<p>@imafoxonamission </p>
<p>The difference between Math-CS and CS is…Math (really it’s right there in the name…) </p>
<p>But seriously, the Math-CS major is a Mathematics program - it’s focused on the Mathematical Theory that forms the foundation for Computer Science. It’s concerned with topics like computability, combinatorics, discrete math, probability, and logic. It is NOT a programming major, it is NOT an engineering major, it is NOT a hardware nor software major. It IS theoretical, proof based, and grounded in math.</p>
<p>If you love math, and are interested in Computer Science as an outgrowth of math theory - then it’s a good major for you. </p>
<p>If you really wanted CSE, and this is just a second choice, it may not be what you want. </p>
<p>That being said, your major shouldn’t have any effect on your transfer into the CSE department as admittance is going to be based on your performance in CSE 8B or CSE 11, CSE 12, CSE 15L, CSE 20, CSE 21, CSE 30, and CSE 100. The slight benefit for Math-CS majors…these courses are generally going to be usable for your major, so you’d be taking them anyway.</p>
<p>Your SAT or ACT scores, AP exams, extra currics, etc should have no bearing on your admittance into CSE.</p>
<p>I’d think hard about the choice between coming to the school you want but not the major you want (your UCSD situation) versus the major you want but not at your first choice school (your UCI situation).</p>
<p>I’m not here to sell you (or anybody) on coming to UCSD…while I think we have a great school and a great math program, I totally understand that it may not be right for every student. There are things that only you can decide for yourself. </p>
<p>Let me know if you have any further questions.</p>