Computer science engineering is a much sought after field of study for millions of young high school graduates each year. In the four years of training, students learn about the basics of engineering and the many processes that make our digital life possible. Graduates of CS engineering fill up placement profiles for major tech corporations, as engineers remain to be one of the most in-demand professionals of the 21st century.
From scouting colleges to filing up applications, pursuing computer science engineering in such a competitive sphere can appear challenging. If you wish to pursue CS, but don’t know where to start, we have a handy guide prepared for you. Computer Science is a branch offered in Engineering Colleges. To land a seat in this highly desirable field, students must approach college hunting in three phases: search, selection and application.
Here’s a guide on how to apply to an engineering college to pursue computer science:
1. Thoroughly research your college options
There are over 4500 engineering colleges in the country and almost all of them have a degree in computer science. However, not all colleges can offer you the same level of resourceful learning that you deserve.
There are many factors that must be considered while selecting colleges, which is infrastructure, placement history, campus life and affiliations.
Colleges are constantly on the lookout for brilliant students who offer more than a sharp mind and good grades. Hence, while researching colleges, look for the one that suits your talents best. If you have leadership skills, don’t be shy and show them off. Thoroughly look for colleges that offer the best CS degree and don’t settle before finding your match. You can learn about colleges from education websites and get a clearer idea of what the place is offering.
2. Evaluate your computer science skill set
Before applying to any college, it is vastly important to understand the challenges present in each field of engineering. Because the challenges can be solved if you have the proper skill set and a desire to work hard in your chosen field.
Here are the basic skills that you must have for considering a career as a computer science engineer:
- Analytical Skills: It is massively important to develop analytical skills, as all major areas of your work will require you to have pragmatic technical knowledge which only comes from analytics.
- Problem-solving skills: You should have a positive outlook and a problem-solving approach to the world.
- Critical thinking: An essential forte of a computer science engineer is critical thinking.
- Creativity: A creative mindset in an engineer is more important than anyone can comprehend.
- Programming skills: You must have a knack for programming or an eagerness to learn about the languages of the computer.
- Data structuring and algorithm skills: It is essential for you to be able to perform data structuring and have algorithm skills.
- Web development knowledge: You must have a knack for web development and an eagerness to learn more about it.
- Machine learning skills: Since machines are the bread and butter of a computer science engineer, it is important that you have some machine learning skills.
- Basic knowledge of security, vulnerability and cryptography: A beginner’s knowledge of these things will launch you smoothly into the computer science world of learning.
- Quick learning: You should be able to grasp concepts on the go and have a desire to learn both at campus and later at the job for the rest of your life.
3. Keep a track of college applications and entrance exam dates on an excel sheet
Every college has separate rules of admission which includes entrance exams and in-house counselling. There are many critical deadlines that must be met from the first application all the way to fee payment. Hence, it is important for students to track all the developments and keep a clear chart of every important milestone. Keeping an open mind and a wide array of options to choose from is the best way to approach college scouting. So don’t get overwhelmed with your options but make sure you don’t miss out on any critical date.
Here’s how your detailed spreadsheet can look like:
| College | Likelihood of Applying | Application Due Date | Application Fee | Documents Required | Entrance Exams Required | Entrance Due Date | Counselling Due Date |
4. Meet deadlines by applying early
When it comes to applications, colleges mean no funny business. To scan through thousands of applications, they are very serious about deadlines. Hence, apply a week before all enclosing deadlines so you can stay on the safe side. Keep your documents ready and scanned and make sure you have all the self-attesting tools you need before filing applications.
5. Keep your application precise, clear and error-free
When going through 1000s of applications in a day, any minor discrepancy can turn the administrator off. Hence, keep your application free of error and make sure it shows the best, most capable side of you–a side that’s worth investing in. In colleges where entrance exams don’t play an active role, admissions fall on your past scores and your application. Hence, having a ready to go application that can be turned in a week before the deadline is advisable.
6. Don’t fall into peer pressure
There are many colleges that are a great fit for you but it might not be the case for your friends. But you cannot be swayed by them and make decisions based on what suits your friends. Make independent decisions because this journey is yours to complete.
7. Have backup options
It is great to have a dream college that you can focus on and work hard for. But when it comes to college applications, you must have a realistic approach. Make sure to line up great options and work on them along the way. The consequences of not having a realistic approach and backups can cost you an entire academic year.
The admission season is just around the corner. All colleges are getting ready to onboard students who can realise their full potential within the walls of their college. So don’t stress out the application process, but put your best foot forward and make sure you meet all the deadlines.
Good luck!
