Ok so I didn’t get into UIUC for Computer Science which is pretty understandable; instead I got into the Pre-Engineering program. But I got into Ohio State with Honors into their Computer Science and Engineering Program. I am in-state for UIUC. My dad is trying to convince me to go there and transfer over (not necessarily into CS because it’s extremely difficult, but even CE or CS + Stats) and so are a lot of his colleagues and others I know because UIUC is extremely prestigious when it comes to engineering.
My questions are:
- Would I be better of going to Ohio State or should I give UIUC a shot?
- Would it be more difficult transferring out of UIUC and into another college, or from OSU into UIUC?
https://cs.illinois.edu/admissions/undergraduate/transfer-students describes changing into CS and its variants at UIUC. It looks quite difficult.
At OSU, do you have direct admission to the major? If not, https://cse.osu.edu/prospective-students/undergrad/bs-cse-prerequisites describes the criteria for admission to the CSE major.
How do cost and debt compare?
OSU does Pre-Engineering first and then you enter your major, but the requirements are like a 3.2 GPA which I think will be pretty doable.
In terms of cost, with scholarships OSU is a little cheaper than UIUC, but in terms of other expenses such as travel, etc. it’ll probably be equal to UIUC over the course of 4 years. And cost isn’t a huge concern, but I do want to attend grad school so I will have to think about that.
Transferring in to CS or CompE from PREP is VERY difficult. It seems like CompE is at least guaranteed with a 3.75. CS+X also seems guaranteed with a very high GPA. CS in engineering requires at least a 3.75 and even that may not be enough.
On the other hand, a bunch of engineering majors at UIUC PREP require only a 3.0 while Industrial Engineering requires a 3.25.
http://dgs.illinois.edu/current-prep-students
So if you are OK with some other engineering if not CS/CS+X/CompE, PREP may be the way to go.
Yep, that’s what I’ve heard. On that note, would it be easier to transfer out of UIUC and into another college or from OSU into UIUC if I end up wanting to do that?
Depends on which colleges and where.
Transferring in to CS/CompE at UIUC would be as difficult or more so than through PREP.
Transferring in to CS at a school like UIC probably isn’t too difficult (but research that).
There are also professional masters CS programs at UIUC and the U of C, among others. UIUC may require a CS undergrad. I think a quantitative background for the U of C masters would be fine (and even that may not be required): https://masters.cs.uchicago.edu/
Obviously, that costs more money.
There’s a lot of overlap with computers, so nothing is really clear cut. A CE, CS, or any other computer degree would likely land you a good entry level job out of college. In fact, most graduates end up working in IT and never look at a math problem their entire career. The idea is to get the degree and get some proficiency in one widely used programming language.
Thanks to all, I really appreciate the insight!
So in conclusion, should I go to UIUC and give it a shot or attend OSU instead?
Nobody can decide for you any more than anyone can decide for you who to marry or date.
Answer it this way:
Are you OK with some other UIUC engineering major if not CS/CS+X/CompE?
Not really, so I guess it’s OSU after all.
If you go to UIUC, odds are that you will not get into a CS variant. Only go if you’re willing to graduate with a non technical major.
I would go to tOSU because your odds of making the major are good, especially since you got into Honors, which means priority registration and thus the ability to avoid classes with bad instructors or at times when you don’t perform well.
@MYOS1634: “Only go if you’re willing to graduate with a non technical major.”
If you look at that link, you’ll see that a 3.0 or better during PREP gets you in to several UIUC engineering majors. But none CS-related.
I think I’ll go to OSU…I also was accepted into their IBE program for engineers, so I think I will have just as enriching of an experience! Worst comes to worst, I end up disliking it, work my butt off, and try to transfer, but I hope that won’t be the case.
Also, if you’re an Illinois resident it would be easier to transfer back to our instate school. (the opposite is true if you’re an Ohio resident).
Congratulations on IBE!
Really? @MYOS1634 I didn’t know that it was easier to transfer back if you’re an IL resident! Something to think about for sure. And thanks for the congrats, I think it’s what finalized my decision to attend!