<p>First, thanks in advance to anyone who reads this and can lend me some advice. My question might be a little complicated (and perhaps some ado over nothing), but I'll try to be as concise as possible. I think this is the correct forum for such a question, but if not please let me know.</p>
<p>So I graduated from UCLA awhile back in 2008, with a degree in English. Obviously I made a terrible terrible mistake. It took approximately two years for me to realize fully how screwed I really was, even moreso due to the decrepit status of the labor market at that time. Luckily, I possess, I believe, a well-rounded intelligence and decided to change course to a career with better job prospects than the unmentionable $10.50 an hour job my first degree prepared me for. </p>
<p>So I went back to CC and started taking as much of undergraduate curriculum in computer science as possible (Calc 1&2, Programming, Data Structures, Physics + I had taken a couple CS courses at UCLA through honor's programs), with the ultimate goal of being accepted into USC to obtain a Master's degree. Most specifically in CS w/ Game programming concentration, due not only to the obvious inherent interest in the field, but because from what I gather, it's a robust job market and the pay is generally higher (more so for someone with a concentration, as I intend to obtain in AI programming). USC because, not only is it local, but it's also consistently ranked among the top schools for that field.</p>
<p>So fast forward to now, I applied to several second bachelor's programs, both because those school will allow me to take prep courses I can't at my CC, but also because even graduating with a BS, no master's opens up doors not open to me now. I've been accepted to both CSULB and UCI, and I have to decide which one, though obviously my real goal is USC, which I haven't applied to yet, and will in the fall. I'm leaning toward CSULB because its flexible program allows me to graduate in only a year (compared to 2 at UCI) and in addition, it's cheaper. I accumulated zero debt my first round through college, but am prepared to make full use of student loans this time around, given that by playing my cars right a $90k job right out of college is possible. But UCI is the school with the better reputation, and I can't pick the lesser school unless I know for a fact I'm making the right choice.</p>
<p>I talked to an advisor at USC who informed me, they've accepted applicants from both colleges, and I should apply this fall regardless. So, to summarize should I pick the 'lesser' school (CSULB) over the better school (UCI), knowing I already have a UCLA degree in my pocket because it offers the quicker, cheaper degree? Am I creating stress over nothing?</p>
<p>If it helps my GPA is 3.7+ now (higher in only science, programming, math classes) and should improve with each passing semester. I haven't taken the GRE yet (will over the summer) but am confident I'll do well, at least on the math/reasoning section. And of course will attempt to obtain any honors or extra circulars possible at either college. Thanks again to anybody who got through this and can offer advice about my decision or anything else.</p>