So I’m still waiting on a few more colleges to get back with admissions decisions but right now these are currently my top three choices for colleges, but I’m having a tough time deciding between the three.
After doing some research I have figured out some pros and cons of each college but I still don’t know which would be the best option for pursuing computer science. If any of you have personal experiences in these colleges, or other experiences to add to help me decide, that would be great.
UCSC - PROS: Well ranked for computer science, developing cs program, good research opportunities, title of a UC.
CONS: Not many internship opportunities nearby, would be tougher to get a higher gpa because classes are harder/more competitive, have to declare major Sophomore year and I might not get it if I don’t have a high enough GPA.
SJSU: PROS: In Silicon Valley so good for internships, can do internships during school year because of proximity, low cost.
CONS: Not many research opportunities, impacted so it might be harder for me to get the classes I need, larger class sizes.
Purdue: PROS: Well ranked for computer science, 5 years BS/MS program, good research opportunities
CONS: Expensive because out of state, not a large amount of tech companies to choose from for internships
Please help me out. Hopefully I will get in somewhere else so I do have another option to choose from
Purdue is not worth paying for over these options in my options unless you can afford it without loans and comfortably. What is your exact financial budget/situation?
Between the others, visit and see! You could do well at either. I would be wary of the CS declaration and UCSC and would lean to SJSU.
It would be great to hear more about how SJSU is regarded (for computer science or software engineering), compared to UCSC (and Santa Clara University, too) - by potential employers in the area. DS is accepted at SJSU and SCU, waitlisted at UCSC, and is leaning towards one of these since they are in Silicon Valley (or nearby).
SJSU is very well known in the area, precisely because of its location. It’s an easy place for them to recruit, and they’ve had good experiences, so no reason not to. I don’t think UCSC or SCU can really offer any better industry connections or placement for CS. SJSU has become a very hot place to go for CS because of all this. Of course, this says nothing of the educational experience, which is where I would focus more, along with financials/fit.
SJSU is ideally located for SV internships, but remember that UCSC is only a 45 min drive away from Sunnyvale & Cupertino. Still close enough.
Either way you’ll have to be on your game - whether it’s to get into impacted classes at SJSU, or into CS at UCSC sophomore year. I wouldn’t think it’ll be any easier to get into CS classes at SJSU than UCSC.
I agree Purdue not worth extra expense over UCSC/SJSU.