Why I Switched from Chemistry to Computer Science
During my gap year, I spent many nights on FaceTime with my high school friends, talking about everything from the Drake vs. Kendrick debate to the chaotic 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. But no conversation was complete without them reminding me of one specific memory—how I spent the last few weeks of our senior year not with them, but halfway across the world.
You see, in July 2023, I was in Zurich, Switzerland, competing in the International Chemistry Olympiad—the most prestigious chemistry competition globally. With a resume like that, you’d expect me to be deep into a chemistry PhD track, right? Well, surprise—I’m majoring in computer science. So naturally, people ask, “Why the switch? What happened to chemistry?” It’s a question I’m asked a lot. At first, I didn’t have a clear answer, but now, after reflecting on the journey, the shift makes more sense than you’d think.
To be clear, it’s not that I lost my passion for chemistry. It’s quite the opposite. There’s a particular thrill that only a true chemistry nerd can understand—like finally balancing a gorilla-sized chemical equation or nailing the final step of a notoriously tricky organic synthesis problem. There’s a rush of adrenaline when you solve something that initially seemed impossible. Or maybe that’s just me? Either way, chemistry for me was never just about memorizing the periodic table or knowing every reaction mechanism by heart. It was the puzzles—the intricate problems that demanded both creativity and logic—that truly captivated me.
This realization hit home when I competed in the Olympiad. It wasn’t about how much raw information you could cram into your brain; it was about piecing together concepts in new ways. The questions weren’t designed to test what you knew, but rather how you thought. The deeper I went into chemistry, the more I understood that I wasn’t just competing in the subject—I was mastering the art of problem-solving. And that’s when I began to wonder: could I find that same thrill in another field?
When I tell people I’m studying both general and organic chemistry in college and majoring in computer science, I get two types of reactions. My computer science friends are like, “Why torture yourself?” Meanwhile, my pre-med friends ask, “Wait, if you’re still taking chemistry, why switch to computer science?” At first glance, chemistry and computer science seem like polar opposites—one involves test tubes and reactions, while the other is all code and algorithms. But here’s the thing: both disciplines are built on solving problems.
In chemistry, I’d spend hours figuring out the most efficient way to synthesize a compound. In computer science, I’m up all night designing and implementing an algorithm to make it run smoothly and efficiently. The media may differ, but the core challenge remains the same: solving complex problems with precision and creativity. And if there’s one thing chemistry taught me, it’s how to think analytically. The ability to break down a problem into smaller, more manageable pieces and tackle them systematically—that’s a skill that translates seamlessly from chemistry to computer science. Whether it’s in a lab or in front of a computer, I’m still doing what I love: solving problems.
So why switch majors if I’m still solving problems? Why not stick with what I’m good at? Well, that’s the thing—I don’t want to just stick to what I already know. I could’ve easily stayed in my comfort zone, following the path of chemistry I’d been walking for years. But here’s the truth: comfort zones don’t inspire growth. Part of my life philosophy is that I want to be the best at whatever I set my mind to, and for me, switching to computer science was about pushing my limits. How far can I go? How quickly can I learn something new? Those are the questions that keep me motivated.
It wasn’t easy, though. When I first started learning computer science, there were plenty of moments when I questioned my decision. There were nights when my code wouldn’t work, and I thought, “Maybe this isn’t for me.” But each time I fixed a bug or learned a new concept, I gained confidence. I realized that stepping into discomfort is where the real growth happens. That initial fear of failure? It’s just a temporary roadblock. The skills you gain from pushing through—those last forever.
Just because I’ve switched to computer science doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned my love for chemistry. I see my future lying at the intersection of both fields. I’m particularly interested in machine learning, and I believe there are incredible opportunities to apply this technology in scientific research. Imagine machine learning systems predicting chemical reactions or accelerating drug discovery by sifting through massive data sets in ways humans could never do alone.
By combining my background in chemistry with the skills I’m developing in computer science, I hope to contribute to research that could change the world. It’s not just about switching fields—it’s about broadening my intellectual assets. I’ve realized that the future belongs to those who can think across disciplines, and who can merge knowledge from different areas and use it to tackle the world’s most pressing problems.
So why did I switch from chemistry to computer science? It’s simple: I wanted to keep growing, and growth requires change.
In the end, life isn’t about sticking to a single path. It’s about exploring different avenues, learning from each experience, and applying those lessons in ways that help you grow. Switching from chemistry to computer science may seem like a big leap, but to me, it’s just another step in answering the question,” How can I become the best version of myself?” And that’s a question worth answering.