SFSU or CAL for re-entry student?

[cwil867]

<p>It seems trivial but which school would be best suited for a non-traditional student interested in taking basic upper math courses (analysis, topology, algebra) as a non-degree seeking student?</p>

<p>My long term goal is to do graduate study in applied math. My immediate goal is to learn the fundamental math courses very well. How well does SFSU math program prepare students for graduate work at top universities? I appreciate any inputs/suggestions.</p>

<p>Here are the pros and cons I came up with for both schools.
1) UCB - rigorous math courses (+)
2) UCB - big class (-)
3) UCB - most undergraduate courses taught by post docs/first time teacher (+/-)
4) UCB - focus on research may tempt profs to disregard teaching (-)
5) UCB - Profs approachability. How willing are professors to go over things (??)</p>

<p>1) SFSU - not sure about the rigor of math courses (???)
2) SFSU - smaller classes compared to UCB (+)
3) SFSU - taught by tenured profs (+/-)
4) SFSU - not research based so profs may focus more on teaching
5) SFSU - Profs approachability. Heard profs are willing to go over things with students during office hours (+)</p>

[jakd59]

<p>It sounds like you live in the bay area. I would look into open enrollment at SFSU or San Jose. I do not think the upper division math classes will be impacted. There are two other Cal States nearby, Sonoma and East Bay (formally known as Hayward) that are close to SF. If you get good grades any of these schools will get you into a graduate program.</p>