Do students need to attend a top-ranked program to succeed in computer science? This article challenges common misconceptions about CS degrees and explains how students can build meaningful careers through multiple academic pathways.

In this interview, Jennifer Stephan shares expert insights on computer science admissions — including how to build a compelling CS “fingerprint,” when students should consider related majors, and how to navigate one of the most competitive applicant pools in higher education.

In November of 2022, ChatGPT, the chatbot launched by OpenAI, exploded onto the scene of social consciousness. How text generated by computer software powered by artificial intelligence (AI) will shape and change society remains to be seen. Many questions are raised in the domain of college applications: how will colleges respond to this new tool?

An academic life is rewarding. My favorite day of the year is the first day of the academic year each fall. The campus buzzes with excitement, promise, and potential as all the students return. When walking across the quad, the energy is palpable and infectious. It is a privilege to be surrounded by young adults as they develop their identities and to participate in this process.

On November 9, I presented an educational session at the 2022 IECA Fall Conference in San Diego, CA, titled “Navigating the Computer Science Admissions Landscape,” based on my article “Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Computer Science Admissions: An Expert’s Approach.”

An ABET-accredited program has met rigorous standards through a formal intensive review process, including ongoing self-study and periodic evaluation by academic, government, and industry experts. With its focus on specific learning outcomes and program improvement, ABET provides a standard for high-quality engineering programs.

What does it take to build a successful engineering career? In this conversation with Boston Dynamics CEO Rob Playter, we explore how passion, technical rigor, and intellectual curiosity shape long-term success in engineering.

References can help admissions officers distinguish between students who look alike on paper, those with like grades in similar classes, roughly equivalent standardized test scores, and common extracurricular activities. The strongest letters of reference are written by a current or recent (junior year) teacher who knows the student well and can provide anecdotes and details about the student beyond their grades.

Computer science is one of the most competitive majors in today’s admissions landscape. This guide explains how colleges evaluate CS applicants, what creates a strong CS “fingerprint,” and how students can build a balanced and strategic college list.

The COVID-19 pandemic first hit college and university campuses in the middle of the spring 2020 semester, upending traditional academic and co-curricular experiences for the entire campus community. But even as campuses shut down and students, faculty, and staff were sent home, admissions officers released decisions just as they do every March. So, what happened from there on out?