Hi this is my first ever post on here because I don’t know where to turn. I am about to graduate high school and I am struggling to choose between these two schools. I have applied at both as an English major and I have already gotten into Sonoma and am still waiting to hear from Cal Poly. The pros of Sonoma for me is smaller campus, my boyfriend/friend is going there, great English program (I’ve been told), and independence (my sister goes to cal poly). Pros of Cal Poly for me is that I love the area, my sister goes there, closer to home, more to do around campus. I know Cal Poly isn’t and English centered school and I’m not sure if I’d fit in on campus. I love the vibe of Sonoma but I am afraid there’s nothing to do around there.
My questions are: Where would my degree look better to an employer? Which school has better programs? Which school is easier to switch majors? Where would I (someone who is somewhat introverted and not really into parties) feel more comfortable?
Please help me figure this out forum, every one around just keeps saying “only you can make this choice” without providing and insight.
-Thanks
I wouldn’t get too worked up about making the decision until you hear from SLO. If you get in, visit campus and evaluate it on its own merits and your gut. For better or worse, most of the students are STEM focused and no question it is harder to switch majors at CP than Sonoma.
Sonoma is a really good school and English is one of their top programs.
Good luck.
I have an English Major at SLO and my D loves the program. Not sure how it will translate after college but keeping fingers crossed. The one thing I do know after a couple kids going through this process is that CP does not typically release in waves. First comes acceptances, a few days later waitlists, a few days after rejections. My prediction is that rejections will start going out on Monday or Tuesday. This is not my opinion this is from watching the trends of the past 5 years. That being said, you never know when a school will change their methods. What I have seen this year at CP is that the stats seem to have gone up for English Majors so I think the English department is becoming more competitive every year. However, as you probably know, CP does not admit on stats alone. It may be time to start getting excited about Sonoma State.
On a side note, switching majors within colleges at CP is not as hared as one thinks. Going from college to college is another story.
Would you prefer quarter system (CPSLO) or semester system (SSU)?
Quarter system: three 10-week quarters per academic year, summer is another 10-week quarter
Semester system: two 15-week semesters per academic year, summer is typically an 8-week session
1 credit unit on a semester system = 1.5 credit unit on a quarter system, so quarter system colleges will require more credit units or courses, because each one is smaller.
You may want to compare the academic requirements and options at each school:
http://catalog.calpoly.edu/collegesandprograms/collegeofliberalarts/english/baenglish/
http://english.sonoma.edu/academic-programs/bachelor-arts-english
Sonoma is really good for English. Did you get into he Hutchins program (if you haven’t applied, do).
But wait till you hear from Cal poly before being torn - the decision may have been made for you.