Cal State Fullerton vs. San Francisco State vs. UC Merced

Out of all the schools I’ve gotten acceptances from, these three are the ones I’m considering to go to study in computer science. Right now I’m leaning the most towards CSUF but I wanted to see what others thought would be the better choice for someone majoring in computer science.

UC Merced will have the UC brand, smaller classes, pretty good research (and possible opportunities to participate w if you’re good enough), no issues to register for classes, unlike at the CSU’s. So, it’d be my pick.

Have you visited all the schools. Did you feel one fit you better vs the others? Will you be living on campus at all these schools? Is their a huge cost difference between the schools and is $$ an issue?

I have not visited any, I live in SoCal so I can’t really go to visit merced or san francisco state. I haven’t gotten the chance to see fullerton either but I am going to be visiting in April. I live on the lower side of SoCal so yes I will be living on campus. My main concern is which school has the best computer science program and which would be able to give me more opportunities for my major.

@Gumbymom

Try to visit. Plan an overnight that you schedule with Admissions, or, barring that, an official visit for admitted students. A visit tells you a lot about the campus.
Ask your high school, typically you get a couple days off to visit colleges.
They’ll all be good - a nod to UC Merced which has more research money. So it all comes down to fit and cost.

If you qualify for aid, then Merced will likely give you the best aid.

I would go to Merced…small and like a private univ. The cal states are still pretty much commuter/suitcase schools.

I lived by CSUFullerton for 40 years. It’s a small campus with a ton of students squished in. 236 acres with 40,000 students. Contrast that to the univ that my kids went to with about the same number of students, but 2000 acres.

I’d also go to Merced. I live 15 minutes from SF State, and the school has always seemed too crowded and disorganized for my liking. I know nothing about CSU Fullerton.

UC Merced is a brand new campus…already Nationally Ranked #165 (US News 2018 Overall), and #85 (US News 2018 Public Schools) which will increase due to rapid growth in the future. Has a lot going for it. The CSU’s have some good programs and are more cost effective…you will probably be a commuter though. The University of California System carries national and international recognition compared to the CSU’s as well.Take a tour of them to get the feel which should help you solidify your decision.

ass others note above, you gotta spend some time on both campuses and talk to some existing students to know which one will be best for you

What was your GPA?

What was your GPA?