How can I differentiate between schools that are between Safety and Fit for computer science

If you apply yourself and don’t slack off the first semester or so, you can transfer into the CS program even. I’d drop Clarkson and SJSU and add Alabama – a more reputable and nationally known research university. Alabama should be a safety and I would expect you to be awarded the Presidential Scholarship there. Microsoft recruits there – and I’m not sure they recruit at Clarkson or SJSU. You should visit after you get in to determine which of these schools are a good fit.

Match/Reach:
UCSD (UCs OOS are extremely expensive, not sure it’s a great choice – only possibly a reach because of CS)

Match:
Virginia Tech
Cal Poly

Safety:
Alabama
Clarkson (I’d not apply)
SJSU (same here, can’t see you not getting into Cal Poly or Alabama)