Article updated on May 13, 2025.
If you’re a high schooler with an interest in programming or a passion for computer science, you might be wondering how to prepare for college and all the challenges and opportunities that await you at schools like DigiPen. Luckily, there are a number of things to do before college to help set yourself up for success!
Our college preparation tips break down how to prepare for a computer science degree, no matter whether you’re exploring programming for the first time or you’re already coding. DigiPen alumni also have their own words of wisdom to share — don’t pass up on tips for starting college directly from students who experienced our computer science programs!
Key Tips and Advice
Take precalculus and physics classes
DigiPen offers five undergraduate degrees in computer science with different areas of focus. No matter which you choose, having a background in math and science is a great way to prepare for programming. If you can, take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes in calculus and physics to establish a solid foundation in both topics. Taking these courses is not required to apply to DigiPen, but they can help you get a head start — you’ll thank yourself later!
Get involved in extracurricular math and science opportunities
Whether it’s by joining a club, taking part in a workshop, or offering your services as a tutor, being involved in the math and science communities is a great way to set yourself up for an easier transition into studying computer science. Not only will this solidify your passion and deepen your knowledge in those subjects — it also looks great on college applications and is something colleges look for in high school students.
If you’re interested in summer programs for high school students, consider enrolling in Open World, DigiPen’s K-12 program. There are plenty of summer workshops to choose from, and enrolling in the Open World program is a great way to get a sneak peek at DigiPen’s undergraduate computer science degree programs.
Learn the basics of computer programming
It’s never too soon to get familiar with the foundations of programming. Taking classes in high school or working from online tutorials is a great way to build up your understanding of computer science. Try building your own website using HTML or JavaScript, or start coding your first simple programs in Python. Whatever language you decide to explore, becoming familiar with the logic and syntax of programming can help prime your brain for the concepts you’ll be learning at DigiPen.
Seek advice from computer science students and graduates
Who best to ask about what it’s like to study computer science in college than the students already deep in their studies and the graduates who already experienced each and every essential class? When it comes to what you can do while you’re still in high school, one DigiPen graduate had this to share:
Practice math. Especially linear algebra and trigonometry. The biggest thing that I didn’t feel prepared for was the math. There’s a lot of it [at DigiPen], and it will be a lot easier if you are just reviewing the math rather than learning these concepts for the first time. I also attended a high school that participated in the IB program, and I think that helped me feel prepared for the non-academic part of going to school in general — mainly time management under a heavy workload. I think that’s what students struggle with the most, just blocking out the right amount of time for homework and classes.”
Cody Morgan
BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation
Want to chat with a current student about computer science and what you can do to prepare for college? Our DigiPen Admissions Discord Server has a dedicated space for anyone interested in chatting directly with a Student Ambassador. Bring your questions about math, academics, student life, or anything else about what it’s like studying computer science as a DigiPen Dragon.
Check out computer science alumni and possible career paths
The future is yours to shape, and you can start steering your path by checking out DigiPen’s computer science alumni. After graduation, and oftentimes through the help of our Career Services and Alumni Relations office, many DigiPen computer science students put their newfound skills into practice by working at major tech companies or finding a home at celebrated game studios.
For example, Adam Estela, a BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation graduate, helped improve the infrastructure of the digital library of music at Spotify. Rhianna Pinkerton, a BS in Computer Science and Game Design graduate, assisted in programming detective mode and other cool VR features in Batman: Arkham Shadow. A trio of DigiPen students landed internships with Epic Games that ultimately led to full-time roles working on Fortnite. See our Alumni Success overview for a closer look at even more graduate stories.
Know your options and when you can get started at DigiPen
Interested in studying computer science in college? DigiPen offers five undergraduate degree programs focused on programming, and each program is uniquely designed to fill specific roles within the tech and game industry. Our degrees include:
Your long-awaited summer break after high school graduation is important, but preparation for college should start earlier in your senior year of high school! Applications for the next academic year at DigiPen typically open in September, and you can keep tabs on when to apply for college on our How to Apply page and our Admissions Timeline page.
As you continue to explore how to get ready for college, keep in mind that you are not locked into a degree program or a specific subject while you’re still in high school! Our high school preparation series also covers game design, art and animation, and music and sound design.