The technology industry is one of the fastest-growing1 and most rewarding career fields today, and it’s an exciting option for students who love solving problems, being creative, and using technology to build the future. From software development to data science to artificial intelligence research, the opportunities in tech are nearly limitless, and so are the benefits for students who position themselves correctly, starting as early as freshman year of high school.
The Power of a Career in Tech
A career in technology offers much more than just a comfortable paycheck. The field is known for its high salaries, job flexibility, and growth opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers earned a median annual salary of over $130,000 in 2023,2 and the field is expected to grow 17% over the next decade, far faster than the average for all occupations.3
The technology sector also ranks among the highest in job satisfaction.4 Tech careers often provide remote work options, opportunities for creativity, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects that can shape the future. Whether building innovative apps, advancing artificial intelligence, or solving global challenges through data science, a career in technology can be personally and professionally fulfilling.
However, earning a spot at a top tech college and securing one of these rewarding careers requires careful planning starting in high school. Freshman year is the perfect time to begin building the academic, extracurricular, and practical foundation to set students apart in competitive college admissions.
Building the Foundation: What Top Colleges Look For
Top colleges with highly ranked computer science programs are looking for more than just good grades. They want students who:
- Take rigorous math, science, and computer science courses.
- Pursue hands-on coding experience through projects and internships.
- Participate in tech-related clubs and competitions.
- Take on leadership roles in clubs or community programs.
- Craft a compelling narrative in application essays about their interest in technology.
These elements work together to show that a student isn’t just casually interested in tech but has demonstrated passion, skill development, and leadership over time.
Academic Excellence: STEM Coursework Matters
A strong foundation in math and science is essential for any future tech major. Starting in 9th grade, students should aim to take the most challenging STEM courses available at their school, including:
- Algebra I & II
- Geometry
- Pre-Calculus
- AP Calculus
- AP Computer Science
- Physics and Chemistry (honors or AP when possible)
Colleges want to see that students are challenging themselves. Taking rigorous courses and succeeding in them signals preparedness for the demanding coursework in college computer science programs.
Developing Technical Skills Outside the Classroom
While academics are critical, colleges want to see that students are gaining real technical skills outside of school assignments. Computer science and programming are hands-on fields where practice and creativity matter just as much as theoretical knowledge.
Some ways students can develop strong technical skills include:
- Learning programming languages like Python and Java.
- Participating in online coding platforms.
- Attending an online coding school like CodeWizardsHQ. Structured programs with expert instruction and real-world projects help students build standout skills for competitive college applications.
- Building personal projects like apps, websites, or games to showcase in a portfolio.
- Exploring data structures, algorithms, and debugging techniques through books, online courses, or coding competitions.
Even if a student’s school doesn’t offer computer science classes, these self-guided and structured learning opportunities show colleges a deep personal commitment to developing skills in technology.
Extracurricular Activities: Clubs and Competitions
Top tech colleges expect applicants to demonstrate their passion for technology outside the classroom. Participation in technology-focused extracurriculars shows both technical enthusiasm and teamwork.
Some excellent options include:
- Joining a competitive coding club or robotics team.
- Participating in competitions like FIRST Robotics, VEX Robotics, or local hackathons.
- Entering coding challenges like the American Computer Science League (ACSL) or Capture the Flag (CTF) cybersecurity contests.
- Contributing to open-source projects through platforms like GitHub.
- Developing apps, websites, or games as part of personal passion projects.
These activities allow students to apply their skills in collaborative settings, gain recognition for their work, and demonstrate initiative and leadership.
The Importance of Internships and Real-World Experience
Internships and volunteer opportunities provide practical experience that enhances college applications and develops professional skills. Students should start building this experience as early as possible.
As a freshman or sophomore, students can:
- Volunteer to build or maintain websites for local non-profits or community groups.
- Assist teachers with school technology needs.
- Join university outreach programs designed to introduce high school students to programming.
By junior and senior year, students can pursue:
- Formal internships with local businesses, startups, or tech departments.
- Summer research programs at nearby colleges.
- Industry-sponsored STEM programs from organizations like NASA or Google.
- Online internship programs like the CodeWizardsHQ Internship Program, where high school students gain hands-on experience working on real-world coding projects for non-profit organizations. This remote program allows students to collaborate with peers, apply their technical skills to meaningful projects, and receive mentorship from experienced developers.
These experiences don’t just enhance skills; they also provide meaningful stories for college essays and valuable recommendations from mentors.
Soft Skills Matter Too
Being a successful programmer isn’t just about writing good code. The best tech professionals are also:
- Strong communicators who can explain technical concepts clearly.
- Team players who work well in collaborative environments.
- Creative problem-solvers who think outside the box.
Students can build these skills by:
- Joining debate club to practice thinking on their feet.
- Leading projects in clubs or competitions.
- Presenting their coding projects to teachers, classmates, or community groups.
Top colleges want well-rounded applicants who show they can work in teams, lead initiatives, and adapt to new challenges.
Starting Early Makes the Difference
A career in tech offers extraordinary opportunities, but getting into a top college and building the right skills requires starting early. The students who stand out and who thrive in college and beyond are the ones who combine:
- Rigorous academic preparation
- Hands-on technical skill development
- Leadership and initiative
- A personal passion for technology
Want a clear plan to stay on track? Use this High School Tech Career Prep Checklist to make sure you’re hitting all the right milestones from freshman year onward.
By starting freshman year and consistently building skills and experiences over four years, students set themselves up not only for college admissions success but also for a rewarding career in the ever-evolving world of technology.
