<p>I'm interested (but not 100% positive) in becoming a computer software programmer or something related to that, meaning my majors would be computer engineering, or computer science. I'm still confused on what opportunities these would open to me so any input would be appreciated.</p>
<p>With that said I'm thinking of applying to Cal poly SLO, Air Force Academy, UCD, UCSC, UCSD, UCI. I realize the last 2 and the AFA are going to be difficult for me to get into. </p>
<p>Now there's UC Berkeley. That's the ideal college for me since it's very close meaning I won't have to rent an apartmenet, and has an excellent program for computer engineering. But there's another thing... let's just say I have a nice car and I'm scared of parking outside especially somewhere I'm not familiar with such as an apartment complex. That would mean I could garage my car every night. My parents have always wanted me to go UCB as well.</p>
<p>So what I'm asking is.. should I settle for community college and hope to transfer to UC Berkeley or some other top-tier UC? The savings would help but I don't really know if it'll prepare me enough. </p>
<p>OR should I take my current grade and SAT scores and apply to some of the colleges above?</p>
<p>Like I said, I don't know what steps I should take next, and would appreciate any input and suggestions.</p>
<p>I agree with the above poster as it seems like the most logical thing to do. If you really want to go to Berkeley, I would honestly start thinking about community college because you probably won't get in as a freshman (sorry to be blunt).</p>
<p>GodofSpore makes a great point: SJSU is pretty legit at compsci and IT is in silicon valley. </p>
<p>As for your situation, I dont think you should not try to apply. A friend of mine didn't apply because she was dead-set on going to a CC. However, by the end of the year, she realized she didnt want to go to CC anymore but it was too late. Just dont make a decision you'll regret later. </p>
<p>I would advise you to start preparing for a CC if you are going to use it as a backup plan. Senior year, you generally only have to take 5 HS classes only. I say, scrap taking AP calc at your high school and take it at Ohlone or Chabot because 1) it's easier, 2) it's free, and 3) you'll get the requirement done. So if you DO end up going to a CC, you'll have a headstart. However, you should still have fun with your senior year too. So it's your personal decision.</p>
<p>and by the way, go James Logan! (just thought i throw that in there)</p>
<p>I actually did plan to go to SJSU, until I started to aspire for more. I don't doubt it's a good college, but how is it compared to Cal Poly SLO? I'm pretty sure they're not close at all, because I've heard many big time companies are looking at undergraduates from SLO and giving them intern opportunities early on. </p>
<p>It's not that I really want to go to berkeley... or I don't.. but I think the main reason is how convenient it would be. Sure SJSU is close too, but it's hard to settle for less than for more. Am I making sense?</p>
<p>Chibi, I'm not sure what you mean by taking the AP Calc course at a community college? Why will it give me a headstart by taking it later on instead of now?</p>
<p>I am gonna take your guys' advice and apply to those colleges I listed. I guess I'll let you know which colleges I get accepted into. Any more advice as to which colleges I should apply to, or suggestions in regard to my major/field would be appreciated!</p>
<p>Oh no, I absolutely agree with you that you should go to a better college if you get in and like it more. I just think that San Jose State is worth boxing in when you send in your CSU apps.</p>
<p>chibi_loopi is saying you could take Calc at a community college instead of AP Calc. I don't think it really makes a difference.</p>
<p>yeah, i was rereading what i wrote and i admit, i didnt make any sense. im stuck on analyzing community college on a one-year plan (since i'm doing that), and if you had AP credits or taken college courses already, taking calc at a cc would help you get your prereqs and other stuff done faster. but because you are fresh, it wouldnt make a difference. my bad... lol</p>
<p>I went to MSJ so I have a kind of the same feel as we're from the same area, and same school district. Looking at your stats, I'd say you have a pretty good chance at UCI, and UCSD, but probably more towards UCI. Don't take getting into UCB as simply "oh its more convenient for me" or "what about parking my car at night". Seriously, when ur at Berkeley, thats the least of your troubles. If I were you, apply now, and hope to get into UCI and UCSD, or even Davis. If you get in, great. You're like everyone else in Fremont lol. If not, there's always Ohlone, or De Anza. Work your ass off there, and you have a shot at UCB and UCLA. </p>
<p>Think of it this way, you have nothing to lose by not applying now. If you get shot down the first time, you have the CC route and you get even better rewards.</p>
<p>btw, your senior year is very important too so don't get infected by "Senioritis" and start slacking off. Many of my friends got rescinded because of what they did their senior year.</p>