I’m a sophomore and am planning on majoring in either computer science or engineering with a minor in business (or computer science, if I end up majoring in engineering). I need some ideas for STEM extracurriculars, and not just for college admissions. Around my area, there aren’t many STEM opportunities like science fairs (school has no resources for that) or science olympiads (teachers do not coach, typically unheard of at my school).
Here are my STEM-related courses and extracurriculars:
Freshman summer going to sophomore year: Computer Science Honors
Sophomore year: AP Computer Science Principles (way too easy, I regret not taking A)
Junior year: AP Computer Science A, AP Physics, Pre-calc
Senior year: AP Calc BC, AP Stats, AP Macroeconomics, other STEM courses
Freshman year: was on regional and state math team, participated in computer science club
Sophomore year: hoping to get on state math team this year (nearly 4x more competition), going to get leadership role in computer science club, going to get leadership role in FBLA (future business leaders of america), hoping to get on robotics team if the coach allows it
- planning on starting programs/clubs relating to STEM at local libraries, nearby elementary school (open to all students), and nearby middle school (just for girls)
- (hopefully the people who work there will be open-minded and allow me to turn my idea into reality)
- applying to around 4-5 STEM summer programs, all girls only
- will try to get an STEM internship during my junior year
- will have an internship at U of I with a professor the summer after junior year
Junior year: (not a junior yet, but will be applying for NCWIT, hoping to get a national award)
It’s probably clear from my extracurriculars that I am passionate about STEM and educating younger students, especially girls, in STEM. However, I’m worried about not standing out against other applicants who probably have won multiple science olympiads, place in national math competitions, do internships at top companies or research at top universities, etc…
What other computer science or engineering extracurriculars are there? I’m looking to be more involved in STEM and become more knowledgeable about it. I am not aiming for Ivy Leagues or Stanford, but I’d like to go to top engineering/cs schools like U of I and U Waterloo (in Canada).