<p>So, I'm finishing up my Associates in Computer Programming this coming Winter semester and hopefully I'll be transfering the following Fall. I have a 4.0 GPA, so I don't think getting into most schools will be too hard. Unfortunately, due to my location (east of San Bernardino and Redlands) I don't have too many choices available to me since I work full time. USC and UCLA are over 85 miles of driving one way through ridiculous traffic (so, I'm not willing to contribute 4-5 hours of commute every day, since there are only 24 hours in a day). UC Irvine is in a similar position with about 60 miles one way, and almost as bad of traffic.</p>
<p>So, my choices are Cal Poly Pomona or UC Riverside (I'm not even considering CSU San Bernardino since it doesn't even come close to the other two). I'm not a science freak (jet propulsion, etc... so I'm not considering CalTech Pasadena). You have to be one to get accepted there.</p>
<p>I'm more interested in software side of things, rather than hardware. So, I believe I will find software engineering more enjoyable than hardware engineering. Therefore, it's probably a better choice for me to choose Computer Science major over Computer Engineering, due to the core classes.</p>
<p>Which school would be a better choice for me? From reading numerous posts, I've gathered that CPP is a fantastic school for engineering. That's where I'm uncertain, though. Since I'll be focused on the software side of things, would it be better for me to choose UCR? They both have Computer Engineering and Computer Science degrees.</p>
<p>With your GPA there is little doubt you will get into both of your choices and they are both very good options. A major consideration should be the employment statistics after graduation and intern/co-ops opportunities from each school. Something else to think about is cost, you might want to make the decision based the financial aid results. The sticker price of Riverside is more than CPP but if you get a better aid package for UCR it could be cheaper. Since you are close, perhaps make multiple visits to each school, talk to the students and some professors in your field and decide where you are the most comfortable. One thing is for sure, apply to both. Good luck to you.</p>
<p>Thanks. School cost is of not a huge concern, since I’m currently employed in a field that pays well (just not what I like to do). Available time during the day is, however, a huge determining factor. I wish there were about 40 hours in a day, then I’d be okay.</p>
<p>I agree with jakd59.
I think you may be better off going to a school such as UCLA or even UCI (They have school of Computer Science).
If you get a good scholarship and don’t have to work or work less at a better school than CCP or UCR for your major, why not?
CCP is known for Engineering but they do not have school of Computer Science.
If I got large scholarship to a school such as UCLA/UCI, I would definitely go there and get a job on campus, internship or work in the town. Your GPA is very high so apply to some good schools far and near for CS and see what financial aid they give you. I know UCs give very good merit based scholarships to transfer students.</p>
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<li><p>CPP (and it’s more prestigious relative CPSLO) are widely known as schools targeted by technical majors. UCR on the other hand is almost universally known, along with Santa Cruz and Merced, as a backup for people who didn’t get into a “brand name” UC. I would never choose an also-ran UC over a flagship CSU. Very few employers pay attention to the UC/CSU alphabet soup, but lots recognize the words Cal Poly.</p></li>
<li><p>CPP is heavy on engineers, programmers, natural science, etc. Relatively few liberal arts/social science/theater types around. In addition to the standard engineering and computer science majors you have other programming-oriented majors like bioinformatics, computer information systems/business programming, geographic information systems, etc.</p></li>
<li><p>Perhaps because of what I just wrote above, CPP is among the highest earning colleges in California in graduate salary surveys. I believe the heavy proportions of “serious” majors and slightly older student demographic creates a much more career-oriented environment where people are there to network and get references rather than have keg parties. UCR may provide more of a “college experience” but from the sound of it (you mentioned you already have a job), you would fit in much more with the Cal Poly atmosphere.</p></li>
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<p>UCR is not a bad school. If I recall they’re even opening a medical school right now. However, it will never be named in the same breath UCLA, UCB, UCSB, etc., so you’re not really benefiting from that UC prefix. For someone focused on a programming career who already has work experience, CPP fits like a glove.</p>
<p>CPP has a Preview Day. My prospective frosh is going for business; it’s on Oct 19. You need to have applied and have made a reservation to attend. They cover specifics of the major and benefits to attending. My S attended the Preview Day in 2010; CE majors received a Powerpoint presentation from a Prof and Q&A period, ChemE majors heard from a panel of students (frosh, transfer, alumni, etc.) and Q&A period. Lab tours were conducted. For some reason, I seem to be remembering that Eng had it’s own day, but I can’t say that my memory is accurate.</p>