Is anyone here applying to UMass Dartmouth for Computer Science and have tips on standing out?

UMass Dartmouth's Computer Science program values applicants who show more than just strong grades and test scores, especially since it's a field with a lot of passionate self-starters. You already have a good start with your coding projects and hackathon participation. To help your application stand out, consider highlighting specific projects you’ve done—pick one or two and describe the problem you solved, the impact, and what you learned. For example, if you built an app during a hackathon that helps students manage homework, talk about how you came up with the idea, collaborated with your team, and any unexpected challenges you overcame.

If you haven’t done so already, showcase your initiative in sharing your knowledge or helping others with coding. Examples could be tutoring underclassmen, starting a coding club, or volunteering at local schools or libraries to teach kids basic programming.

When it comes to the application essay, it helps to tie your interest in CS with UMass Dartmouth’s unique offerings. For instance, the College of Engineering at UMass Dartmouth offers an Accelerated BS/MS program in Computer Science, opportunities to work on real research as an undergrad, and partnerships with local tech companies for internships. Mentioning your excitement for hands-on learning or the chance to take part in research projects with faculty can show you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in what’s unique to UMass Dartmouth. You might even reference their emphasis on interdisciplinary learning or research areas like cybersecurity or data science if those appeal to you.

A recommendation letter from your computer science teacher is an excellent idea, especially if they can speak to both your technical skills and your curiosity or teamwork abilities. If you have a mentor from a hackathon or a project outside of school who can write a meaningful letter, that can give your application an extra edge.

Take advantage of your connection to the area. Maybe discuss how growing up in North Dartmouth has motivated you to stay local and give back to your community through tech. This kind of personal touch can make your application memorable. Good luck with your application!