Hey everyone! What are some great computer science contests or competitions for high school students? I'd love to participate and maybe win some awards to help me with college applications. Thanks for your suggestions!
Hello! It's great that you're interested in computer science contests and competitions. They can definitely enhance your skills and add some value to your college applications. Here's a list of some popular and reputable contests for high school students:
1. USACO (USA Computing Olympiad): This is an online series of programming contests where you can work your way up through the levels, from Bronze to Platinum. High performers could qualify for the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI).
2. Google Code-in: Although Google discontinued this competition in 2020, they're working on a new program, so keep an eye out for announcements from Google.
3. ACSL (American Computer Science League): Consisting of four contests throughout the school year, ACSL focuses on theoretical computer science concepts, including bit manipulation, digital electronics, and Boolean algebra.
4. picoCTF: Organized by Carnegie Mellon University, this computer security/hacking competition features a game-based format, where participants solve challenges in various categories like cryptography, web exploitation, and reverse engineering.
5. Technovation Challenge: This global competition encourages students to create a technology-based solution to a real-world problem. Students form teams, develop an app, and write a business plan, with the potential to win cash prizes.
6. The International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC): Although it's a collegiate-level contest, high-performing high school students can participate in the regional rounds and potentially qualify for the World Finals.
7. Hackathons: Many high schools, universities, and organizations host local and virtual hackathons, which are intense coding events where teams create projects within 24-48 hours. Look for hackathons in your area or online, like the annual MLH (Major League Hacking) season, which includes hackathons all over the world.
Remember to prioritize contests that interest you and align with your goals, rather than just participating for the sake of your college application. Good luck and have fun participating!
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