By SK, CS Content Editor, MehtA+ High School Thriving Guide
MehtA+ High School Thriving Guide is designed by MehtA+ to guide high school students as they start thinking about their future. While our guide is not comprehensive, we hope that it is a starting points for students in their journey. Our hope for each student is that they not only survive, but thrive in the next phase of their life!
In part 4 of the MehtA+ High School Thriving Guide, we talk about the importance of pursuing computer science competitions. For students interested in preparing for programming competitions, check out https://mehtaplus.com/courses/competitive-program/.
In our last article, we talked about the importance of pursuing CS competitions and how CS competitions are a wonderful opportunity for students to grow. As a high school student, you may be wondering how to prepare yourself effectively for CS competitions. Preparing for CS competitions can definitely be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the field.
We compiled a step-by-step guide on how to get ready for the CS competition:
1. Know the Rules and Format of the Competition
Before you start preparing for a computer science competition or hackathon, it is important to know the rules and format of the event. This will help you understand what is expected of you and how you can best prepare for the competition. Some competitions may require you to work individually, while others may require you to work in teams. Some may have specific themes or topics that you need to focus on, while others may be more open-ended. Knowing the rules and format of the competition will help you tailor your preparation accordingly.
2. Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
Coding is an essential skill for any computer science competition or hackathon. Therefore, it is important to brush up on your coding skills before the event. This could involve practicing coding exercises or working on coding projects that are similar to the type of problems that you might encounter during the competition. You can find coding exercises and projects online, or you can attend coding classes or workshops to improve your skills.
3. Learn New Programming Languages
In addition to brushing up on your existing coding skills, it is also important to learn new programming languages that are relevant to the competition or hackathon that you are participating in. Many competitions and hackathons require participants to work with specific programming languages or frameworks, so it is important to familiarize yourself with these tools. You can find online tutorials and courses that teach various programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, and more.
4. Practice Time Management
Time management is crucial during computer science competitions and hackathons. You will have a limited amount of time to complete your project or solve the given problem, so it is important to practice time management skills. This could involve setting a schedule for yourself, prioritizing tasks, and working efficiently. You can also practice time management by participating in coding challenges or timed coding exercises.
Websites to Learn CS Languages
1. Codecademy is an online learning platform that offers courses in various programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, and more.
2. Udemy is an online learning platform that offers courses in various programming languages and tools.
3. Coursera is an online learning platform that offers courses in computer science, including programming languages.
4. edX is an online learning platform that offers courses in computer science, including programming languages.
5. Khan Academy is an online learning platform that offers courses in computer science, including programming languages.
6. MehtA+ is an online learning platforms that offers computer science camps in interdisciplinary subjects, project mentorship and competitive coaching for students interested in participating in CS competitions
In conclusion, it is important to be prepared for computer science competitions and hackathons. By following the tips outlined in this article and utilizing the resources available online, you can improve your chances of success in these events.
