Should My Computer Science Essay Be About Programming?

College Essays
1

Hey so I’m currently writing my application essay for UIUC and this is the prompt

Explain your interest in the major you selected and describe how you have recently explored or developed this interest, inside and/or outside the classroom. You may also explain how this major relates to your future career goals.

So my question is can I write this essay and say my desire is to be a software developer and talk about the work I’ve done programming(I can put a list of things I’ve done), even though Computer Science is about a lot more than just programming.

I’m just worried that if I write my essay mostly about programming they will think the essay is off topic because programming is just a small part of computer science.

PS:Yes, I am asking about my college essay a day for the early action deadline

2

I don’t think they will be put off the by that. But if I were doing it, I’d include info on why you picked THERE to attend for CS – what is offered or particularly interesting to you at that college?

3

I think it would be definitely be good to talk about more than just your accomplishments…talk about the first day you started programming, why you started, when you got discouraged, etc.