give a junior some pointers:)))

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hey, I’m new to CC so please let me know if the formatting or something is wrong.

Anyway, I’m a junior rn and I wanted to get some feedback on my current resume. I see that its pretty early, but I’m mostly here hoping to receive some suggestions on how I can improve my chances of getting into these schools.

Schools I want to go to for Computer Science major are: Stanford, MIT, UCLA, Caltech, CMU, Ivies…

Background:
Asian Female
Upper middle class
Legacies: n/a, got some cousins there but don’t think that counts tbh

Stats
GPA: 4.76 W, 3.97 UW
SAT: 1570 (800M, 770 RW)
APs: taken 3 so far and 4 more in junior year, plus IB courses. They’re all humanities ones so far and I got 5, 4, 5 on all 3.
SAT IIs: Will take subject test for math ii and physics in march probably.

ECs
-Interned with a data analysis-based startup that was really small scaled. I did testing and web design, was very hands-on and I gained a valuable experience. unpaid btw.

  • Volunteer at a local science children’s museum. Clocked in ab 50 hours so far and I’m pretty sure I will get 100+ before senior year.
  • Interned summer’19 at a nonprofit for refugees and displaced people, where I worked mostly with organizing the data aspects on excel. Unpaid.
  • Volunteered summer’18 at a children’s STEAM class where I led basic science experiments and demonstrations.
    -President of a club at school (fundraises for a good cause).
    -CSF, NHS, Girls who Code.
    -Run track 3+ yrs and continuing
  • Volleyball for 3 years
    -Studied classical cultural music +piano for almost 10 years.
    -Tae Kwon Do jr. black belt-- also volunteer as an instructor

Awards
-National Merit (I’m confident that I’m a semifinalist based on my selection index and an email I got from college board which said my state’s selection index as the same number and one below, but its not official. yet.)

So yeah… that is basically it. I know that CS is, especially where I live, an extremely popular major and its crazy competitive so I really don’t know how I rank. I’m trying to get some research opportunities in math or physics or CS, and I’m hoping to improve the ECs. Please let me know how I can improve overall and what steps I should take until senior year to make myself more competitive.

2

Your stats are competitive. Have you looked at programming competitions like Hackerrank, or app development contests like the Congressional App Challenge?

3

Hi, thanks for the reply. Honestly speaking, I do not have much experience in programming, which, I know is probably a big weakness. I doubt that with my current level I would be able to successfully compete. Do you think that my lack of programming experience would be a major drawback? Should I take a class for it between now and sr year?

4

It shouldn’t be a weakness unless there were opportunities to take CS classes and you don’t take them. So if taking CS/programming classes is a realistic and affordable option, then yes you should take them. It will also be really helpful in deciding whether or not CS is even something you’d like to do. But if it isn’t an option, then it shouldn’t hurt you too much. A decent amount of people with no programming experience still get into some of the nations best CS programs.

5

Great stats. Try to find some CS programs or competitions. If your HS has some CS classes plan to take one next year. You’ll be competitive but these schools are reaches for everyone. Look at the acceptance stats for CMU SCS. It’s crazy. Just make sure have a few safety/matches on your list. Probably your in-state schools are most obvious. Good luck.

https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/undergraduate-admission-statistics

6

Oh yeah I should have mentioned that I’m taking AP CSP. Thanks for the input, I’m definitely gonna look into some coding courses at MIT open courseware

7

Also I have a couple general questions for y’all that I probably should have mentioned in my post.

  1. My SAT essay score is not v good… 16/24. Does this count against me? (Apparently colleges don’t care that much but im rly not sure.) Is it worth retaking?

  2. Are my extracurriculars up to par for the colleges I listed? It’s relatively easy to gauge where you stand stats-wise through comparing your scores to the average college scores but what about extracurricular-wise? Do I have a long way to go lol?

  3. What about awards? Is national merit enough?
    Haha im sorry if this is annoying, its just that as time goes by I’m pretty stressed that I won’t get in anywhere I want lol.

8

You have a fine background but with no hooks you will be in a pool where ~10% or less of applicants are admitted at most of your focus schools. As a woman applying to tech schools like mit and caltech, you may have a slight edge. Then again, those schools will be looking at kids who have taken mv and linear algebra in hs and have excelled on Aime or other national level math and science competitions and/or done high level research. In this pool nmf does not carry that much weight.

For ivies, start now on a plan to differentiate yourself in your apps. The ~10% of high stat applicants who get in are disproportionately those who message and market most effectively. Find someone knowledgeable to work with and get to work. Use you ed/ea wisely because the truth is that unhooked kods just dont get in to ivies Rd anymore.

Ucla should be well within reach esp if you are in state. Cmu is generally an easier admit than the others, though it is near the top in Cs. Add other programs slightly lower in the ratings to your list. Northwestern and rice come to mind. Terrific stem programs where your stats may get you a little more leverage.

9

Thank you! @minimickey If possible, could you elaborate on what you mean by marketing yourself? Is that essentially crafting essays that have a compelling narrative…

10

Marketing involves matching your qualities with what the school is looking for in a way that maximizes your chances. It sometimes involves focusing on certain interests abilities or personality traits so your application paints the picture you want the school to see. See your guidance counselor. If you are in a position to hire an outside consultant and you can find a good one you might try that.

11

I really suggest that you not try to fit any particular school (s) but find a school that fits you. “Marketing” yourself is stressful and ultimately destructive. Sure, present yourself in your best light. Your EC’s look interesting but make sure you are not doing them for admissions purposes. You can thrive at many colleges so make sure you have a range of selectivity, regardless of your chances at elite schools.

12

Comp sci has gotten pretty competitive almost everywhere. So I’d make sure you try and visit and focus on some less competitive options and try to find some safer schools you’d be happy to attend as well. I totally agree with comp mom. There are MANY fantastic CS programs out there. Be true to yourself , be open to many options, and the right school will surface.