This was quite a good essay. It's always fun to read someone else who also had a lifelong interest in programming but decided to major in a different subject. I did electrical engineering in my case - later Haskell got me good enough into abstract algebra that I tacked on a math minor as well. I often worry whether the EE degree disqualifies me in the eyes of employers from being a "serious" programmer.<p>I'm mildly surprised that the Turkish university scene sounds tougher to break into the top university ranks of, than the United States's was. I wonder why that is the case.