Computer science is one of the most competitive majors available, especially considering how high the requirements are for acceptance.
Of course, it’s not just about the GPA and extracurriculars. If you really want a solid shot at getting accepted for computer science, you’ll need a strong comp sci essay.
And, if you’re like many engineers who dread the essay section of the college application process, you’ve likely seen the infamous “Why Computer Science? essay prompt.
Yeah, we get it. It’s hard to answer. You have to stand out from the rest of the admissions pool and there’s not a lot to say in terms of “WHY” we like things. We just… do! Of course, an answer like “it’s cool, I guess…” likely won’t suffice.
That’s why we created this guide for all of our fellow Engineering majors who hate writing!
This guide will dissect how to write the Why Computer Science? essay prompt. Additionally, we’ll also provide you with an example essay that worked for our applicant.
Table of Contents
How to Answer “Why Computer Science?”
There are many ways to answer the “why comp sci?” essay prompt. One could even argue that there is no “right or wrong way.” But, while that perspective is correct, we don’t think it’s very helpful for getting students to write solid essays.
The list of items below are some of the strongest tips we’ve found helped our aspiring comp sci students.
Don’t Forget the “WHY.”
If you’ve ever taken AP Lit, you may remember the ongoing joke: The “AP” in AP Lit stands for “Answer the Prompt.” In short, students struggle to write content that directly answers the question.
Your essay goes through the same problem. Most students say what they like about comp sci, but not why.
Here’s an example.
A student says, they enjoyed robotics since they were a child. As they grew older, they learned more about coding and how it create sophisticated robots like those from Boston Dynamics.
This shows WHAT they like, NOT the passion.
You may be asking, “But wait, can’t admissions officers infer the student’s ‘why’?” Well, sorta. Admissions officers read through countless essays. SOMETIMES they can extrapolate your answer. However, this is more common in personal essay prompts.
You should at least briefly answer the prompt directly.
For instance:
“That’s what makes computer science so fascinating for me, and why I love it so dearly: it’s potential for an exciting future. I love that of all periods of time I’m born in this one. And, it’s a time of both uncertainty and excitement, when I may see what the potential future of coding looks like.
Will my code bring robots to distant planets? Perhaps it would revolutionize the way we trade? Or, it would make life easier for marginalized minorities.
Who knows?
The possibilities are endless; and, even as someone with much to learn, I can’t wait to manifest said potential at the University of California.”
Example Excerpt From a “Why Computer Science?” Essay.
You Must Stand Out. Period. End of Story.
Let’s be a little realistic and harsh for a second.
Computer science is no easy major to get into. After all, schools like Purdue boast a brutalizing acceptance rate of 29.5% for the 2023 admissions cycle. And, one of our students who was accepted into Purdue for Comp Sci had to work with us on our college admissions consulting and essay help services for a good while before their essays were ready.
Why? Because we spent a hefty amount of time helping them stand out in their essays!
Comp Sci is one of the hardest majors to be unique in. Compared to other majors, Engineering and Comp Sci computer Science receive the most extracurricular events and programs. Universities and schools shovel money hand over fist because they know Comp Sci and Engineering are worth “investing in” (hence the countless robotics and coding camps.)
Thus, you can’t write a unique “Why Computer Science?” essay by just writing about your leadership experiences and achievements. You need to get personal. This means sharing small details in your computer science journey that are strictly “you.” Maybe you still remember getting your first program to actually work after countless hours, and seeing the sun rise up to indicate your first all-nighter dedicated to the field. Or, you remember how much your family pushed against you pursuing comp sci due to you being a girl.
Everyone has unique details scattered throughout their comp sci journey. Share them, and show how they make you a unique candidate.
Use Imagery.
This is an important one.
Most students don’t know how to use imagery in their college essays. And, when you’re explaining why you’re interested in computer science, it helps to use imagery when you’re writing in narrative format.
This does NOT mean you should use imagery everywhere. Your essay should have a balance between in-depth description and straightforward explanation. After all, it’s also all too common for students to overdo it with the imagery.
Use it to describe your journey with Computer Science. But, don’t over do it. As a good rule: make 1/3 – 1/4 of your “why major” essay imagery. And, make it strong. The rest can be simple, straightforward, and professional. Balance in all things!
Explain Why You Want to Attend Your Chosen School.
Every school has its pros and cons.
Some schools have a better learning environment. Others have crucial research opportunities. There are some campuses like Stanford and UCB that have a good startup culture that work for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Take your time to do research on your chosen school. Think about what actually makes these campuses worth applying to. And, don’t just parrot off what you see on the school’s website. Actually do in-depth research about the school, resources, and community. You can even look online on Reddit’s college subreddits for research. Example: if you’re applying to Berkeley, look at Reddit’s Berkeley subreddit.
Remember: this may be a “why major” essay. But, it’s still a soft way of asking students why you want to attend a specific campus.
Explain What Your Greater Goal is.
This is one of the most important parts of a successful “Why Computer Science?” essay. You can’t talk about why you’re pursuing comp sci without inexorably talking about future goals.
Now, some people may look further into the future than others. Some may only know what their goals are job and money-wise. Others have grander schemes like startup projects and future businesses.
You DON’T have to say you’re starting a 6-figure software development business to get accepted. You just need to mention your goals in computer science.
Additionally, it helps to be specific. The more fleshed out and articulated it is, the better. For, your admissions officers will know you’ve put thought into your major.
Show Off Your Abilities in Computer Science.
This is your time to brag!
The “Why Computer Science” essay prompt is also a good time for admissions officers to see how much you know about the field. There’s no one superior language of code. Admissions officers just want to see that you’re learning comp sci and applying it in your own work or projects.
One way to show off your skills is to talk about some of the interesting and cool projects you’ve conducted in school. Did you program a small game? Or, did you use programming to help a robot operate? These are all interesting school activities which may demonstrate your skill.
Now, remember that school projects are likely going to be generic. So, prioritize self-driven projects that you’ve done in your own time!
But, don’t forget: your main point should be about why you choose computer science. You can show off your skills in computer science and your knowledge in the field. However, the main point remains that it’s about your passion in the field.
Example “Why Computer Science” Essay That Worked
Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected. (Respond in 250 words or fewer.)*
Purdue Why Major Question (Computer Science)
I made The Perished Ones: a Castlevania-inspired game with deep lore and story.
It was okay. Don’t get me wrong; I love my first game like it were my child. But, I’ve still much to learn before dominating Steam like other Triple A games.
Nonetheless, my love for computer science and programming has helped me breathe life into the fictional stories I’ve always wanted to share in game form. I’ve had my fair share of late night ponderings over lines of code ’till the cows came home and the sun rose up once again, signifying the daunting sign of another all nighter. While it’s no Elden Ring or Blasphemous, this game and the development journey has been very invigorating.
I feel the competitions, club activities, and class assignments are nice to do. Sure. However, these past few years creating The Perished Ones has been so exciting to see. And, it’s the collaboration with fellow club members every day that has made this game –and computer science in general– so exciting.
It’s why I gravitate towards Purdue Computer Science: I know through its comprehensive curriculum , networking opportunities, and fantastic startup community that I can actualize my goal –to create an engaging team of programmers equally passionate about developing the next generation of Indie Games to come. Specifically, I feel computer science is a great medium of lateral development in the game dev world; and, I’m excited to revolutionize the Castlevania and horror theme of indie games for years to come.
Why Computer Science Purdue University
What Worked in This Essay?
There are 5 things that worked in the Why Computer Science? essay example. Well, there are more than 5. But, these are just the 5 main ones you can probably borrow and use in your own essay.
Have fun!
Establishing Emotional Maturity.
This essay, while boasting strong clubs and competitions, doesn’t do so in an immature way. It’s still sharing strong traits without being obsequious about it.
Additionally, the example “Why Computer Science?” essay demonstrates maturity by recognizing weaknesses. No one at the undergraduate level is a master. And, they can still be open to learning new things before being ready to call themselves Triple A developers.
That brings us to the next topic: intellectual curiosity.
Showing Intellectual Curiosity.
This essay shows a genuine interest in the field and an openness to learning.
In any “Why Computer Science?” essay, it’s tempting to talk about how smart and impressive you are. And, while it may be useful to brag to some level, it’s good to temper that confidence with humility. This is where intellectual curiosity comes in.
If you’re someone who is willing to admit you have much to learn (hence why you’re applying to college to begin with) then you’ll show admissions officers you have the right mindset for college. Additionally, this is a great opportunity to show them that you have the perfect personality needed to succeed both in and out of the classroom. And, schools are vying for these students.
Organic Growth, NOT Banal Titles.
If you want to truly impress admissions officers, you need to demonstrate organic growth and achievements.
This is a strategy most people don’t use. Instead, most students just create banal titles for clubs that have no substance. They may make claims like being the chairman of a coding club or the president of a robotics and programming club in their school.
These titles used to hold weight when students peppered their applications with empty titles. But, that’s no longer the case. Admissions officers aren’t born yesterday; and, they can see when your activities are legit or BS.
The great thing about this example “Why Computer Science?” essay is that it shows a genuine growth with no BS. That is, there’s no inflation of achievement to game the system. Admissions officers can trust the applicant that what they say in the essay and application holds water. This is especially important in today’s admissions climate, considering how many students make up extracurriculars or create lazy activities that seem more impressive than they actually are. (Example: using ChatGPT to create Amazon books.)
Genuine Passion.
It’s clear from this essay that the applicant has a love for computer science. Those who create passion projects on their own demonstrate passion because they’re not motivated by extrinsic institutions like clubs or competitions. It shows an initiative and determinism only afforded to those who truly love their craft.
This is why it’s so useful to create passion projects in your college application. It’s not required. But, it still serves as a major boost. And, when you’re vying for elite institutions in a competitive major, every boost in acceptance rate counts.
If you’re unsure of how to create a meaningful passion project, start by thinking about what you’re INTERESTED in, NOT what would impress admissions officers. By focusing on your own interest, you’ll create something that exudes truly honest passion; and, your readers will recognize it.
Of course, if you’re still unsure of how to create a meaningful passion project that best suits you, consider speaking with via our free consultation. We’ll respond within 24 hours and show you how to get started from the ground up.
Collaborative Mindset.
Let’s face it: in this modern admissions climate, competition is too fierce. And, with such a fiercely competitive environment, it’s rare to find truly collaborative people.
If you’re a Bay Area student, you already know what we’re talking about.
That’s why those who are genuinely collaborative are attractive to colleges. And no. We’re not talking about those who just work in teams. There are plenty of club leaders and organizers who just work in teams for the image. It’s about genuinely having a love for working with others and struggling toward a common goal.
This is one of the great things this example essay does. It shows a love for working with other peers and creating a game that truly excites fellow classmates.
Be sure to share this love for collaboration with other people. It’s one of the best character traits indicative of future success that admissions officers appreciate. If you do, your comp sci essays will look infinitely better.
Writing a solid “Why Computer Science?” essay is pretty hard. After all, you’re competing against some of the most fiercely competitive students in the nation and beyond. And, many of these students have their own college admissions consultants and editors helping them. Yikes! That’s why one of the best things you can do is get a college consultant and essay advisor on your side. Consider speaking with us over a free consultation; when you schedule, we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. We’ve helped students like you get accepted into some of the best schools in the nation including most recently UPenn, Columbia, Cornell, NYU, UChicago, and more!
