Build a Real Website or App
Create something people actually use
Why It Matters
A working deployed project is more impressive than any course or club alone. It shows self-direction, technical skill, and the ability to solve real problems - exactly what top CS programs want.
How to Start
Identify a real problem, then build a solution. Host it on GitHub Pages, Firebase, or Vercel for free. Use React, Python/Flask, or even no-code tools like Bubble. Document your process in a README.
Commitment
- Medium commitment: a few hours most weeks during the school year.
- Best starting grade: G8
- G8 is a great starting point. Even a simple working project you've maintained for 2-3 years is impressive.
Programs It Supports
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Design
- Entrepreneurship
Majors it supports
- Computer Science – high 80s to high 90s depending on school
- Software Engineering – high 90s at Waterloo; high 80s to low 90s elsewhere
- Entrepreneurship – high 70s to high 80s
Universities where it fits
Our profiles for these schools suggest Build a Real Website or App as a good fit for their applicants.
- Toronto Metropolitan University – Toronto, ON
Similar extracurriculars
- Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) – Waterloo's premier programming contest
- Hackathon Participation – Build real projects under pressure in 24-48 hours
- Coding / Computer Science Club – Learn and build together after school
- Game Development Club – Design and ship video games as a team
- Canada Learning Code – Teach coding to others in your community
- University Youth Tech Programs – University-run summer tech programs for high schoolers
- School IT Help Desk / Tech Squad – Assist teachers and students with tech issues
- Hackathon Organizer (In-School) – Host a 12-hour coding competition in your cafeteria
- School Website / App Developer – Modernize your school's digital presence or create an announcements app