BrainTrack Announces Computer Science Scholarship Winners for Spring 2011
Scholarship Winners From Loyola University Maryland and Ohio Wesleyan University Provide Insights for Other Students
MARLBOROUGH, MA, May 23, 2011 - BrainTrack, a widely referenced higher-education and career resource, today announced the Spring 2011 winners of its BrainTrack Computer Science Degree Scholarship, a twice yearly scholarship for computer science degree students that is designed to help future students. The winners are David Christo of Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, Maryland, who received the $1,000 first-place award, and Pedro Reveles of Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, who received the $500 second-place award.
"BrainTrack's Computer Science Scholarship program provides those considering computer science and information technology careers with helpful perspectives and experiences of real students," explains David Siegel, Vice President of Operations with BrainTrack's publisher, Futuremeld, LLC. "Selections from the essays are published, providing visitors with useful information about this field of study. The winners were selected based on factors such as the creativity and usefulness of their essays."
Winners Emphasize Computing Experiences
The first place essay from David Christo, who is working towards a bachelor's degree in computer science at Loyola University Maryland, emphasizes the importance of getting as much work and volunteer experience with computers as possible. He writes, "Just know that the knowledge gained from those experiences is some of the best training you will get in computing." According to David, hands-on experience is the best way to prepare for college and beyond.
In addition to this, David thinks it's important for students to determine if a computer science program is based more on theory or on real-world applications. He suggests that programs focusing on theory are great options for students who want to go on to do advanced graduate work. However if a student hopes to maximize his or her employability after graduating, he advises that a program focusing on practical applications is the way to go.
Runner up Pedro Reveles, who is pursuing his bachelor's degree in computer science and mathematics at Ohio Wesleyan, similarly stresses the importance of selecting a program based on whether it offers hands-on work and/or research opportunities. He also believes it's crucial for a computer science student to be a go-getter and show initiative to gain valuable experiences and to help with getting hired. Pedro writes, "To be a successful computer scientist you have to go out and try new things. You can't wait until a job opportunity comes to you."
About BrainTrack's Computer Science Scholarships for 2011
Entries for BrainTrack's Fall 2011 Computer Science Degree Scholarship are due by November 1, 2011. Entrants are asked to respond to essay questions that will help others evaluate computer science and information technology fields as potential career paths. A selection of those essays which prove most helpful to future students are published by BrainTrack such as in its Computer Science Student Stories section..
The scholarship is open to students currently attending school who have at least one semester of credits towards graduation with an appropriate degree in computer science or information technology. Coursework can be full-time, part-time, on-campus, or online and must be at an accredited US college. There are no entry fees and all entrant names and contact information will remain private for use only by the scholarship, with the exception of winner's names and schools, which will be published.
Scholarship rules and details are available in BrainTrack's Computer Science Schools section.
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About BrainTrack
Since 1996, BrainTrack has provided an online, worldwide university and college directory that inlcudes more than 10,000 higher-education institutions in over 190 countries. Visitors are helped in academic and career decisions through its content, including thousands of original and detailed school profiles, guides to U.S. colleges by career, U.S. colleges by religion, and articles that explore financial aid, accreditation, transfers, and more. BrainTrack is referenced by thousands of websites, including major universities and colleges, government agencies, libraries and publications. BrainTrack is produced and maintained by FutureMeld LLC.