Computer Science Prospective Transfer Looking to go to UF, but Considering Backup School

Hello, I’m currently a student enrolled in a Florida Community College looking to transfer to UF for Computer Science, however, I am worried that despite my 3.8 GPA and As in all of their critical tracking programs that I have conpleted so far, I won’t be able to get into their CSE program for Spring 2019 due to the fact that I won’t have two of those critical tracking courses’ grades posted when I apply.

In the event that I don’t get in, I’m contemplating going to either FSU or USF. I live and work in Tampa currently, so USF would be easier to manage, however, I hear they have a poorly regarded Computer Science program. Is FSU’s Computer Science program worth uprooting myself for? How does a Bachelor’s in Computer Science look on a grad school application for each respective University? I know UF > FSU > USF for my major, but is FSU significantly or marginally better than USF?

If you’re on track to complete those two critical tracking courses, before enrolling into UF, you should be fine. Most applicants haven’t completed all of their courses, before applying to UF. You have a very good chance of being accepted.

FSU has a very good program (as does UCF). How much better than USF? I would say the difference isn’t great. It’s comes down to which school would you prefer (and cost)? FSU or USF?

Thank you so much! That really makes me feel less anxious. The computer science advisor I talked to acted like it would be an issue when I apply, so I’ve been in panic mode about it all. If I get into all three, UF is an easy choice for me.

When you’re doing computer science, prestige really doesn’t matter much. All the degree is good for is getting you an entry level job, which can be done from anywhere. After that, it all comes down to skill and experience. Your real education will be on the job. Once you have a couple years of work experience, no one will give a rat’s butt where you went to school.

@coolguy40
I think that may be true for someone looking to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and then immediately enter the workforce, but as someone who wants to go into grad school for Machine Learning, I feel like my undergraduate school probably matters for potential assistantships when applying for grad school, and that’s the primary reason I’m stressed about this all.

Anecdotally speaking…
Harvey Mudd College, one of the top CS schools in the country, just announced their new faculty hires. The two new Computer Science professors got their undergrad degrees from U of Nevada Las Vegas, and U of California Riverside. Both of these universities are looked down on as “safety schools” by many west coast applicants.

Anyway… are you applying to NCF too? Their CS department touts its grad school placement. Another option that would allow you to stay in Tampa.

Getting into graduate school is not so much about the school you get your BS from but what you do when you are there. You need to get good grades and get significant research experience. Students from all sorts of universities get into strong graduate programs.