<p>Well, it's a little more complicated than that.</p>
<p>At UNC I've been admitted to the Honors Program and the Research Scholars Program (anyone have any inside info on those?) and I would get a bit of scholarship money (2500 per year). I'd probably major in Computer Science and minor in music.</p>
<p>At NC State, I'd be in the university Scholars program (got waitlisted for honors program), and the College of Engineering has a program that has piqued my interest - a B.S. in Computer Science with a concentration in Game Development. Basically, I'd take all the courses required of a CompSci major, but my electives are restricted to game development-related ones (again, anyone know how this program is?). However, I've got a lot of AP credit that will let me place out of several classes (at either college), leaving me a bit of room to take other classes should I choose to, maybe minoring in music at state.</p>
<p>I'm definitely doing CompSci, and I'm very interested in video games and music. I really want to do the CompSci w/GDC at State, but I really don't know if it's worth passing up the opportunities at UNC, which, from what I understand, is a little more well-known and "prestigious" than NC State. Does anyone have any helpful info for the programs I've mentioned? I'm going to call representatives from each school tomorrow, though I'll probably be saying "what if?..." no matter which one I choose.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>For what you said, I think you’re better off at State. Their engineering program is really good, as is their Computer Science department. UNC isn’t really known for that.</p>
<p>I have a cousin that got his electrical engineering degree at Florida State. I asked him why he chose to major in electrical engineering? He said that he intended on majoring in computer science, but felt that he would learn more about computers in the electrical engineering program. Any truth to that? Also, my son was considering NC State. He wants to double major in biology and history. He made a 1400 on the SAT and was rejected for NC State’s Honors College.</p>
<p>At least at the graduate level, UNC actually has a stronger program in CS than NC State does–#20 vs. #47 in latest U.S. News Rankings: [Best</a> Computer Science Programs | Top Computer Science Schools | US News Best Graduate Schools](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/computer-science-rankings]Best”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/computer-science-rankings)</p>
<p>UNC also has a stronger reputation overall, and I think offers a better undergraduate experience generally. </p>
<p>Maybe this game development concentration cuts in State’s favor, but if I were you, I’d visit both and decide based on which one I had a better “gut” feeling for and could more easily picture myself spending four years there.</p>
<p>My son was basically in the same computer science boat as you (accepted to UNC for CS and NC State - College of Engineering) and many IB/AP credits. He chose UNC for this coming fall for several reasons.</p>
<ol>
<li>UNC has the CS BS/MS program where he can get his masters in 5 years.</li>
<li>His research showed that currently a BS in CS pays more in starting salaries than a BS in CS Engineering.</li>
<li>He loves programming more than hardware even though he builds his own PCs and at this point, plans to enter the CS security field (long term growth potential and stability).</li>
<li>He wants to get his minor in business (for future management positions or to start his own company) and UNC’s Kenan-Flagler’s b-school is very good.</li>
<li>He’s a huge gamer. But, he realizes that when he’s 30+ years old with a family, he will have outgrown his passion for gaming.</li>
<li>Same reason as above regarding national ranking of graduate degree which draws many many recruiters to campus for summer internships and senior job offers.</li>
</ol>
<p>Another consideration is that you can take one class per semester at other universities (Duke, State, Carolina, etc.) through the co-op program.</p>
<p>Basically imho, you need to decide between pure CS (better at UNC) or engineering (better at State). The job you will have 10 years after graduation probably doesn’t exist today, especially in any field of CS. </p>
<p>I’m assuming you’re a HS senior. If so, imagine yourself in management at age 40. What area of CS would still make you happy to go to work? If you can narrow that then point your education path in that direction. And remember, no matter which school you choose, you can always transfer as a junior. </p>
<p>Lastly, a CS major and music minor is rare. Odd question but did we happen to meet at HPU’s Scholarship weekend in February?</p>
<p>I think you’re thinking of someone else, MerryWidow, because I wasn’t there, but thanks very much for your thoughts…I hadn’t really thought that far ahead; you’ve got a good point.</p>