Can I report my LeetCode problems on my college application? I plan to apply to UC’s, would they be considered awards or extracurriculars, and if they are awards would they be considered international, national, regional etc awards?
Thank You
Most AOs would be unfamiliar with LeetCode, and I’m pretty sure you can find solutions to all LeetCode problems online anyways so it would seem disingenuous to list it as an award.
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what about contests? Could I put it under the ec’s section?
Are you entering contests as a hobby? What types of contests? Have you won any? How many have you entered? What are the awards?
We need more information, but I don’t think you can list entering contests as an EC unless there is more you aren’t telling us about why and how you do this.
I would instead do some coding of your own, solve some problems of interest to you, post them to GitHub, and put that and the link on your resume. That’s your own work and shows initiative and skill.
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Unfortunately I doubt AOs are going to go look at the GitHub projects. While useful on the resume, I doubt it provides an admission boost.
Same with LeetCode.
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I will still put it on my application, I have over 500 LeetCode problems, and with that range of problems people get jobs/internships at Google and Microsoft so I think that it will provide me a “boost”.
As a technology hiring manager, I know that. But it’s highly unlikely AOs will know this, or more importantly - care. Especially at highly selective schools, they’re looking for bright and curious students who have a thirst for knowledge for its own sake, can challenge themselves academically, and contribute in other ways to the campus community. Seeking students who might get a job in Big Tech isn’t an institutional goal at these schools.
What about participating in USACO (USA Computing Olympiad)?
It is entirely online and is considered an international award, however maybe if I explain what LeetCode is in my application the AOs might understand my potential? I plan to apply to UC’s if that means anything.
I agree with @DadOfJerseyGirl that putting down LeetCode isn’t particularly useful.
However, major accomplishments on USACO, such as Gold or Platinum, are useful to put down.
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Thank you for your reply
What about USACO Silver?
USACO silver is considered a minor award. It will have minimal effect at highly selective colleges.