about the games in the appropriate section. And make sure that your application shows you to be not only capable in computer science, but to be a well rounded student, capable of adapting to school in the US.
@bjkmom Yup I know, but at least, they know that I am capable of excelling in Computer Science.
P/s: I would rather be a pointy rather than a well-rounded student just for preference, being extremely good in one thing to me is more productive than being well on other parts 
That’s fine, and I see your point.
But at this point in the process, it’s not about what you want. (That comes later, after the acceptances come in.) Right now it’s about giving them what THEY want.
The best of luck to you!
"I would rather be a pointy rather than a well-rounded student just for preference, being extremely good in one thing to me is more productive than being well on other part’
Then don’t be surprised when others who are more well-rounded get asked for internship/job interviews and you get passed over. Employers are concerned whether or not you can work on a team, can communicate your ideas, can interact with other stakeholders. To be the super technical person can serve a purpose within an organization – but know that your technical equivalent, who writes better and is more adept socially – will be more valued to any organization.
@T26E4 First of all, It’s my preference as I have stated above, not something that I judge or force people to agree on.
Second, you are leading astray since this is a post about additional materials, whereas you sir/madam is concerning on the marginal parts.
Third, I think you are misunderstanding my opinion, being pointy here doesn’t mean that I can’t interact, can’t work on a team. It’s about me being specialized in computer, not someone who knows everything like from baking to building a house.
Finally, computer programmers can work on freelance.
Aren’t you the same student who was “fabricating” things for his application?
Yup, first he posted that he had no ideas for his Common App easay at all and wanted help. Then that he wanted a partner to work one on one with him on his application. Then that he lied in his essay about what he did in his gap year, but is worried that they would find out that he lied.
OP, apply away. But US colleges and employers are generally not looking for truly point applicants. At a minimum, people and communication skills, and integrity are in their lists as well. Admissions officers are in no way qualified to look at code you send them. And they likely don’t have time to download or play a game or app you send. Unless a college specifically allows that kind of supplement, they probably aren’t going to look at it.
Your grades, test scores, recommendations, and recognitions you have received will be closely reviewed. If your game is available for purchase, has a lot of downloads, has received recognition of some kind, then by all means include that information.
Oh, and I work “freelance” in IT related projects, and if anything you need more communications and people skills as you are constantly meeting new people and coming up to speed on new projects.
@intparent Thank you for answering my questions. I don’t say that I do not appreciate those soft skill you mentioned, , scroll up and take a careful look again.
No one on this site knows you. All we know of you is how you’ve chosen to portray yourself here.
The advice @T26E4 gave you was right on target. You’re not a one dimensional person. Yet you’ve chosen to portray yourself as “pointy” as opposed to “well rounded”-- despite the fact that US colleges and universities are well known in their preference for well rounded students. And, yes, that’s part of why they don’t want the materials you’re determined to include.