I am a perspective high school student looking into computer science, and I applied to CPSLO.
I have quite 38 dual credit hours under my belt, but I only have 22 hours that are transferable.
How realistic is it to plan on graduating in four years? The degree plan online shows it is four yeas, but everywhere I read says five.
What are the five years due to? Is it lack of class availability? Difficulty of classes will prevent me from taking 15+ hours a semester?
SIDE NOTE: How have the financial issues of the California colleges affected learning? Is there overcrowding in classes? Lack of available classes? etc…
It’s very doable. The curriculum is 20 hours shorter than most of the rest of the engineering degrees. Plus, you’re bringing in a significant number of credits. It’s much easier to get classes than it was when the economy was at it’s nadir and they’ve changed their registration prioritization so upperclassmen don’t miss needed classes like they were under the letter rotation system. Classes are not over crowded at all. To the contrary, they are MUCH smaller than the UCs. There are three caveats. Never dodge times. Take 8AM or 5PM if that’s what it takes to keep moving forward. It’s OK to have professor preferences based on friend or Poly Ratings recommendations, but never pass on a class because you can’t get your perfect professor. Lastly, know your curriculum and registration system inside and out. There’s a flowsheet, but that’s only one of MANY possible paths. Pay attention to prerequisites, but know alternate ways to make progress besides the standard flowchart. Good luck.
I believe CS students are having trouble getting certain classes in their major. Review about a year’s worth of Cal Poly reddit threads to see the registration difficulties some CS students have with their CSC and CPE classes. My son’s roommates are also having the same trouble.