Good Computer Science Colleges?

Question

Hey,
I'm a junior in high school, and starting to look around for colleges. Right now I'm taking all honors (unweighted) or AP courses, and maintaining a GPA of 3.5. I'm also fairly active in extra curriculars, including the school marching band/indoor drumline, as well as doing volunteer work with the honor society.

I've taken a programming course in Java (signed up for Comp Sci AB next year, plus Visual Basic), as well as having tought myself C++, so I'm fairly confident I'd like to major in computer science.

So, my question to you all: are there any good computer science colleges in the US you'd reccommend to a student with my GPA? I'm already planning on applying to MIT, although I'd like some places that I have an actual chance at getting into. I've got a few more ideas, but I'd like all your opinions.

Thanks for your time,
Alex

Answer 1

Hi Alex, it depends on your budget and your location.

We recruit our IT dept. mostly out of Berkeley, even though we're based in Atlanta. Berkeley is a great school, lots of fun (if you get away from the IT crowd and meet other people in other majors).

You question is difficult, because it's unclear whether you're looking for a scholarship or just admission in general. (also you have to define your budget per year as far as how much you can afford).

Yeah, MIT is great. But my sister had a 4.0, almost a perfect score on her SAT, and still was not accepted. She did end up going to a very good school, but her undergrad and MBA was in Finance.

Maybe you can provide some additional details?

One suggestions: Colleges are looking for leaders, creativity, ambition, and free-thinkers. So focus on any leadership roles you can take on in your senior year. Start a small business (deosn't matter what it is)...just do something to prove ambition.

Feel free to email me if you're serious about this.

Good luck.

Answer 2

University of Illinois.

Their engineering programs are fantastic. Some of the guys from Youtube and Paypal went there. Plus Tom Siebel invested a ton of money to make a state of the art computer science lab/building on campus.