UC vs CSU for Computer Science

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

I’m planning on Transferring in Fall of 2020 and I want to know how the CS majors compare at the UCs vs the CSUs. I hear the UCs are very selective when it comes to CS. If that’s the case, then how selective are they and what GPA do I need to have in order to stand a chance at admission? What I’m specifically interested in is the Computer Science: Computer game Design B.S. at UC Santa Cruz. In terms of CSUs, are they as selective as the UCs?

2

Checkout the UC transfer by major site:
https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/infocenter/transfers-major

This will give you a good idea of how selective each UC is. As for CSU’s they aren’t nearly as selective as the UC’s. I’m not aware of a similar infograph for CSU’s but you could find similar information by visiting each universities site.
As for UCSC they are on the lower end of how selective the UC’s are.

3

Are you planning to TAG to at least one of these UC’s (UCM/UCR/UCI/UCD/UCSC)?

http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/tag-matrix.pdf

CSU’s can be selective since they consider local preference (local service area) in their admissions decisions especially Cal Poly SLO and SDSU.

This is data is only average transfer GPA by campus and not major specific but could help you target specific CSU’s:

http://www.calstate.edu/counselors/deadlines-fees/documents/transfer-2017-admission-impaction-chart.pdf

4

I’m planning on doing a TAG when I apply next year, and definitely to UCSC. I also heard that people who TAG there automatically get into the Major and Academic advisors have told me that they don’t require physics.

5

If UCSC accepts your TAG, then your automatically in the major. This link may help with figuring out your chances with the other UC’s.

https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/infocenter/transfers-major

6

Can students still get into the major even if they don’t have a TAG?

7

^^^ yes

8

Also on the TAG matrix, what is meant by “is pre-evaluation of coursework provided as part of TAG?”

9

Oh, some UCs, like Davis, allow a community college advisor to go over the application after you submit. You don’t do anything. If there’s a question or you left something out the CCC advisor emails you to go in and fix it.

Or maybe you mean before it’s submitted. I think it means someone eyeballs your course plan in advance to assure it’s good to go.