I got into both, and I’m not sure which one to go with. While my interests are more developed with my COSMOS cluster (applied mathematics in the field of biology), I recently started learning coding from codeacademy, and I love what I’ve learned so far; GWC would really allow me to learn a lot about the field in a rather short period of time. I’m also an organizer for an environmental-themed hackathon, which I got into because of my interest in sustainability, but it would be super helpful to know how to code well for the event.
My life would be a lot easier if I knew what I wanted to do, but alas, no. I like wayyyy too many things within the umbrella of STEM itself, so I can’t choose which one would be most relevant to my goals.
My other summer activities will be dependent on which program I choose.
I’d like to know:
- What differences are there from one GWC site to another? I got into Intuit in mountain view; will the material we learn differ from the other GWC sites, or is it pretty standard
- Between GWC and COSMOS, where will you meet more mentors/teachers? This is really important to me. I want to make some lasting relationships with the people that will be teaching/guiding me, as I know they will a have an abundance of knowledge(aside from the subject) that I could use.
2a) What’s up with the “optional mentorship opportunity” at GWC? What does that entail?
- In which program is the “syllabus” more detailed? One of my friends who took part in the same cluster as me 3 years ago said that while COSMOS was very fun, he remembered it as being surface level and not very detailed. Anyone else agree? Is GWC also rather surface-level, even for beginners?
- I hate that this needs to be a question, but it is: which one looks nicer/more prestigious to colleges? Knowing selectivity would be nice, but that’s just for my own curiosity–how smart am I really? Lol.
If anyone could answer even one question, that would be great. I kinda need to choose one before April 28–last day for COSMOS.
Sorry for the reading, and thanks!
Okay so as someone who attended the Girls Who Code Summer Program last year but doesn’t know much about COSMOS, I will try to answer as best as I can.
- Being that I attended the GWC in DC, and have met GWC alums who attended the NYC one, you WILL BE LEARNING THE SAME THING CONTENT WISE. The only thing that will differ are the perks. For example, since you will be in California, you might get to go on field trips to Tech Startups which will help you decide if Programming is for you. Another example, like in my case, being in DC meant we went on field trips to the Capitol and spoke with Congresspeople who were interested in Tech or just legislators in general. In my opinion, that did not help much with Tech but it did serve as an eye opener for those who were interested in Government. Plus, we got to eat ice cream with some of the most influential people in DC. All in all, GWC sends the same powerpoints and curriculum to every location so DO NOT WORRY TOO MUCH ABOUT THAT.
- Again, like I said earlier, I never attended COSMOS and do not know much about it but with the GWC SIP, networking is GUARANTEED, I promise you. Many alums I have had the opportunity to speak with got to attend a Panel of some sorts and women from all over were invited to speak about their experiences in the Tech industry. HOWEVER, THE GREAT THING IS THAT THESE WOMEN ARE NOT JUST DOING TECH, THEY ARE DOING TECH+X. I met a lady who is a professor of Computer Science and Entrepreneur Studies. I also met Lisa Seacat who is the most prolific female inventor. Literally, she has over 300 pending patents. Seriously that IS A WHOLE LOT OF IDEAS. If you even want to know more about mentors, your Teacher and Teacher Assistants at GWC will help you with college essays, and even SAT tutoring, if you need it. They are literally some of the best minds. I cannot stress this enough, I wish I had actually taken the time to maintain the relationships with my TAs and Teacher because they also WRITE BOMB LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONS. Also, depending on your location, and who sponsors your class, for you that would be Intuit--am I correct?-- they offer internships for just graduating from their class. I know Lockheed Martin does this particularly. Look into that.
2a. I do not know what you mean about the Optional Mentorship Opportunity. Where did you see that from?
3.Again, I know nothing about COSMOS, but GWC is definitely very very detailed. Immediately, you learn a concept, you are able to practice what you learn either by creating a game or website. I would also add that GWC tries to give in-depth lectures on certain topics but you might have to go delve deeper ON YOUR OWN.
- For your last question, honestly, GWC is not some prestigious summer program, instead, IT IS A STEPPING STONE TO PRESTIGE. Let me explain, did you ever hear about the Girls Who Code Alums who created Tampon Run, a game that went viral, because it started conversations about periods? Well, those two girls were able to use the knowledge they gained from Girls Who Code to create the game, write a book about it, GAIN AN internship at a startup, and EVEN GIVE SEVERAL TALKS AND SPEECHES ACROSS THE WORLD. If you are trying to get into a school like Stanford where Tech Culture is quite popular, it COULD be best to use GWC to your advantage then.
I have a question though, why don’t you consider doing GWC THIS SUMMER AND DO COSMOS NEXT SUMMER OR REAPPLY OR SOMETHING? Is that not possible?
Anyways, my point is GWC is just a steppingstone. Be ready to use the knowledge you learn to pave the way for yourself. I used my knowledge at GWC to start a club at my high school that teaches Computer Science because our school has ZERO comp sci classes and now I am a proud recipient of the GOOGLE GENERATION SCHOLARSHIP, so…
@Fawziyah Thank you so much for the information! I saw the information on “optional mentorship” in my Onboarding Packet. Under the curriculum, there is a section that says “Engagement Opportunities,” which mentions 4-8 guest speakers, 2-5 field trips and workshops and an Optional mentorship opportunity with female employees of the host-company. If this rings a bell, could you please give me more information about this.
Of course, I plan to do something with the information I would learn at either campus; I was simply wondering whether one program was considered more selective or something compared to the other. But, that’s the least of my worries
Also, I could do COSMOS next summer and GWC this summer, or vice versa, but my counsellor told me that since I got into both, I should choose between the two; if I do one of them next year, it won’t be reaching my full potential. I hope that makes sense.
Again, thanks!
@nitanu32 I admire your intention to use whatever knowledge you gain to do something, and as such I’m not surprised you got into the GWC. Honestly, I believe you will SOAR wherever you go.
Concerning the Optional mentorship, I do not believe I remember seeing that in MY curriculum. However, I think we did something similar where the CEO of our host company who is a woman, by the way, organized a panel where all of her several colleagues, some men too, got to network with us and answer questions.
I know I am biased but I really hope you go with your heart on this one.
You are most welcome
@Fawziyah you are actually the sweetest person ever, this comment made my day <3
Girl, you are definitely welcome! @nitanu32