Hi I need to accept at one of these schools by May 1, and I’m having a very hard time. I was accepted directly into the computer science program at Cal Poly, but not to the UDub. I am from Washington so the cost for college will be the same at both schools. I’m not 100% sure if my major will be CS I am also looking into Biomed, but for now I believe I will be a CS major. I know that the UW is ranked one of the best CS programs in the nation but at the tour of UW the CS program panel kept talking about how it is not as hard to get into as people make it seem. Like a 35% acceptance rate, around 3.7 GPA. I wont be able to apply until middle of sophmore year. Is it worth it? And how does it compare to Cal Poly’s CS program? I need some opinions on where I will gain a better education and have a better time. I have toured both campus and I loved both of them and they both have there Pros and Cons. Such as class size, class availability, and not getting into major. So some opinions on which school would be a better option would be helpful. Thanks.
If you attend Washington as an intended CS major but are not directly admitted to the CS major, consider what your alternate plan is if you are not admitted to the CS major. Would you be sending transfer applications to other schools where you can major in CS, or would you try to find some other major at Washington (note that many other majors there require competitive admission as well)?
Class sizes can often be checked by looking at the on-line class schedules.
It actually isn’t as difficult to get into UW comp sci as people make it seem. I’ve done my research on this and the 35% acceptance rate seems about right. I tried looking for the stats I found a while back, but couldn’t find them to share with you. I personally do feel like UW has the better comp sci program and being in Seattle, there’s so many opportunities. Also, if you’re not sure you want to do CS then I definitely recommend going to UW. UW has a top 10 undergrad bio engineering program, if you didn’t know.
I don’t understand how the costs can be the same. At Cal Poly you pay a $248 out of state tuition fee per unit. So, if you’re going to be a full-time student taking 15 credits per quarter then that adds up to an extra $11,160 per year.
In the end, go where you want to go because they’re both great schools.
So you think 35% is high? Don’t forget all these kids got accepted to UW. What make you think you can get 3.7 in CS classes?
I’m not saying 35% is high, but UW is a great school and if you think that you can do well and earn a high GPA in your pre-reqs then it is much easier to get in. The GPA is a major determining factor and if you can keep it above a 3.7 then you have higher chances of being able to get in. Also, if you’re a female or an underrepresented minority you will also have a better shot of getting in.
Check this page out to help you: http://data.engr.washington.edu/pls/portal30/STUDENT_APPL.RPT_APPLICANT_STATISTICS_YEAR.SHOW_PARMSv
Would someone more qualified than myself comment on whether they think these UW programs could be acceptable substitutes for CS?
http://www.washington.edu/students/gencat/academic/acms.html
Wasn’t able to edit my previous post. Here’s a link that works: http://data.engr.washington.edu/pls/portal30/STUDENT_APPL.RPT_APPLICANT_STATISTICS_YEAR.SHOW_PARMS