So im debating on going to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo or Sacramento State. I live in Sacramento and the college is about a 25 minute commute but I am willing to make the sacrifices for SLO if the kinesiology program there is that GOOD!
SO my question… Will the education at SLO be worth the financial burdens I will have to support myself through?
Is Sac States kinesiology program just as good? I know SLO is known for architecture but not for kinesiology? (correct me if I am wrong).
I guess it doesnt make sense to me to do all that to go to a school that isnt known for my major. But if there program really is that great, I am willing to make the sacrifice.
I would talk to a PT in your area and ask their perspective. How you are using kinesiology going forward? As an athletic trainer, instructor/coach, etc., or do you plan to go on to be a PT which is like going to med school - lots of graduate studies. I can’t imagine that CPO is worth a big burden on you over Sac State, but that is just a gut instinct, not based on specific knowledge. There are certainly athletes at your current school that works with a PT, or your PE teachers may know one, a soccer or football coach would certainly know a PT, asking someone in the profession will give you some good data, they may even know the program at Sac State. Also look at the courses each requires and compare, sometimes that is quite telling. I know a very good PT whose kid is going to SLO for kinesiology, which makes me believe it is a solid program, but I wouldn’t be able to say it is that much better than SS. Do some research with those in the biz, PT’s are helpful caregivers by nature, I am sure they would be happy to share what they know about them if you ask.
I don’t know a lot about the kinesiology major at either school. But I would recommend you make an appointment with Sac State’s department and ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask Sac State how their kinesiology program compares to other CSUs , particularly Cal Poly. Look around the facility and see what it’s like. Find out what part time work their students do during the school year and what summer opportunities there are. Sacramento has a lot of healthcare related companies in the region and you might be able to find part time work during the school year, which could lead to a summer job. I think Cal Poly is wonderful, but the extra expense of traveling and living there while you pay for it yourself might be hard. If you change majors, you’ll be paying to stay even longer.
Before you talk to someone at Sac State, be sure to thoroughly read the departmental website. I’d suggest you apply to both schools. Good luck with your decision.