Hello, I applied and got into the four universities in the title (UC Riverside, UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, and Cal Poly Pomona), and am trying to decide which one would be the best fit for me. Nobody has really gone to college in Munich family, let alone a university, so I decided to come here for help.
I’ll try to keep it short, but here’s a bit about how I am, and what I am looking to get out of college.
I’m studious, have maintained a 4.0+ GPA throughout high school, and am not too worried about how challenging the university is (being easier doesn’t necessarily mean better to me). I live within commute distance for the most part, but am still strongly considering moving out (whether its dorm or apartment) to be on my own. I want to use my college time as an opportunity to make some good friends and have a good time, but it’s not like I’m looking for the best party school of the 4 at all. I want to major in computer science as of right now also, which could or could not be important.
So really I’m just looking for any guidance or suggestions, because I don’t have many other places to turn to, and decision making time is approaching fast! Thank you very much!
Just as a last note, I am having to pay for college myself, so I’m also very open to responses regarding community college or anything else as well.
Costs differences? Direct admit at all schools for CS? Plan to work while attending college?
Direct admit at all for CS, and I do plan to get a job. The cost differences are not too important. While certainly a factor, I’m just trying to find the right place for me regardless of price first.
If you are paying for college yourself, how much are you getting in FA and are you taking out the maximum in student loans at $27K/year? Beyond that $27K/year, you cannot take any more loans without a co-signer (parents) so costs should your #1 priority. All the schools will give you an excellent education, but you need to find the most affordable school so you are not drowning debt once you graduate and have to pay back the loans.
My Senior son has many friends that are struggling in finding that first job straight of college, since they will have to start paying back their student loans in 6 months.
The right place for you would be the school that is affordable since you have no help from your family. Did your family even fill out the FASFA so you are eligible for some FA?
^Follow the money!
If they don’t offer enough money, you can’t go there.
Did you visit all of the campuses? Each campus is VERY different and each location may be difficult to drive to given traffic on the freeways in LA.
“I want to use my college time as an opportunity to make some good friends and have a good time” I would seriously consider whether you are mature enough to live in the dorms. Your post also shows a lack of research into the institutions you identified. Cal Poly, Fullerton, and UCR are primarily commuter campuses as they offer the least on campus housing. University of Civics & Integras- not so much of a housing issue but off campus housing is costly. I would definitely consider a Community College for the following reasons: 1) cost; 2) it will give you a chance to gain some maturity and determine if you have the social & mental skills for college; and 3) you can make some friends, have some fun, and lose some of that ego ('am not too worried about how challenging the university is).
that’s a bit harsh @celticmatt - you really aren’t in any position to question someone’s ‘mental and mental’ suitability for a dorm or particular college. (The OP got into several very selective schools, suggesting they are probably well qualified for college) Besides, plenty freshen live on and around the campuses CPP (nearly half), Fullerton anout 1/5th) and UCR .(35% of all students) - let alone UCI (41%). All of them are becoming destination schools. I do like Univ of Civics and Integras - I hadn’t heard that before and, though obviously dated since Acura hasn’t made Integras for more than 15 years.
http://www.csumentor.edu/campustour/undergraduate/1/cal_poly_pomona/cal_poly_pomona5.html
http://www.csumentor.edu/campustour/undergraduate/8/CSU_Fullerton/CSU_Fullerton5.html
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/uc-irvine-1314/student-life
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/ucr-1316/student-life
for the OP - If you aren’t eligible for financial and are expected to pay full tuition, room and board on a Starbucks job and Loans, I would encourage you to head to a CC that is commutable from your family home. Seriously, you;d be a fool to spend $25k+ more per year than you need to for an education. Debt like that will bury you (and probably your parents too) as you start your career and as they head toward retirement, And - the debt is not dis-chargeable in a bankruptcy - meaning you and your parents will carry for the rest of your life - no matter what. You don’t have to look far to read nightmare stories about student debt ruining people’s life. Don’t let it be you… seriously, i am not over-dramatizing…
Most CCs have thousands of people your age with similar objectives and interests. Sure, most commute from their parent’s house but, there are clubs, sports, student gov and other on-campus activities to participate in. If you have trouble making friends in an environment like that, you should look in the mirror to find out why.
For somebody to come on here and make a rude post with their second post is a bit presumptuous.
Also in response to 3) about making friends in community college I think that’s BS. Community college is full of older students with established lives/families or younger kids who have no idea what they’re doing with their lives (aka me 4 years ago). It’s easier to make friends when you live on campus in close proximity.
OP have you looked into TAG programs?