<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I a trying to determine which college to attend for computer science. I am very motivated and have prior programing experience. Cost in not an issue and I am willing to go out of state. I have a 3.6 GPA and 32 ACT. I live in Massachusetts. Also, I am looking for a school where I will have peers that are interested in computer science. </p>
<p>There are a lot of colleges that can work for you, too many to name. Try to think of more criteria. What kind of atmosphere would you prefer smaller tech college or large state U known for good CS? Do you have geographical preferences?</p>
<p>@BrownParent </p>
<p>I would prefer a large campus and I would prefer anywhere except the South, which rules out UT Austin and Georgia Tech. I am interest in large state U known for good CS. I have heard of UIUC and U of Michigan, but I am not sure that I will be able to get in, although I will apply. I was considering Umass Amherst, but I am concerned that I will not meet anyone with a passion for CS. </p>
<p>Are your parents really just as happy to pay OOS public prices as instate? Anywhere you have a reputable CS dept you are guaranteed to find a surfeit of people with a passion for CS. Be sure to apply-- U Mass Amherst is very well regarded in CS, do not doubt it. They also have a strong grad program and as you progress you will get to interact with grad students as well. Also look at Univ Maryland CP, U Wisconsin: both very strong, Madison is a great college town like Ann Arbor. Purdue, Univ Minnesota - Twin Cities also very strong. Apply to UIUC and Michigan sure. I’m not sure how difficult it is getting for the ones that need direct admit to CS, likely very difficult. At Wisc-Madison, you are accepted to the university not to departments, you can enter the dept after completing very basic prereqs–I haven’t heard that they are restricting it. Also UMBC for a little easier admit.</p>
<p>Yes, it depends on your financial situation. But I assure you that you WILL meet people at U Mass Amherst who are passionate about CS. Here is a link to get you started looking at U Mass:</p>
<p><a href=“Undergraduate Degree Programs | Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences | UMass Amherst”>https://www.cs.umass.edu/degrees</a></p>
<p>You will find all kind of people at U Mass, some might be more passionate than others. CS has all kinds of people, some with zero experience, some with lots of experience.</p>
<p>I would throw in UMD College Park as well</p>
<p>UMass - Amherst is well respected for CS, despite the lowly reputation of state universities in your region.</p>