Hello. I have narrowed down my choices to applying to the following for computer science, and I probably should try to narrow this down even more:
Pitt
Binghamton
Marist
University of Delaware
UVM
Champlain
TCNJ
Syracuse
Temple
Drexel
I am from NY, male, and taken all of the toughest classes in my high school including every AP and college class offered that I could fit into my schedule. My GPA is 96.5. ACT - 27 composite (27 in everything but science, which was 25). I have a lot of great extracurricular activities.
Any thoughts on this list? My ability to get in?
Financially, my parents have set a good budget that will likely pay for many of these schools.
Thank you.
Great GPA! ACT is a bit low, which may hurt your for engineering schools (which typically house computer science programs).
But here’s what I think…
Pitt - safety
Binghamton -low match/high match (I’m not sure if there’s a significant in-state boost)
Marist -match
University of Delaware -low match
UVM -low match/safety
Champlain -no idea never heard of this place
TCNJ -high match/low reach (OOS and this school is fairly selective)
Syracuse -match (CS is less competitive than Newhouse)
Temple -safety
Drexel -safety
Because of your solid GPA, put Stevens and WPI back on list, BUT learn about the schools’ approaches, philosophies and student environment. Then pick what fires you up and go for it!
Talk to your math teachers and get their opinion about your chances. Please don’t let your standardized test scores define your self image.
What do you dream of doing with your computer science background?
Drop reach schools only after more considered homework than matching test your scores. If you are in a rigorous secondary school, take more pride in you GPA. The middle 50% of the entering class had an ACT spread of 27 to32 and an average median RIC of 9%. Check this out: https://www.wpi.edu/admissions/undergraduate/what-we-look-for
Well, I made a few changes and here’s how things came together:
Pitt - Accepted
Penn State University Park - Accepted to main campus, but too expensive
University at Buffalo - Accepted
West Virginia University - Accepted
Binghamton - still waiting (removed from early decision and not sure I’ll ever hear back)
WPI - Accepted
Syracuse - Accepted
University of Delaware - Accepted
Rochester Institute of Technology - Accepted
Marist - Accepted
I have narrowed my choices down to WPI, RIT, WVU, and Syracuse. WVU is the most affordable with the rest costing similar amounts that my family can afford. I am looking to study computer science/computer engineering. I will be going to all of these accepted students days. Just not sure which one to pick.
Son applied to many of the same schools for CS/Software engineering.
Accepted with scholarships-
UPitt
Uconn
RIT
Marist
Stevens Institute
Drexel
Looked at WPI but felt that you there’s not much to do off campus so didn’t apply (also had a terrible tour there) so he passed
Visited Binghamton and passed because the town is run down. Same in Buffalo. Syracuse is a great city, lots to do though he felt to big for him.
We’re from FFLD county so used to a more country setting with a quick trip to NYC. And used to the cold weather.
You should really take a second look at UPitt. We stopped there on our way to Purdue and it’s a really great school, a bit less since it’s public and a great plus is that you can take courses at other area schools (like Carnegie Mellon next door) for the $ of Upitt. 12 credits total. Puts you in an advantage if your looking for a graduate program. It’s a really great city, not the Pittsburgh of the '80’s
He’s narrowed down his choices to RIT, Stevens, Upitt, Uconn. Will also attend all accepted students days to make the final decision. Good luck to you and congrats on your admissions!!
Thank you @blondeone for the insight. I actually will be taking another look at UPitt in April. I really liked the college when I visited and the costs are a few thousand less per year than RIT, WPI, and Syracuse for me. I honestly don’t know which college to pick at this point. I hope I can figure this out soon.
I have decided that I will be attending RIT. I did the accepted students’ day last week and was ready to commit. It felt right. WPI’s accepted students’ day unfortunately did the opposite for me; I was not feeling it even though I liked aspects of the school. Thanks for all the help!