What do UConn computer science admissions officers look for in applicants?

For UConn computer science, the biggest things that matter are a strong academic record, especially in math, and evidence that you can handle a rigorous STEM curriculum. UConn reviews applicants holistically, but for CS a challenging schedule with courses like calculus, precalculus, AP Computer Science, physics, or other advanced science classes helps a lot. Solid grades in those classes usually matter more than having a long list of coding projects.

What tends to stand out is preparation and follow-through. If your transcript shows you consistently chose demanding courses and performed well, that is a strong signal for CS readiness at UConn. Programming experience can help, but it is not required, and admissions officers do not expect every applicant to have internships, hackathons, or a polished app.

Extracurriculars matter most when they show genuine interest, initiative, or problem-solving. That could be coding club, robotics, math team, independent projects, research, tutoring, or even a non-CS activity where you took on real responsibility. Depth is usually better than trying to collect unrelated activities just to look impressive.

Your essay and application should help connect the dots. If you are interested in CS, it helps to show why through a specific class, project, problem you liked solving, or way of thinking that fits the field.