2 replies to this topic

[BlueFlame]

I am a freshman in high school, and I am interested in becoming a computer scientist. My dream university is MIT, but I know anyone's chances "there" are slim. Do you know of other good computer science universities? I have tried a lot of searches on the internet, but you guys seem like the most reliable sources on the topic.

Just for reference, I am home schooled. I started a web site design business several years ago and maintain several clients. I am currently taking Algebra II. My test scores at the community college puts me at Calculus level. My English scores are also very high. My photos have been published in international magazines. I am taking Introductory Chemistry at the community college. So far I have a perfect score. I have served on the Open Lands Task Force, and presented several presentations in front of our Town Council. I am also starting to learn Java.

I want to find the best university for my major, but I understand if my academics and achievements are not up to par. My lack of physical (sport-based) achievements will probably hurt me.

By the time I am applying, I plan on having taking at least up to Calculus, if not Calculus II. I also plan on focusing mainly on science courses. I am attempting to learn as many programming languages as possible.

Any feedback on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much guys!

[WingedPanther]

If you can get a scholarship (and you may be able to), then MIT is a great school. One of my HS friends went there. I'd say you have a decent chance of getting in, based on the above. However, if you do NOT get some scholarships, then I would look around at other schools. What you probably want to do is talk with some of the businesses in the area and see what they think of the school you are considering. The journals that rate schools tend to be focused on a lot of junk.

As an example, [name deleted to protect me from defamation lawsuits] University is a very big, and popular, school in my area. It's an engineering school, so you'd expect it to have a strong CS department as well. Based on conversations I've had, that isn't really the case... at least from the perspective of employers. There are several smaller schools in the area that have good reputations in the business community, however. Less prestige on the diploma, but bet chances of getting hired.

One place you may want to check out is technology oriented temp agencies in the region around the school you're looking at.

[John]

Stanford is also an excellent school, not to mention it will get you a foot in Google's door.