<p>I am a high school senior in Chicago ready to graduate in May. My grades throughout high school were pretty below average (2.9 GPA, 27 ACT). I will be enrolling in community college to complete my general education courses. Here's my question, I am planning on either majoring in accounting/finance or computer science. My ultimate goal is to land a job in California and settle down over there. That's why I'm debating whether I should transfer to UIUC after community college or go straight to California to finish my undergraduate (UCLA, UCB, USC). Only down side of that is the non-resident tuition of those schools. So my question is will I have a good chance of getting a job in California getting a degree from UIUC or should I pay more for UCB, UCLA, or USC to increase my job chances in California. </p>
<p>Out of state tuition in California is high. Focus on in-state Illinois colleges in addition to UIUC. Admissions to universities like UIUC have become extremely competitive. </p>
<p>Admission to UIUC, especially if you’re aiming for CS, is VERY VERY competitive. You should aim for straight A’s AND on campus involvement (CS clubs, etc) AND work with a professor AND at least one internship.
UIUC for accounting is better than finance, more likely to take you to CA, but also a narrow path - prescribed courses and high grades required. CPA-track will serve you well, and you could work for a couple years in CA, then do your 5th year at in-state tuition for CPA certification.
Your 27 ACT indicates you have ability but your 2.9 indicates you didn’t really challenge yourself. You’ll have to up your game in college majorly if those are your goals.</p>
<p>I have decided on accounting. Will it be hard to get a job in California if I get my degree at UIUC? </p>
<p>No. UIUC is known nationally. </p>