Interested in Comp Sci, what to do?

Hi, I am interested in computer science, and I don’t know what type of people get accepted. Are there any recommendations for what classes to take, extracurriculars to do, competitions to participate in, award to win, things to do over the summer, etc? I am interested in USACO and USAPHO, but I have not started preparing for either of them. I am also trying to do research with a professor over the summer. I don’t know how to differentiate myself from other applicants, especially since I am in the Bay Area. Any advice is appreciated.

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Any insight? I want to know this too.

I don’t know what grade you are in, but assuming that you are a freshman and you do not have any standing summer opportunities, you should study for the USAPhO, USACO, and AIME. Those are great opportunities to show colleges that you can be excellent. If you study for the entire summer, you have the opportunity to become extremely good at them. I would highly recommend it.