CALICO Spring’25: Informatics Competition @ UC Berkeley

By Opportunity Mentor | Updated March 2025

If you’re a high school or college student passionate about programming, algorithms, and the broader world of computer science, the CALICO Spring’25 Informatics Competition @ UC Berkeley is an event you don’t want to miss. Organized by computer science students at UC Berkeley, this competition provides a platform to learn new concepts, test your coding skills, and network with peers who share your interests.

Event Details

Date & Time: April 26, 2025 (4–7 PM PT)
Registration Deadline: April 23, 2025 (11:59 PM PT)
Location: UC Berkeley (in-person) & Online Options (if available)
Cost: Free for all participants

CALICO (short for “Cal Informatics Competition”) stands out from other coding events by offering accessible content for everyone—from those just dipping their toes into programming to seasoned coders ready to tackle complex problems. It’s a golden opportunity to experience the excitement of competitive programming, build your skills, and learn from some of the brightest minds at UC Berkeley.

Why Participate in CALICO Spring’25?

Competitive programming events like CALICO Spring’25 not only test your coding skills but also expand your knowledge in algorithms and data structures. Here are a few reasons why you should consider signing up:

• Learn Algorithms & Computing Concepts: Dive into material often taught in UC Berkeley CS classes. This includes core principles like graph theory, dynamic programming, and more advanced topics.
• Beginner-Friendly & Advanced Tracks: Whether you’re a novice or an experienced coder, there’s something for everyone. The problems are tiered to cater to different skill levels.
• Team Collaboration: Compete individually or form a team of up to three. Collaboration is encouraged, fostering an environment of group problem-solving and idea-sharing.
• Networking & Community: Meet fellow students, potential mentors, and UC Berkeley’s computer science community. This could be a stepping stone to future internships, research opportunities, or collaborations.
• Free Participation & Prizes: CALICO is free to enter, and top-performing teams/individuals can win exciting prizes. Plus, there’s a raffle prize pool worth over $1000 up for grabs.

Format & Competition Structure

The competition runs for three hours, from 4 PM to 7 PM PT. During this window, participants will work on a set of programming challenges that vary in difficulty. Here’s what to expect:

• Multiple Problem Sets: You’ll encounter problems spanning classic algorithms, puzzle-like challenges, and real-world scenarios requiring coding solutions.
• Online Judging: Submit your code to an online judge system that provides immediate feedback. This simulates the environment of popular contests like USACO, Google Code Jam, and more.
• Team or Solo Participation: If you prefer working solo, that’s great! But you can also bring up to two friends to form a team of three. Brainstorming solutions together can be a fun and effective way to tackle tricky questions.
• UC Berkeley CS Insights: Gain insight into how computer science concepts are taught at one of the world’s top universities. This can be invaluable if you’re considering applying to UC Berkeley or similar institutions in the future.

Prizes & Raffle

CALICO Spring’25 is not just about bragging rights; there are tangible rewards to be won:

• Top Teams & Individuals: Winners will receive special recognition and potential sponsor prizes.
• Raffle Prize Pool: Over $1000 in value, ensuring everyone has a chance to walk away with something, regardless of final ranking.

The combination of a competitive yet supportive atmosphere, plus the added excitement of a raffle, makes CALICO a highlight in the annual coding competition calendar. You might leave with new friends, a deeper understanding of algorithms, and maybe even a few cool prizes.

How to Register

Ready to test your skills? Here’s how you can join:

• Step 1: Visit the official CALICO website at calico.berkeley.edu.
• Step 2: Click on the “Register” button and complete the form. Make sure to sign up before April 23, 2025 (11:59 PM PT).
• Step 3: Keep an eye on your email for event updates, resources, and instructions.
• Step 4: Arrive on competition day (virtually or in person) at 4 PM PT on April 26, 2025, ready to code!

Tips for Success

Whether you’re aiming to win or simply want to challenge yourself, a bit of preparation can go a long way. Here are some tips to maximize your CALICO Spring’25 experience:

• Review Key Algorithms: Brush up on common data structures, graph algorithms, and dynamic programming techniques.
• Practice with Mock Contests: Try out past problems from USACO or Google Code Jam to get a feel for time pressure and problem-solving strategies.
• Plan Your Team: If you’re competing in a group, discuss each member’s strengths. Maybe one is great at debugging while another excels at algorithmic thinking.
• Manage Your Time: Allocate time to read and understand each problem thoroughly. Jumping into coding without a clear plan can waste valuable minutes.

Conclusion

The CALICO Spring’25 Informatics Competition at UC Berkeley is a fantastic opportunity to hone your programming skills, learn from peers, and enjoy a taste of collegiate-level computer science. Whether you’re in high school testing the waters of CS competitions or a seasoned college student looking for a new challenge, CALICO welcomes all levels of experience. With free entry, valuable prizes, and the thrill of friendly competition, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Mark your calendars for April 26, 2025 (4–7 PM PT), and be sure to register by April 23, 2025 (11:59 PM PT). Embrace the challenge, push your limits, and join a vibrant community of coders, all while exploring cutting-edge algorithms and problem-solving strategies. Good luck, and we hope to see you at CALICO Spring’25!