Hello all,
I was wondering if there’s any information on how the CCS Computing and also CCS Math programs are at UCSB. Since it’s such a small college, there hasn’t been many posts about it (and also not much on their webpage). However, I am interested in the extensive undergraduate research opportunities they have there. How are those two programs specifically (because there have been quite a few posts about how good the CCS Physics program is) in relation to other colleges?
give them a call and ask. They are quite willing to talk to prospective students.
@Sinphirho2 I know some students in the CCS Computing major and it is a great program. I would suspect that the same is true of CCS Math. If you are interested in undergraduate research and longer-term in a graduate degree, CCS is a great program.
One person we know in CCS Computing has been active in cybersecurity research for their entire time at UCSB (actually since high school). This would be their senior year, but they are mostly taking graduate classes now.
I would say that the accelerated pace is probably appropriate if you have a fair amount of experience already in computer science (or math if applying to CCS Math). I would not try CCS Computing with only AP CompSci. Probably you wouldn’t want to try CCS Math with only AP Calc, but I’m less familiar with that program.
As @mikemac says, give them a call. If you can visit, they would be happy to have you sit in on a class. My son did that for CCS Physics and was very impressed.
P.S. In contrast to general UCSB admission, I think showing interest helps for CCS.
@Sinphirho2 We know a kid who chose CCS Computing over UCLA a few years ago, although I don’t know what he’s done since he’s been there. He had an app or 2 in the App store prior to attending. There are some CCS profs on the UCSB reddit where you might be able to get some more info.
@Sinphirho2 They are both excellent programs. They are very intense and proceed at a rapid pace in a small seminar setting- taught by professors, not TAs. Students usually begin research projects their first year, take upper division classes as freshman and often graduate level classes as juniors and seniors. They go on to top graduate programs (Berkeley, Caltech, etc). The computing students who go into industry are recruited heavily by all the big names (Google, FB, etc).
@youcee Students routinely turn down Berkeley, Stanford, and the Ivies to attend CCS. This is a self-selective bunch who are not obsessed with “prestige” and are able to see the value of an education taught in small classrooms by passionate, world class professors.
CCS is certainly not for everyone. Students need to be highly motivated and interested in research. I would highly advise any prospective student to call up CCS and set up a visit.
Source: two kids graduated from CCS.
My S waiting on CCS Math. My elder son got into CCS Bio 4 years ago but ended at Cal for BioEngineering. We found CCS to be a great option for a student focused on research and continue on to do a Ph.D
@BiomedFather My D is waiting on CCS Math as well, we have just learnt about UCSB general admission, do you know when they will be notifying on CCS decisions?
@BiomedFather @BowieRules My son received an acceptance to CCS Physics last year on March 22. UCSB released on March 21 last year. Best of luck!
@Ynotgo Thanks for the info!
Did he end up going? What can you share about his experience so far?
@BowieRules No, he chose another school. We live close to UCSB and wanting to move out of town was a factor. CCS was a strong contender.
@BiomedFather Have you heard anything from CCS yet?
@BowieRules my son wait listed for admission to UCSB. Its a polite no. Spoke to admissions. They said CS in CoE is filled up. ie no chance to get in via waitlist. They suggested he accept elsewhere. It as a polite way of saying no.
Has anyone heard from CCS yet? I thought they would let us know on wednesday or thursday, but I still haven’t received an email. Does this mean that I am probably rejected?
@celestepillows As mentioned above ^, my D is waiting on her Math for CCS decision. What major did you apply for? We haven’t heard anything yet. Since it was a separate application, I think, they HAVE TO notify everybody who applied one way or the other. Cheer up! Good luck to your sun, @BiomedFather! I hope he has other options.
Still waiting for CCS admission decisions. At the Chancellor’s Reception in San Jose last Sunday, it was announced that the portal would update for UCSB decisions Tuesday and CCS decisions Thursday. Anyone have an update?
@BowieRules Thank you, this is a relief. My major is also mathematics
They just updated 21 minutes ago! Got into both CCS computing and CCS math!
I was invited to apply to CCS Mathematics a few months ago. Just heard back in an email. Denied to CCS, but also got accepted to USC today. Having a tough time deciding now that CCS is not an option, it’s tough for me. I was accepted to Mathematically sciences at UCSB btw.
Another CCS math admit here! Can anyone tell me more about the program?
DS admitted to CCS Chem/Biochem. Anyone else into Chem/Biochem or Biology?