Choosing a school for computer science - UCLA, UCSD, Cal Poly, UCSB

I have been accepted into all of these programs (UCSB w/ regents), and am only waiting on a decision from UCB. But considering how difficult admission there is, I decided I should just start thinking about it sooner rather than later. Aside from UCLA, I haven’t visited any of these schools yet. For my goals, I am mostly just focused on getting a good job out of graduation, so help with career stuff and lots of internship opportunities are very important to me.

UCLA - good program, most grads get good jobs out of graduation, no problem with grad school either, good research opportunities, and seems like a nice place to live, the people here seem very outgoing, good environment to learn and live in, but has normal problems w/ big research university (big classes, little individual attention), visited

UCSB - regents which might help a lot with getting classes, as well as a pretty decent $6k / year, good program (though maybe not quite as good as the other schools on the list), the area is beautiful, of course it is a pretty fun school too

Cal Poly - students are really trained for jobs, have little problems obtaining great positions and internships, a bit smaller learning environment compared to the UC’s (smaller class sizes), more focus on undergrad education, the area really appeals to me (even though I have not visited yet), the biggest problems are the difficulties associated w/ changing majors, as well less generally more difficult acceptance into grad school

UCSD - great program (on par w/ UCLA’s), so same ease with finding jobs and grad school, beautiful and a nice place to live, but pretty scared of the idea that it isn’t such a social school, supposedly it is a commuter school for many people

I am not really considering finances (it is basically the same for each school), so given that, what should I consider about each of these schools when choosing one? Also, what should I be looking for on my visits?

If that’s the main criteria then I’d lean towards Cal or UCLA. At a bit less prestige but offering a more student-oriented community would be UCSB or Cal Poly.

Keep in mind that these are all large publics. They have a career center, activities related to computing that you can get involved in, etc. but the key point is nobody is going to look out for you. If you want to take part or take advantage of opportunities then you need to be out there looking for them.

Since you mentioned grad school, many people in CS and engineering prefer a program that offers a 5-year BS and MS. The lost income alone of a 6th year of college is $70K or better. Not all schools offer this, so if you are thinking of a MS this may be a consideration.

UCSD is not a “commuter school” and it will have more than enough social life.

For computer science at the undergrad level, all of these will give you an outstanding education.

In terms of reputation, Berkeley is tops, but UCLA and UCSD are not that far behind. UCSB is very well respected in STEM fields. I have known folks to turn down Berkeley to go to UCLA, UCSD and UCSB based on personal fit. Cal Poly would not make it more difficult to get into grad school… it is very well respected and well-known in California (less so outside of California).

Honestly, you could not go wrong with any of these… so you should be relieved that no matter where you go, you will get a solid education that will well prepare you for career or grad school.

Compare finances, and then visit… go with the best fit FOR YOU.