How is the Merced computer science program? Compared to other UCs?
CS is largely the same across the UC system, with the exception of Berkeley, where ties to local start-up culture and the silicon valley have lent it a rather more cutthroat pre-professional air, and Santa Cruz, where the focus on game and media development is key. Students I have spoken with who attended Merced really enjoy the tightknit community there, which may be a product of their physical isolation.