I’m thinking of applying as a CS major and I noticed a lot of other applicants have ECs that reflect that (e.g. awards, competitions, projects, etc.). Because I only got into CS recently, my activities predominantly revolve around entrepreneurship, music and sports.
How important are major-related ECs to those colleges who admit by major?
It helps, but it isn’t necessary, especially if you have consistently participated in sports. Colleges know that participating in sports is time consuming, and it does develop prized skills, relational and other. Colleges also understand that students change their hearts and minds.
CS has a high rate of students switching to easier majors, so if you can’t show a history of interest in CS through ECs, show you can handle a strong performance in rigorous classes that are relevant (math, CS classes, perhaps physics, and don’t overlook strong communication skills demonstrated in an AP English, APUSH, or equivalent).
Good luck!
I think your ECs are fine. Even for students who know they want to focus on CS, the schools will look for students who are well-rounded and who have spent time doing things they love rather than just burnishing their resumes for application purposes.
@tkoparent Thanks, that’s a really good point! Any advice on how to make “doing what you love” more apparent on an application
@Groundwork2022 Thanks for the tip, that makes a lot of sense! I saw somewhere that an AO from MIT (I think) said the class that they use to compare CS applicants was physics, so I do see how showing capabilities in rigorous classes can be an asset.
As others have mentioned, its not necessary but it definitely helps. Colleges love seeing persistence and consistent interest in different things. If you’ve only recently become interested in CS but don’t have any ECs, this would be perfect opportunity for you to address this in your essays. You also want to make sure you sound well-rounded. Some students strictly do ECs that are related to their majors and this can sometimes hurt their application. I hope this helps!
@Collegespptntwrk Really helpful! You’re thinking in the supplemental essays right? I think that’s a good idea.
EC’s are definitely important, but not a deciding factor. At least at Northeastern University where I study (and also work for admissions), they love to see students that participate in EC’s outside of their major or main interest. They want students with diverse interests, so I wouldn’t worry too much as long as you have ECs!