<p>I got into UIUC CS with James Scholar and I got into UW but not into direct admission. I am instate for UW and wondering which is the better choice. Is the out of state tuition worth it and how hard is it to get into UW CS?</p>
<p>I need a reply soon pleeeeeease!</p>
<p>I am a UIUC grad (CS) living in California now. Son will consider UCs, Washington, and several B10’s. If I were living in Washington, I’d be hard-pressed to suggest UCs or any B10 (including UIUC) for CS over Washington if money were an issue. If you were offered a James Scholar admit at UIUC, I am sure you are capable of doing well enough to get admitted to CS at Washington. If money is not an issue, go with the vibe you prefer. UIUC was a wonderful place for me, but I was in state, so opposite of your situation.</p>
<p>Thanks! My only concern is if I go to UW and do not get into CS. And then I would be regretting because I could have gone to UIUC.</p>
<p>Well, going to UIUC for that reason would be like purchasing a very expensive extended warranty (as in ~$100K expensive). If the situation were reversed where you were in-state at UIUC, I would be suggesting you stay at UIUC. Both school are similarly regarded overall, and their CS programs are well-regarded. </p>
<p>That said, you need to make a decision you are comfortable with…do you know what grades UW expects for eventual admission to the program? If not, I’d suggest calling them tomorrow to find out. I would not rely on opinions on CC…</p>
<p>Tough question. Getting into main campus CS is very tough. You could go to another campus for CS if you do not get into Seattle–Bothell/Tacoma. But that would suck. Can you get any fin aid at UIUC now or later</p>
<p>I’m not getting any financial aid. But I did read some good news
[UW</a> CSE News “UW CSE To Admit More Students Into Competitive Majors”](<a href=“http://news.cs.washington.edu/2012/04/26/uw-cse-to-admit-more-students-into-competitive-majors/]UW”>http://news.cs.washington.edu/2012/04/26/uw-cse-to-admit-more-students-into-competitive-majors/)
The question is that will that happen when I join freshman year</p>
<p>Lastsword – if you expect and hope to be happy and successful in computer science, you should have both a passion and aptitude for the subject. Given that you have good grades and test scores (must be the case given your James Scholar status), if you have that passion and aptitude you should do well and will be accepted into the program. If you do not do well, perhaps it is not the career for you.</p>