Computer Science: The bugs in the system
The number of undergraduates majoring in computer science has more than doubled from 2013 to 2017. We have seen this trend in our practice as more and more students are expressing interest in a career in tech. At the university level, the number of students interested in studying computer science is outpacing the supply of professors, and students are starting to feel the impact of this imbalance. From an admissions perspective, it is getting more competitive to get accepted as a computer science major. Colleges are trying to manage the increase in demand but are finding it difficult to attract faculty when salaries in the private sector are more lucrative. Some colleges have made computer science a limited enrollment major meaning they are only allowing a certain number of students in. Other universities are limiting the number of courses computer science majors can take in their major in order to open up space to others in the department who are trying to fulfill their requirements. And, many colleges are facing issues of overcrowded classes, and have started using lottery systems to allocate coveted spots.
As it relates to high school students thinking about applying into computer science, realize that it has gotten more competitive and building your resume to show your experience and commitment to the subject will help.