I’m stuck between UCSD (Math and Ec, UCI (CSE), and Northeastern (CS/Math). Do you have any advice?
Are you in-state/ out of state for any/all of them? How much do they all cost, and will you be able to pay it? With how much debt?
They are all pretty good options as far as the course is concerned. What are you most interested in? How do you like the university culture? What’s your weather preference like? What are the other activities that you are looking forward to in university?
Cost differences and what major do you really want to do?
Yes, what’s the cost difference?
If you want CS, do not go to UCSD, as switching into CS there is virtually impossible. (If you’re happy with math+econ, all good - just be prepared to not have the option to change your mind.) Irvine CSE is a good in-state choice if you want CS, and the business school there offers several minors that could be of interest. Did you get Campuswide Honors at Irvine or Regents at UCSD or UCI? In the UC world, the registration priority that these confer, even ahead of athletes, is huge and would move the needle toward UC in my opinion.
The CS+X programs at Northeastern are great, and co-op further enhances the appeal so long as you like the idea of a 5-year co-op program and don’t mind the attendant logistical issues (friends coming and going, wrangling sublets, and etc.). The flexibility to change majors/programs is in particularly stark contrast to the CA publics - that may or may not be of high value to you depending on how sure you feel about your path. The Boston location is also terrific if you would enjoy the city and can adapt to the weather. But depending on your out-of-pocket for Northeastern, after merit $ and/or need-based aid, and the resources you have to cover your costs, it may or may not be worth it relative to your UC choices.
Not sure how to compare the numbers? Try this calculator: http://www.finaid.org/calculators/awardletter.phtml
Re: Northeastern
Some quick browsing on Northeastern’s web site indicates that not all majors there are open. For example, engineering majors have these requirements: http://www.coe.neu.edu/undergraduate-studies/change-major . Now, that is not like UCSD CS, but it is not completely open either.
Yes, it’s not unconditionally open. But the policy says “a major change will be processed for students who meet direct admission criteria” - and the bar isn’t even super-high (3.0 GPA, no deficiencies, B- or higher in required math & science classes), and there’s even a “transitional” path for students who don’t clear that bar. That’s honestly about as forgiving as it gets, for major changes into engineering!
Most UCI engineering majors require a 3.0 GPA in major prerequisites and 2.7 GPA overall to change into: https://changeofmajor.uci.edu/engineering/ . This is not all that different from Northeastern.
Some California publics require only a 2.0 GPA and C grades. For example:
http://www.calstatela.edu/registrar/major-specific-declaration-requirements