Computer Science Projects and Courses for High Schoolers: University Application Necessities
In order to get into computer science programs at top universities, students nowadays have to work through countless hours of project making, studying, and test taking in order to come out on top. It’s this challenging, uphill climb that has led so many students to become confused with that to do in order to stand out.
In this blog post, we’ll be talking about the best ways to build up a good foundation in computer science, and how to expand that into something that puts you apart from the rest in terms of meaningful projects and courses.
How to learn computer science as a high schooler
Learning computer science as a high schooler can be an exciting and rewarding journey. To embark on this path, it's crucial to start with a strong foundation in fundamental concepts.
Begin by studying programming languages such as Python or Java, which are widely used and beginner-friendly. Online tutorials, coding platforms, and interactive websites offer excellent resources to learn coding syntax, algorithms, and data structures. You can even consider taking a project-based computer science class through Inspirit AI!
Exploring computer science textbooks, attending coding workshops, or enrolling in online courses can provide structured learning experiences.
Practicing coding regularly by working on small projects or solving coding challenges helps solidify knowledge and improve problem-solving skills.
Joining computer science clubs or participating in coding competitions can also provide opportunities for collaboration and learning from peers.
By embracing a proactive and continuous learning approach, high schoolers can lay a strong foundation in computer science and pave the way for future success in this dynamic field.
What does a computer science project look like?
Typical computer science projects may take on the form of a video game, or a utility software. While these are undoubtedly great options, most students don’t explore deeper into other areas of computer science, such as machine learning algorithms or niche topics like video playback and audio manipulation.
Examples of common projects:
Recreating a retro arcade game (e.g., tetris, donkey kong, pong)
Building a scientific calculator app
Creating a note taking tool
Benefits of computer science projects
There are a variety of reasons to build a computer science project, some of which we will list below.
Building Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Working on a computer science project as a high schooler fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, equipping students with the ability to approach complex challenges methodically. By tackling real-world problems through coding and programming, high school computer scientists develop their analytical abilities and gain valuable experience in logical reasoning.
Exploring, Enhancing, and Expanding
Computer science projects allow students to learn about new softwares, algorithms, and other innovative technologies. By doing so, they enhance existing knowledge and expand their skill sets. Working on a computer science project allows high schoolers to enhance their creativity by designing innovative solutions and exploring new possibilities. The hands-on nature of such projects promotes a deep understanding of technology, preparing students for the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Preparing for the Future
Computer science projects provide high schoolers with the opportunity to showcase their work, present at competitions, and even contribute to open-source communities, which can greatly enhance their college applications and open doors to exciting career prospects in the tech industry. Or, perhaps you are preparing for future jobs. For example, if you want to become a successful software developer or computer scientist, building a few projects can prepare you well for what lies ahead.
Examples of computer science projects
Android App for Healthcare Screenings
If you already know how to code using Java, you can start creating your very own android applications! Android Studio is a free and popular IDE for developing android apps. Some skills you may gain include:
Device emulators
Healthcare
Mobile app development pipeline
Contacts App/GUI
People across the globe are constantly storing new contacts and making new connections. Making a contacts app can help kickstart your computer science journey by implementing different data structures and employing efficient algorithms. For example, you could build your contacts list with data structures such as linked lists, array lists, binary trees, or even with principles stemming from graph theory!
How to get started with a computer science project?
Taking the first step in a project is often said to be the hardest part. However, with the right tools and motivation, getting started can be a breeze!
Here are some tips for getting started:
Take baby steps. Don’t be overwhelmed by the sheer size of the project. Instead, break down the development process into steps (e.g., brainstorming, design, implementation, testing).
Design good code. It may take weeks or even months for you to complete the project. With that time frame in mind, it is wise to carefully plan out your next steps and be deliberate in your structural and procedural choices. This way, you don’t get lost in your own design, and the code connects seamlessly.
Good code comments itself. Anyone who may be collaborating with you on a project would certainly be grateful for well thought out code - code that doesn’t need lines on lines of comments.
With these tips in mind, you are ready to begin a computer science project of your own. Have fun!
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
