What are my chances for a CSU or UC looking to major in CS

I’m currently a high school student in my junior year trying to see my chances for a CSU or UC. I m looking to major in computers (CS probably) and minor in business. My GPA is in the 3.0-3.2 range, SAT at around 1600 and planning to take ACT with a score range of probably 24-28. I will also be taking the Math Level 2 subject test.

What CSU and UCs should I apply to according to my major and minors?
Should I go undeclared so I can have a better chance to get in?
any help is appreciated! :slight_smile:

BUMP!

CSU’s admit by eligibility index and major and since many are impacted, it is to your advantage to apply to CS directly or you may not be able to switch later. The same could be said for most of the UC’s, so bear this in mind when formulating your college list.

EI= (CSU GPA x800) + (SAT Math + CR) or (CSU GPA x200) + (ACT comp x10)

You need to calculate your UC/CSU GPA and EI. https://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/

Once you have your CSU/UC GPA and EI then you can repost and CC posters can give you some direction. If you have a compelling reason for a lower than average GPA, then it can be addressed in one of your UC essay questions.

UC’s are very GPA focused and considering how competitive CS can be, it will be difficult to have a decent chance at most of the UC’s. I would put UC Merced/Riverside and Santa Cruz on your list.

Some Cal states to consider would be SFSU/Sac State/East Bay/San Marcos/Sonoma/Chico/San Bernandino depending upon EI.

This means that you may get into the school, but then face a competitive secondary admission process to get into the CS major. It is better to apply to the CS major so that you may be admitted directly to the major and not have to earn a 4.0 or other high GPA to get into the major later.

If your UC/CSU weighted GPA is >= 3.0 as a California resident, then you should be admitted as a CS major to non-impacted CSU campuses where CS is not an impacted major. These are CSUB, CSUCI, CSUDH, CSUEB, and CSUStan. See http://www.calstate.edu/sas/impactioninfo.shtml .

Not quite enough info to know for sure but, based on your stats as reported, UCs are unlikely unless you are ELC - and that would mean a seat a Merced (which has a good CS program but, not many local businesses to plug into as an intern, etc.)

Apply to several anyhow and write a killer essay, you never know.Just have an alternate path in the works too.

Less selective Cal States Like Sac, East Bay, San Bernardino and perhaps Sonoma are good targets. Chico may be a bit out of reach.