So I have a passion for computer science and would like to know my options. I got into San Diego State University, and feel like I have a good chance to get into U of Waterloo (co-op program). My goal is to end up in a top tech company such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, etc. and to preferably live in California. Tuition is not a factor, and I am for sure going to graduate school.
I want to know my options (disadvantages/advantages) for:
- Waterloo for 2 years, then transferring to US, followed by graduate school
- *Waterloo for 4 years, then graduate school in US
- SDSU for 2 years, then transferring to UC school (if possible?), then graduate school
- SDSU for 4 years, then graduate school
*The 2nd option is my most preferred, however I would like to know all my options.
I know it’s a lot to ask, but any information would be great, thank you so much in advance!
Since budget isn’t a concern - If you want to work for a tech Co in California, getting your BS from a CSU or UC is a very good idea. It also doesn’t snow in San Diego.
I honestly don’t know much about Waterloo so, i can’t comment on the education you’ll get there.
Transferring from a CSU to a UC is nearly impossible - which is fine because SDSU is a very well respected school, no need upgrade. I know SDSU students are recruited by Google, Adobe, HP and such.
Hope that’s helpful
Honestly, SDSU is not the school you want to go to to get into a top tech company. IMO UoW is a much better school academic wise. If you absolutely want to come to California (I’m doing the opposite as you! Heading to Ontario.) then I suggest you get into a top tier school here. I.E. a UC, not a CSU. CSU’s are relatively easy to get into compared to the UC’s and so the UC’s will look much better when trying to apply to these places.
Just an after note, a friend and his wife both went to waterloo and now work for apple so it’s definitely possible to get to apple with a degree from waterloo. Also keep in mind that your degree is great, but you really have to bunker down and show that you have experience, the co-op program from waterloo will help you get that experience, here in california, you will get next to zero experience while you’re in university and will be up to you to find places to intern at.
Not to mention that tuition if you came as an international student is absolutely ridiculous, even though you said money isn’t a problem, it’s still a stupid amount of money for a school that is tiers below waterloo.
IMHO, just go with the Waterloo Co-Op, gets some good internships under your belt, and I have no doubt you’ll get into apple, plus all the money you save on tuition by staying at an ontario school means you can put that money towards a really nice apartment/house in california!!
Good luck!
Wow, thank you soooo much for the feedback. I think I’m going to stay with the Waterloo program, (hoping I get in), and maybe 4 years from now head down there or something. Thanks so much 
!
Apple was on the SDSU campus last Thursday for a recruiting session. Something to think about.
Oh really!? And do students from SDSU typically get recruited by Apple? If so, how many/what percentage (roughly)?
Apple wasn’t on campus for a recruiting session. It was the retail branch of apple that was on campus for a recruiting session. Not the apple that makes technology, the store. They were looking for salesman, not engineers. The tech companies that recruit heavily from SDSU are: Qualcomm, HP, Cymer, Peregrine Semiconductor, General Atomics Aeronautical, Northrop Grumman, Helix Electrical, Cubic, SDG&E, Micron Technology, National Instruments, ViaSat, Hughes, SPAWAR, and NavAir. That’s just off the top of my head.
But, if it makes you feel any better I know two EEs and one CompE that got internships with NASA this last semester, so it’s definitely not impossible to land a prestigious internship.
Even from SDSU, sweeet! Thanks so much for the info. I decided not to go there however, and if I end up going to the states, going the community college --> UC school pathway.
Apple was also looking for tech support and after a year of working in tech support, you could transfer to another division or area of choice according to my son (CS major) that attended the Apple career session.