Comp Sci @ CaL Poly SLO / USC / UCD / SCU / UW / UCSD / UCI?

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

I’ve posted a similar question on the Cal Poly SLO board, I hope it is not bad protocol to post a similar question here.

I am a future computer science major, and am considering these schools. I am considering going early decision at SLO, since it is VERY high on my list of schools. Now that the Oct 31 deadline is approaching, I have to make a decision about early decision. I really like SLO, have visited the campus, and think I would be happy there. I am pretty sure I have the stats (4.1 CSU GPA, 33 ACT, MCA high 4700’s) to get in via early decision for CS, or Software Engineering. However, my dream school has always been USC, and I like UC Davis, San Diego and Irvine, as well as UW and Santa Clara. I will be applying to all of these schools plus a couple of safeties (San Diego State, Cal Poly Pomona, New Mexico). I have put a lot of effort into the essays that the other schools require, and think it would be fun to take this process all the way to the end. I would appreciate the forum’s thoughts on a few issues that will determine whether I go ED to SLO or not.

  • What is the reputation (and therefore future job prospects) of the Computer Science departments at these schools?
  • I know class sizes at the UCs will be much bigger than those at CPSLO and SCU, but what about USC and UW?
  • UW and UCSD have only a limited number of spots for direct admit into CS, where CPSLO would be a direct admit. What are my chances for direct admit at these schools?

I know that the success of USC’s football team has had at least a small effect on my thoughts about that school. My parents both went to larger schools with good sports teams, and they still talk about how much they enjoyed the games.

Ultimately I want to stay in the western US, and I think all of these schools are pretty well known in this part of the country. Are there any schools that I am overlooking that would also make me wait for RD?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have.

2

Are you a California resident? Have you checked the net price calculator at each school?

If CPSLO is not your first choice, why apply ED? CPSLO does not use “level of applicant’s interest” anyway. Indeed, it does not appear that ED has any effect on admission to CPSLO:
http://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=statsp
http://admissions.calpoly.edu/applicants/freshman/criteria.html

To check class sizes, you may want to look up the class schedule of each school and look up various courses that you are likely to take (CS, math, etc.).

You may want to consider UCSC and SJSU as low match or almost safety schools (if affordable in the net price calculators) for their proximity to Silicon Valley computer companies.