Hi,
My son is a Junior. He wants to study CS. Considering that it is a competitive field, we would like suggestions for him. He has a 3.6 UW GPA. Currently he is taking CS AP and AP Cal AB. i don’t expect his GPA to change much. Would love some suggestions.
Where are you located, what can you afford?
Located in Washington state.
I would look at your instate schools or any mid-range private schools. His GPA is too low for top oos schools (unless you are interested in states looking to expand oos diversity) and he would probably fair better financially at privates. Need more info…stats, where considering, and what you can afford to be of more help
Class rank? Test scores? Number of AP/IB courses? Budget?
Any personal preferences for college size and location?
The GPA by itself doesn’t necessarily tell much.
Check out the University of Washington system, Washington State, or CWU.
Also, just spend some time on CC looking at past posts, enter “computer science or CS” in search and you will find a great deal of info.
UW is usually listed among the top ten or so schools for CS. However, direct admit to the major is very competitive so with a 3.6 you may be gambling that he can get into the major later. In any case, I’d start the list there as it’s by far the best bargain at in state rates. Paul Allen has donated funds and they’re working to expand access to the major.
I don’t think he’ll get into UW. What can you afford?
Thank you for the input. We are just about putting together a list of colleges that he can potentially apply to. We are hoping to look at mid level schools --not looking at top schools. I’m aware UW is a reach. At this point we just want to come up with a list and then move on to thinking what we can afford. We’ve been told that some private schools do provide aid as well. He has 3 APs this year. Next year he plans to take another 3 in math and sciences.I wish I could say money is not a factor. I don’t have any numbers…yet. As you suggested I’ll start with local colleges.
See if other Washington publics (EWU, UWT, WSU, WWU) are affordable in their net price calculators.
Also check out some of the schools that are part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange. You can get close to in state rates at many of those. Not sure if any stand out for CS strength but there are solid state schools on that list.
@cascadesbird Please answer these TWO questions.
- What are his stats? SAT or ACT
- What van you afford?
No one can give you advice without that info.
@cascadesbird While it is impossible to provide accurate advice without the above two questions answered, here are your best public merit opportunities.
https://www.uah.edu/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/freshman-transfer
Thank you for the pointers. This helps a lot.