International student in Cal Poly

<p>Hi,
I’m a senior at a community college, it’s time to decide where to transfer.
My major is business - accounting (I may self-study actuary and take the exam later, hence I need more statistic and accounting). As being an international student, there’re lots of issues that I have to concern about, besides the quality of school and income. </p>

<p>My GPA is 4.0 (it may be around 3.8 at the end), I’m working part-time for a French coding company. I got ranked on top 5 ACMC Math contest at my college in two semesters. I really want to work more to get experience. I know it’s good for my application, but I don’t have flexible transportation, kinda depends on others. According to my ability, do I have a chance to be accepted to Cal Poly?</p>

<p>The tuition out-of-state is incredibly high, I need to find another part-time job there. How is it to find a job around campus for international students? Also internship opportunities at senior year and after graduation? Like any accounting students, I hope to work at Big 4 firms, mainly for experience because I intend to work at Big 4 in my country. </p>

<p>I think I’m gonna come back my country after 3-4 year internship/working in US. My uncle advised me to choose San Jose State, located pretty close to big firms in Silicon Valley, so he thinks the chance to get internship is easier than Cal Poly. But I preferred Cal Poly’s campus, even though I don’t know if I feel isolated among white fellows or not, also wondering a lot about housing, transportation and so on. No one in my family could really give me genuine suggest, I feel lost sometimes 'cuz of financial problem and plans for future. </p>

<p>Please leave some advises and comments, </p>

<p>Thanks in advance,</p>

<p>Your grades certainly qualify you for Cal Poly. No worries there. However, you must have all the correct courses under your belt to make the transfer successfully. Even a 4.0 GPA will not get you into Cal Poly unless you’ve satisfied all the requirements. Here is the site to start you research for both Transfer and International Students: [How</a> to Apply - Admissions - Cal Poly](<a href=“Cal Poly Admissions”>Cal Poly Admissions)</p>

<p>With regards to internships, your uncle is incorrect. San Jose is a fine school, however Cal Poly enjoys a better reputation and the Big 4 all recruit from Cal Poly as it is a designated recruiting institution for them. Here is the proof according to Doug Cerf, Cal Poly Accounting Area Chair,Professor of Accounting and KPMG Faculty Fellow, “The Accounting and Law Area in the Orfalea College of Business is a premier accounting program in California. The area is recognized as a significant source of accounting graduates in California at both the undergraduate and the graduate level. The accounting program prepares students for careers in professional services firms, industry and government. It is recognized as a “preferred” school for recruiting by the big four public accounting firms.” Additionally, Silicon Valley firms recruit heavily at Cal Poly every quarter.</p>

<p>With regards to a part-time job. The solution is not to find a minimum wage position on or near campus. Although that may help. What you need to do is take advantage of the numerous paid internship and co-ops the school attracts from industry. Not only do they pay better, but they will give you valuable experience as well. Here you go: [Internships</a> / Co-ops for Orfalea College of Business Students - Career Services - Cal Poly](<a href=“http://www.careerservices.calpoly.edu/node/225]Internships”>http://www.careerservices.calpoly.edu/node/225)</p>