This is also the reason why I studied molecular biology instead of CS (I'm male, just not the stereotypical nerdy type), even though I vastly prefer working wit

This is also the reason why I studied molecular biology instead of CS (I'm male, just not the stereotypical nerdy type), even though I vastly prefer working with computers as opposed to being in a wet lab, and despite the fact that I am mathematically inclined. The problem is that CS/engineering attracts the sort of people who are not perceived as "cool" by the more mainstream society. There has to be an organized movement to lift the level of "coolness" in the CS/engineering departments. I know it can be done. We should learn from people who are in art/music schools (I've heard artists refer to themselves as nerds, even though they are far from being socially awkward). Also we should observe the fact that "nerddom" is a very American phenomenon (I am from Eastern Europe, and in technical schools there you see normal people who even do sports and have varied interests -- not awkward nerds at all) that started in the 1970s-80s or so, and probably has something to do with suburban upbringing (as well as with Dungeons and Dragons / medieval fair stuff).