I want to major in computer science and my stats are
UC GPA: 4.03
UW: 3.8
New SAT:
640 math
620 english
17 writing
AP Classes:
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
AP Calculus AB
AP Language
Also taken intro to engineering and design
Senior year:
AP Calculus BC
AP macroeconomics
AP literature
Principles of Engineering
Psychology
Advanced band
Extra Curricular:
California Scholarship Federation-4 years
Triad Club (vice president/leadership club) - 2 years
Marchingband (drum major)- 4 years
Concert band - 5 years
Jazz Ensemble- 4 years
Musical drama music- 2 years
Tennis JV-1 year
Volunteer hours-100 ish
I am a California resident and low income. I just want to know where I should be thinking of applying to and where my reach and match ranges are.
For UCs, see http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1903428-faq-uc-historical-frosh-admit-rates-by-hs-gpa.html (#4 for a handy table of recent past admit rates). However, CS is a popular / impacted major at most UC campuses, so you should expect admission to be more difficult than the overall campus admission rates in the recent past may indicate.
For CSUs, SJSU publishes past admission thresholds based on eligibility index (yours is 4.03 * 800 + 640 + 620 = 4484) at http://www.sjsu.edu/admissions/impaction/ . Last year, the threshold for CS was 4550 (the highest of any major at SJSU), and the threshold for software engineering was 4050. Some CSUs (e.g. CPSLO) may be more selective; others (e.g. CSUB, CSUDH, CSUEB) are less selective.
I’m not sure if I understand the thresholds. Does that mean I don’t get considered at SJSU since I don’t meet the EI score? What other cal states should I be looking into for CS?
Your eligibility index for the CSU’s is (CSU/UC GPA x800) + (SAT Math + CR). Your EI calculates out to a 4484. This is a competitive EI and although you are below the threshold for SJSU based on last years EI, the threshold will fluctuate from year to year so definitely worth an application or you could apply to Software Engineering which has a lower threshold.
Even though Cal Poly SLO is a Reach for CS (acceptance rate 10-14%), I would definitely apply there along with San Diego State, Cal State Long Beach and Cal Poly Pomona which look like definite Match schools.
You were given a link in regards to UC GPA and admit rates in post #1. I have broken out the numbers based on GPA range from that link to give you an idea of your possible chances. Remember CS is probably one of the most competitive majors currently at the UC’s, so you need stats above the averages.
Freshman admit rates for UC GPA of 3.80-4.19:
UCB: 12%
UCLA: 14%
UCSD: 39%
UCSB: 49%
UCD: 52%
UCI: 57%
UCSC: 83%
UCR: 90%
UCM: 92%
Good Luck.
WIth your EI of 4484, if you applied last year to SJSU, you would not have been admitted for CS (threshold 4550) but would have been admitted for SE (threshold 4050). However, the thresholds could be different this year, so there may be a chance of admission to CS, or rejection from SE, at SJSU if you apply this year.
Should i consider a different major when applying to UC’s and top CSU’s?
What other major are you interested in applying or are you trying to get into your preferred school and then switch into CS later?
I would be adequet with applying for software engineering but I know it isn’t offered at all UC’s. Is it a better shot to go undeclared/ major I don’t want and try to switch at a UC or just accept my major at a lower CSU?
The reason I asked about switching majors is that for many UC’s it is extremely difficult to switch into CS later vs being a direct admit. Only you can decide what is best for you. For my son (CS major). it was direct admit for CS or nothing. He knew his chances were slim at most of the UC’s and opted for a CSU instead. Other than Cal poly SLO and SJSU (your EI is a bit below the threshold), your chances are excellent at SDSU, CSULB, CPP, CSUF which are not lower CSU’s. These are the top CSU’s.
You also have very good chances at UCR and UCSC. UCI is also possible. Apply and see what happens.
Update: I’ve been accepted into Cal Poly SLO, SJSU, and CSULB so far. I will update as the UC’s roll out, but as of now I am greatful to have gotten accepted into SLO.
Congratulations on all your acceptances. Glad to know SLO was possible and an excellent option.
I’ve been accepted in UCSD, UCSB, UCI, UCR,and UCSC. I was only given my major at UCR and and UCSC so I have decided I will be attending UCSC. Due to SLO being too expensive.
Congratulations on your acceptances and a great decision to go for the direct admit at UCSC. Best of luck.
Great choice! Best of luck in your future endeavors.
I’m not sure I understand how Cal Poly is more expensive for you? It’s quite a bit less in cost of attendance than UCSC.
I am receiving more in cal grant and aid from UCSC than i was going to receive at Cal Poly. The loan i would have taken out would have been twice the amount it was at UCSC