Hey guys, so I’ve been accepted as a transfer to Cal Poly and SJSU and I am quite torn between the two. I know this question has been asked a hundred times (I’ve read at least 50 of them) but I can’t seem to decide, and I’ve only got 4 days left! I’m hoping some of you can give me some more insight before I make my decision. I am planning on majoring in computer science, a major both schools are highly regarded for.
SJSU
I live in San Jose so the cost of attending will be almost nothing. With it being in the Silicon Valley, my job prospects are quite high. I like the campus and the environment, as I know it like the back of my hand. The student body of SJSU is also very diverse, which is a plus. I also get the freedom of a car go anywhere I want. However, SJSU is heavily impacted; so much so that they put me in as undeclared. I’m confident in my academic performance so getting into my major later shouldn’t pose too much of a problem on that front, but still, that’s an troubling circumstance. What I’m most worried about with SJSU is that I might not be able to graduate in 2 years due to not getting classes.
SLO
Obviously, SLO has the prestige factor going for it. Though it isn’t in the Silicon Valley, it still has a reputation for itself, especially in the tech industry so that’s a plus. Also, I did manage to make it into CS at SLO. I’ve visited the campus and it has a nice, relaxing feel to it, though it isn’t as city like as SJ is. I am also interested in their motto “Learn by doing” as I really am more of a hands on learner, as opposed to listening to a lecture. However, it is extremely far from home, and the most convenient form of transportation to SJ is a 4 hour train ride. Due to it’s distance, I will also need an apartment and a food budget, so the cost of attending is nearly twice that of SJSU. I know the dorming experience is a rite of passage for college, but really, that isn’t too important to me; I’m more interested in getting my education and finding a good job.
Sorry for the long text post, but hopefully you can get a better understanding of my situation. Anyway, I think what it really comes down to is this: is the quality of education and opportunity of networking/job prospects that much better than SJSU such that it is worth the extra effort to attend there? I’m hoping that some of you can offer me your experiences and advice. Thank you in advance!
It sounds to me like you want to go to SJSU, but you’re worried about the intangibles of passing up Cal Poly. If that’s the case, I’d go to SJSU.
My only concern, and it’s a big one, what major do you want at SJSU and what do you need to do to get it? Having a CS spot at Poly is a huge factor if you don’t have a slot at SJSU.
I’m going to try and get into computer science as well in SJSU. SJSU is definitely my home school and where I’m comfortable, but from what I hear, Cal Poly is renowned as one of the best schools for Computer Science/Engineering. I guess I’m just trying to find out whether that would translate into better opportunities in the future than if I were to stay in my comfort zone at SJSU.
As far as experience goes, do not underestimate it. it is much harder to network if you have no stories to tell or interesting experiences. I’m guessing you will experieIce a significant amount more if you are not living at home during your college years. I would also mention that the additional cost of college will be offset in a couple years if you do better in industry. You will do better in college and industry if you go to the place you are happier at. I would say that CP has a better reputation and career opportunities, but if you’re really set on SJSU then go there. I would be cautious, as you have no guarantee of getting CS.
It seems like you think CPSLO is a better school (at least for CS), but you don’t know if it is worth the extra money?? You are not alone, it is probably the most common question when comparing colleges. In the end, it is your decision, just make sure you are okay with the math.
When I re-read your post…You are asking for assurances that the extra money for SLO will be worth it for the same degree because of connections, quality of education, etc. Absolutely, no one can guarantee this. It is your decision (make it). It’s up to you to succeed–don’t leave it all to the school.
Do you know what you need to do to get into CS at SJSU? Is there anyway of finding out what your chances are? What would you do at SJSU if you can’t get into CS? Are you willing to take longer than 2 years in order to stay in San Jose? To me, having the guaranteed CS admissions at Cal Poly is worth a lot, but your decision should be based on your priorities.
Again, as @berkeleymom4 reiterated, you need to have a firm handle on the requirements to get into CS and have an alternative if you aren’t admitted. Too many students overestimate their chances, yet every year students get turned away from something the assumed would be a sure thing.
As for money, no one can say for sure. What I can tell you is that the difference isn’t as big as it feels. You are only talking two years. Whether you eat at home with your folks or in an apartment or on campus, someone is still paying for the calories you’re consuming. Tuition is similar. Books are similar. So, when you parse it out, the actual differential is rent and travel back and forth to San Jose.
Let’s say you choose to live on campus in PCV. You don’t have you have a full year lease like in an apartment or house. It would be roughly $7500 per school year. Two year and some gas money and your difference is well under $20k.
Now let’s look at the kid choosing between MIT and CP. That’s a $140,000 difference. It becomes MUCH harder to justify for that much money.
There is some benefit to getting beyond your comfort zone, but in the long run, no matter where you go, it’s really about what you make of it.
After doing some research and asking around, I found out something interesting about SJSU. The listed minimum GPA is 3.45 which I’m above, but some have told me that the actual competitive GPA is more like 3.7, and that’s probably where I didn’t make the cut. So, if I were to go to SJSU I would have to consistently ace classes until I can get in. The alternative would be to go into software engineering which is less impacted but very similar to CS. And again, the whole issue of not graduating in 2 years there worries me.
And you’re right eyemgh, I definitely am not gambling with a $100k debt in my situation. It just feels like a ton of money to me because I’m still only a student, but I have to admit, the gap isn’t as large as some other kids have to deal with.