<p>I want to study Computer Science in California, preferably near San Francisco, but since I live in Europe I don't have that much knowledge about which university is preferred for major x etc.</p>
<p>Those I currently have in mind are these (ranked by me):</p>
<ol>
<li>Stanford</li>
<li>University of California, Berkley</li>
<li>University of San Francisco (my safety college)</li>
</ol>
<p>I know there are lots of other big universities in California but I don't know if any of them is a great college for getting the degree I am interested in.</p>
<p>So is there any other university I should know of or am I good with these three?</p>
<p>Also a little subquestion: I am not a religious person, but USF seems to have strong connections to some religion. I do not have anything against religious people as long as they don't try to make me do things that I don't want to. Is the religious affliction "strong" at USF? How would it affect me as a random international non-religious student if I were to go there?</p>
<p>I like to joke that USF is the one Catholic school where the majority of guys are gay. Compared to other Catholic schools, its religious affiliation is minimal and plenty of students who aren’t Catholic opt to attend. </p>
<p>That being said, be aware that universities in the US are hideously expensive, particularly for internationals. If you can afford it, great, come. But if you can’t, you might want to look at some of your excellent European options.</p>
<p>Also, another top CS private in the San Francisco metropolitan area is Santa Clara University. It is a Jesuit school, but plenty of non Catholics attend and feel more than included. I know a Jew who goes there and loves it.</p>
<p>University of California, Santa Cruz
St. Marys in Moraga
San Jose State University in San Jose
Cal State East Bay in Hayward
San Francisco State University</p>
<p>As mentioned, neither USF or Santa Clara (or St. Mary’s) are very religious.</p>
<p>For proximity to Silicon Valley in schools less selective than Stanford or Berkeley, look at Santa Clara University, San Jose State University, and University of California - Santa Cruz.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for the recommendations!
Didn’t knew about Santa Clara but it seems like a university that would fit me perfectly!</p>
<p>As for the cost, I’ll get the money one way or another. I don’t care if I’ll need to take loans that would last my whole life (though the chance of that occurring isn’t that big atm). I really want to go to college in the states because I think it’s a great country with great education.</p>
<p>Cal Poly SLO looks like a good college too, fitting perfectly into my list. But there is one thing that bugs me: the location of it. It’s not that I think that the location of it will decide my future or anything like that, but it feels I’m gonna miss out on stuff if I’m too far away from a big city. That probably sounds stupid though.</p>
<p>I shall keep it in mind, maybe I’ll apply just to see and have it as an alternative (if I get in).</p>
<p>Feels like my list is getting a little too big. This is how I see it now:</p>
<ol>
<li>Stanford</li>
<li>UC Berkley</li>
<li>Santa Clara
(3,5. Cal Poly SLO)</li>
<li>University of SF</li>
</ol>
<p>If I find any more nice colleges I’m gonna have to start crossing them of from the bottom lol</p>
<p>Also a little sidenote: Why does it feel like all americans graduate with all A’s and SAT’s 700+? Either Europe s*cks or your grade system varies a lot to ours (even though we use A-F).</p>
<p>Yeah I figured that. Here in my country, Sweden, you are considered very skilled if you get like 50% A’s and the rest B’s. Usually you get B’s and C’s if you try hard.</p>
<p>I really hope the universities I’m going to apply to considers where I am from and not just assumes a B in Sweden is the same as a B in the US.</p>