After getting rejected/waitlisted to all my applied UCs, I’m wondering if it would be a better path to go to a CCC or to go to SDSU (I highly doubt I’m going to be pulled from the waitlist at UCSD or UCI). SDSU is the only CSU I applied to, and now I don’t really have too much of a choice… If I can guarantee I’ll work hard and maintain good grades (to put it into perspective, I have a 4.3 in high school), which is the better path? (My major is comp sci)
My main beef with CCC is the fact that there aren’t as much opportunities available. Am I still going to get things like work experience and such at a CCC? Is the UC degree even worth all this trouble?
My younger son is a CS major at SDSU (Freshman). He also applied to several UC’s was only accepted to UCR. His top choice SLO, denied him so also began to look seriously at SDSU. SDSU was in his top 5 schools and after visiting and speaking to some of the students and professors, he decided that SDSU was the best fit. He is happy with his choice, was able to skip Cal 1/2 due to AP credits is already ahead with many of his classes. He is on track to graduate in 3 1/2 years. I suggest you revisit SDSU, however: you are determined to attend a UC, the CCC route would be the best. Good Luck and remember where you go for Undergrad will not define you. As long as you do your best and have the job skills needed, you will succeed.
As long as budget isn’t a constraint, i don’t think you’d regret going straight to SDSU. It is a very good school, a fun environment and has lots of credibility with employers.
Transferring to a top school in 2 years looks easy on paper but, most find it challenging. CS is a very demanding curriculum, even at a CC Taking the required courses while maintaining a 3.5GPA is no cakewalk.