Hi! A junior here looking to narrow down my list of colleges to 3-4.
I’m planning to major in Computer Science and would like some insight on how the following CSUs I’m interested in compare to each other in terms of Computer Science Programs.
I’m currently looking at:
- San Jose State
- San Francisco State
- Cal State East Bay
- Chico State
- CSU Monterey Bay
- Sonoma State
I know that SJSU is #1 since their program is quite established and challenging to get into because of impaction, and I’ve heard good things about Chico’s so theirs is probably #2 on my list. But for the other schools I’m kind of stuck. I’ve researched their programs on my own and haven’t been able to find a whole lot of information (in fact some of the information I did find seem to be pretty negative or outdated).
If anyone could help me out that would be greatly appreciated!
Check for ABET accreditation for all the schools although not as important for CS vs Engineering but it helps establish that each schools CS program is standardized.
https://www.abet.org/accreditation/find-programs/
Do you have an particular field of interest in CS? Cybersecurity, AI, Software? Look at each schools CS courses and electives for areas of interest.
CS is a very marketable major, so it what would make each CS program better for you would access to internships and jobs, so I would check out the career center and see which companies recruit at each campus.
I’m interested in Software Engineering. And thank you, I will check those sources out!
tough to provide useful info without your stats.
SJSU is super competitive for CS - last year’s EI threshold of 4825 equates to about 4.1 GPA and 1545 SAT.
http://www.sjsu.edu/admissions/impaction/impactionresultsfreshmen/index.html
the other schools are more accessible - though I think SF is the only one you list unimpacted.
What are your stats now?
GPA: 3.88 UW/4.30 W
PSAT: 1190 (680 English/510 Math)
(haven’t taken the SAT yet)
I know SJSU is a reach for CS bc of my low PSAT/SAT score (perhaps hopefully they’ll go test optional next year??? the UCs did so maybe) but I think I’m in pretty good shape for the others.
I’m thinking of applying to SJSU as Software Engineering since that is the area of CS I’m interested in anyways and the EI threshold is much lower than CS.
SJSU is my top school right now (good location for tech internships, great CS/Engineering programs, it’s a CSU so tuition is much cheaper than a UC, the campus isn’t too big, etc.) however I’m trying to figure outwhich of the other CSUs on my list have decent CS programs so I have some safety schools.
SJSU and Cal Poly SLO would have the top CS programs.
I would also consider San Diego State (younger son is a SDSU CS Grad), CSU East Bay, Cal Poly Pomona, CSU Long Beach and CSU Fullerton.
Only SJSU, Cal Poly SLO and CSU San Marcos specifically offer Software Engineering for Undergrad.
given your stats, I’d add UCSC as a great program and a likely admit.
you will probably get into all of them except SJSU - which could be a coin toss ( the threshold varies widely year to year).
To me, Chico has a solid CS reputation and is pretty unique on your list as a smaller campus in college town - so the student experience is a lot different than a big commuter campus like SF or SJ. Sonoma is also residential but, i don’t think its as strong in CS.
I’d add, most students change majors at least once - so evaluate the school based on more than the contents of a single major.
That said, I encourage you to apply broadly and plan to visit them all over the coming year - one will resonate with you more than others. Go there.