Trouble searching for California univs

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey guys. I don't think that I'm doing very well in my preliminary university search. If anyone with a decent knowledge of universities in California can assist me, it would be great. Heck, any help would be nice, so I take that back ;)</p>

<p>My academic and extracurricular details are below. However, since some aren't very explicit, I'll give some other information here.</p>

<p>I'm currently a junior (just got to the halfway point in the year). I'd prefer to remain in-state during college, however if truly necessary, I can consider a few from out of state (definitely in country only though). My academics aren't exactly outstanding since my average GPA tends to be a 3.0 (I'm hoping to change that somehow this year and senior year).</p>

<p>I've already looked at a couple colleges: Cal State Univ Long Beach and Stanford (whoa! for me, I know). While my dream would be to get accepted at Stanford, I doubt that it'll happen when I apply next fall. So that's why I appreciate any suggestions that you can give me. I'm figuring that the big SU is a major reach, while CSULB is within my range. I have also glanced at SFSU (San Francisco State University) since I live about 10 miles away from it, which is definitely within my grasp as well. </p>

<p>I'm taking one AP class this year (English Comp.) and plan on taking: English Lit., AP Physics, AP French, and possibly some sort of AP Comp Science course (but my school doesn't have one, yet).</p>

<p>I'd like to major in Computer Science and maybe minor in Literature or vice versa.</p>

<p>Let me know if there's anything else that you need to know.</p>

<p>Thanks a lot :)</p>

<p>



User Name: shadow1992
Gender: M
College Class Year: 2015
High School: Public
High School Type: rarely sends grads to top schools
Will apply for financial aid: Yes</p>

<p>Academics:</p>

<p>GPA - Unweighted: 3.15
GPA - Weighted: 3.20
Class Rank: 192/460 (at last check)
Class Size: 460</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<p>Significant Extracurriculars: -Member of Apple Corporation's iPhone developer program
-Elementary school tutor
-Internship at a business's web department for a summer (175+ hours)
Leadership positions: -Camp leader for a camp for children 8-13 years. (150+ hours)
Volunteer/Service Work: Tutor at a library for elementary age children
Camp leader during the summer (150+ hours)</p>

<p>This summer:
– Three internship offers at the same place from above for next summer (IT dept., Web Dept., or Media Dept.)
– Camp leader at the camp again</p>

<p>Colleges of Interest:</p>

<p>College: California State University, Long Beach, Choice #: 0, ED/EA: No, Athlete: No, Legacy: Yes, Status: Will Apply
College: San Francisco State University, Choice #: 0, ED/EA: No, Athlete: No, Legacy: No, Status: Will Apply
College: Stanford University, Choice #: 1, ED/EA: Yes, Athlete: No, Legacy: No, Status: Will Apply</p>

<p>Desired College Characteristics:</p>

<p>Location type: Small City, Rural
Size: Medium (5,000 - 10,000), Large (10,000 - 18,000)</p>

<p>Area: West Coast
Importance of cost: Very important

</p>

2

<p>Since the better CSU’s have become very competetive, you need to finish your 11th grade year with the best grades you can to bump up that GPA. Right now, your GPA is low for the top CSUs.</p>

<p>Senior year GPA doesn’t get considered for CSUs or UCs, since their app process is so early. So, you need to bump your GPA this year.</p>

3

<p>Ok, thanks for that.</p>

<p>However, I was looking more for some actual college suggestions ;)</p>

4

<p>What are your test scores? Those will make and break quite a few on my list. IMO, csu’s and many UC’s are in a mess right now. Are you interested in any privates?
Here’s a couple for you to glance at-
UC Santa Cruz
UC Riverside/ Merced
Saint Mary’s College
Gonzaga U
LMU
Portland U
Seattle U
Oregon
Oregon State
Cal Poly Pomona
Sonoma State U
UNR</p>

5

<p>Thanks bigxcman</p>

<p>While I will take a look at those that you mentioned, they still are out of state, which just happens to be one of my largest concerns… I don’t have my test scores, at least not the official ones. I could give you my projected scores based off of the PSAT, but those weren’t too hot, really just avg in a lot of the csu’s.</p>

6

<p>You have a weak GPA/rank for the top California schools. </p>

<p>If your math and science grades are strong, Caltech might take a shot on you (they don’t give a crap about english/humanities in admissions from everything I’ve heard). Although it may be too small for your liking. Maybe Harvey Mudd? I don’t know how they treat non math/science grades. </p>

<p>I’d say both of those would still be pretty big reaches though, if all else stays equal. Although I knew a guy with a 3.0 that got into Caltech (over some guys at our HS who had 3.9s), so it’s doable.</p>

7

<p>You say that you’ll be applying for FA. Do you know your EFC? If not, you need to use this to get an idea… [FinAid</a> | Calculators | Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and Financial Aid](<a href=“http://www.finaid.org/calculators/finaidestimate.phtml]FinAid”>http://www.finaid.org/calculators/finaidestimate.phtml)</p>

<p>Then, when you get your EFC, you need to find out how much your parents can pay. If they can’t pay their EFC, that will be a problem. </p>

<p>CSUF has a good comp sci program, but you’ll need good GPA and test scores.
UCR is a possibility - altho I don’t know how strong their Comp Sci program is.</p>

<p>Did you see how good SFSU’s comp sci program is?</p>

<p>We really need to know the financial situation before we can make recommendations. Many schools can’t give much aid, so if you’ll need a lot of aid (and will qualify for a lot of aid) that will have a huge impact on which schools to recommend.</p>

<p>Are you a URM?</p>

8

<p>**@Senior0991: **</p>

<p>I already know that SU is considered a high reach for me, however much I wish I could get in. As for CSULB, I’ve looked at several sites (i.e. collegeboard) that have admissions statistics and I believe that it can be considered a low reach. I also have a brother enrolled there and although he was a transfer, he’s said that competition is mediocre for getting in.</p>

<p>While my GPA and rank are indeed fairly low, they should get raised somewhat this year through next. I’ll be taking college courses this summer (which, according to my counselor, count as weighted) so that my GPA can improve considerably.</p>

<p>Besides that, I write really good essays according to a lot of the teachers at my school that I have had (or still have). From what I’ve heard, yeah GPA and rank matter, but essays, if written well enough, can be looked upon as well as a deciding factor in part.</p>

<p>As for CalTech, it would be nice to get in there, but from what I’ve heard, it’s actually more difficult to get into in comparison to Stanford. Although I may be wrong. That would also be an interesting school, but seeing as how my math and science grades are the courses that are dragging me down, it probably won’t work. (I blame horrendous teachers, but 10% or so of the issue is my fault)</p>

<p>As for Harvey Mudd, I haven’t heard too much about it. What kind of school is it? (I’m going to assume that it’s private) I’ll take a look at its website as well.</p>

<p>**@mom2collegekids: **</p>

<p>I don’t currently have a real clue as to my financial situation. If I were to get accepted at a CSU, for example Long Beach, then I could probably get a Pell Grant, which happens to be what my brother is getting while going there. The Pell Grant for him covers nearly everything for him because he is living off campus, independently. Other than that, I’m currently unable to fill out the calculator.</p>

<p>As for Fresno, it’s a bit more isolated than I would like, but I’ll check its computer sciences program(s). Riverside could be a possibility, however, I used to live near where it’s located and I feel that it’s a “wacky” area (just a weird feeling, hard to describe).</p>

<p>Right now, I’m trying to ignore SFSU since I live so close by… Reasons being that I’d like to attend a university that’s a fair distance away from my parents so that I can get a natural college experience. As for San Jos</p>

9

<p>*I don’t currently have a real clue as to my financial situation. If I were to get accepted at a CSU, for example Long Beach, then I could probably get a Pell Grant, which happens to be what my brother is getting while going there. The Pell Grant for him covers nearly everything for him because he is living off campus, independently. *</p>

<p>Is your brother under the age of 24? What do you mean that he’s living off campus “independently”? What is paying for his off campus expenses?</p>

<p>I can understand that Pell is paying for his tuition, but it’s not enough to pay for apartments, etc.</p>

<p>Is it safe to say that your mom and dad are low income? </p>

<p>Did the calculator not work for you?</p>

<p>San Jose State is a great idea. What didn’t you like about it?</p>

<p>I meant CSU Fullerton…I think Fresno is called Fresno State to avoid confusion.</p>

<p>CSUF (Fullerton) has a lot of new stuff and it’s known for Comp Sci.</p>

<p>I’ve been to Riverside many times, so I understand your concern.</p>

10

<p>Actually, my brother is 24. He lives with roommates in an actual house, not apartment (he does rent though). He works part time, so that figures in as well. However, he uses the money he earns to pay for his rent, hence the Pell Grant covering tuition.</p>

<p>We’re not low income per se, but I’d say we’re at the lower-middle class tier if that helps. I don’t have all my information handy, so I couldn’t complete the calculator.</p>

<p>San Jose State’s Computer Science dept. doesn’t interest me from what I’ve seen, as well as the campus itself. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t really know. I’ll probably apply there anyway since it’s in such close proximity to Silicon Valley though, which will definitely help. It could just be the website itself. Do you have any specific experience with it? Or do you just know certain things?</p>

<p>Ah, okay. Fullerton does seem like a decent possibility from glancing at it just now. Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll be looking into it.</p>

11

<p>Since your brother is 24, his financial situation is different. Your parents’ income doesn’t count for him. </p>

<p>He may have qualified for Pell because of his age, while it’s unknown whether you would. Your parents’ income would be considered for you since you’re under 24.</p>

<p>Do you know if their income is above $40k per year? How many people are living in your home?</p>

12

<p>I realize that finances is important, but for now I’d rather just look for colleges. Financial aid can be deal with later as far as I’m concerned. Thanks though.</p>

13

<p>

This is just sticking your head in the sand. How does it benefit you to apply to a college, get accepted, and then are not able to afford it? The FIRST screening criterion should be whether the school is affordable. Then you can select from that set.</p>

14

<p>@ Erin’s Dad:</p>

<p>Sorry, but I think you misunderstood. All I’m doing right now is <em>looking</em> for/at colleges/universities. I’m not even applying for a little less than a year at most anyway. That’s what the original plea for help was: to help me find some “good” schools in California (maybe a couple out of state) that catered to my idea for a major besides just having a good core of academics.</p>

<p>Even if, for some reason, I didn’t choose to look at the affordability of a school first, I would certainly take it into account. However, seeing as how I’m looking for a good school this early in comparison to most juniors currently (at least in my neighborhood), obviously means that I prefer to consider all facts. So believe me when I say, the whole finances thing will be fine. The only thing that’s even remotely compatible with my original question is if a school suggested is at the same range as Stanford U, being $50,000 per year. However, if it’s not, then I don’t need to think about it for now.</p>

<p>Thanks for the thoughts though.</p>

15

<p>shadow, congrats on being ahead of the game. Forgive us parents if we continue to harp on the financial piece. If your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is relatively low, a private school may end up being cheaper than an in-state public. That’s why people here are asking you questions about how much your family can afford to pay, and how much the FAFSA will estimate you can afford to pay (your EFC). Stanford’s sticker price may be $50k, but there is substantial aid for those who a) are lucky enough to get in, and b) have limited family resources. </p>

<p>If you are sure that your family can cover the cost of a CSU education, including living expenses and the possibility of a fifth (!) year AND the likelihood of annual fee increases, then no problem. But if your family would be hard-pressed to pay for that, you’ll want to alter your strategy. </p>

<p>If you run the EFC calculator sooner, you’ll not only be ahead of the picking schools thing among your classmates, you’ll also be way ahead of a heck of a lot of parents. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>Also, have you talked to your school counselor to see if he/she has any suggestions? It can be helpful to see where people in recent classes have been admitted.</p>

16

<p>No worries. I completely understand where you guys are coming from. I’m just trying to get a substantial headstart on the actual school search. As for the EFC calculator, as I said before, I don’t have enough of the information needed to fill it out. For example, for a program like Stanford’s (where those with incomes < $100,000 get free tuition) I would definitely get that, if that helps any bit.</p>

<p>As for my counselor, she’s not helpful at all. Most of the faculty at my school really just work there for the easy pay and benefits… Don’t let me get off on a tangent about it though. The 2.5 years I’ve been here have been a pain in the butt…</p>

17

<p>Has anyone heard much about Sonoma State? I saw that university but it seems a bit small for my tastes… :\ I also looked at UC Irvine and Merced, which are a bit more selective but seem to be minimal possibilities for applying later.</p>

18

<p>Irvine is far more selective than Merced. With your current stats, Irvine would be a reach. </p>

<p>There’s a Sonoma State forum [Sonoma</a> State University - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sonoma-state-university/?pp=20&daysprune=365]Sonoma”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sonoma-state-university/?pp=20&daysprune=365) which should be a good source of information, along with the Sonoma State visit reports in the “College Visits” discussion area.</p>

19

<p>Use your school’s Naviance to see where you would stand for Occidental and Pitzer. Occi is a small LAC just outside of Los Angeles. President Obama went there before transferring to Columbia. Pitzer is also a small LAC and part of the Claremont colleges, which means you could also take courses at Pomona, Claremont-McKenna, Harvey Mudd and Scripps. In terms of admissions, though, Pitzer is the easiest one to get into and will be interested in your EC’s.</p>

20

<p>*This is just sticking your head in the sand. How does it benefit you to apply to a college, get accepted, and then are not able to afford it? The FIRST screening criterion should be whether the school is affordable. Then you can select from that set. *</p>

<p>*Forgive us parents if we continue to harp on the financial piece. If your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is relatively low, a private school may end up being cheaper than an in-state public. That’s why people here are asking you questions about how much your family can afford to pay, and how much the FAFSA will estimate you can afford to pay (your EFC). Stanford’s sticker price may be $50k, but there is substantial aid for those who a) are lucky enough to get in, and b) have limited family resources. </p>

<p>If you are sure that your family can cover the cost of a CSU education, including living expenses and the possibility of a fifth (!) year AND the likelihood of annual fee increases, then no problem. But if your family would be hard-pressed to pay for that, you’ll want to alter your strategy. </p>

<p>If you run the EFC calculator sooner, you’ll not only be ahead of the picking schools thing among your classmates, you’ll also be way ahead of a heck of a lot of parents.*</p>

<p>Many of us parents have been on CC for a long time. My date may say Sept 2009, but I’ve actually been on CC since 2005. So, over the years, we’ve seen a lot of kids spend hours/days/weeks/months creating lists of schools that “fit,” but aren’t affordable. So, what good is that? It’s even worse when kids apply to 10+ schools with little concern about money because they thought that at least one school would give them a $$ filled FA package. Come back to this site in the spring and you’re going to hear a lot of sad stories of kids with acceptances with unaffordable aid packages.</p>

<p>Instead, it’s better to know what the financial situation is (with no assumptions - such as assuming you’d get the same aid as your 24 year old brother). If your parents have an EFC that they cannot pay, then that is a big issue that will strongly determine where you can go to school.</p>

<p>You can still create a list of schools that will be a good fit for you and your major by also taking into account your financial situation.</p>

<p>That’s why it’s important to find out what your EFC is, how much your parents can/will contribute, etc.</p>

<p>Since you’re only a junior, you’d be better off spending time studying for your SAT and ACT so as to have the highest scores possible. The top schools give the best aid, and merit schools give the best scholarships to those with top stats. :)</p>

<p>Then, once you have your scores, financial info, etc, there will be many here able to help you create a fabulous list of schools. :)</p>