Hey guys,
I am a community college student from Bay Area who really need your advice. So here is the situation:
I planned to transfer to CSU Chico, and actually got admitted as a CS major for Spring 18. However, after visiting the campus I changed my mind, and now want to stay in the Bay. My back up option for Spring was CSU East Bay. My GPA is pretty high (3.77 - it may actually drop a bit after this semester; I am still taking few classes), so I got admitted there as well.
However, after making some research I got an impression that CSU East Bay is the worst school in CSU system (not bashing here, just what I’ve read on web). San Jose State however, seems like far superior school, and it is only 20 miles further from the place where I live than Hayward. At the same time, realistically, with my courses and GPA I could only be admitted at the Applied Math major, and only for Fall 18.
So the question is:
In my situation, does the school name matters more than a major? And also, is San Jose really that much better than East Bay? Also, I love coding way more than math, and want to work in the field for at least some time after getting my BS, and before starting working towards MS. My main concern with CSU East Bay is that the school name would get me automatically rejected during job interviews.
I would really appreciate the input!
If your post-graduation goals involve writing software, it would generally be better to study CS over applied math, except possibly if the software is for highly mathematical topics (e.g. cryptography).
CSUEB may have a low reputation because it historically has not been an impacted campus (i.e. transfer with a 2.0 GPA if course requirements are completed, except that the one impacted major which is nursing requires more). See http://www.csueastbay.edu/admissions/transfer-admission-reqs/index.html . However, that does not mean that it is unsuitable to study CS at.
SJSU’s transfer admission thresholds for the past cycle (for fall 2017 entry) are listed at http://www.sjsu.edu/admissions/impaction/impactionresultstransfer/index.html . CS admitted at 3.50 GPA with 5 course requirements completed (did not admit any with fewer than 5 course requirements completed). The similar software engineering major admitted at 3.00 GPA with 4 course requirements completed and 4.00 GPA with 3 course requirements completed. Of course, thresholds could change for fall 2018 entry.
SJSU does have more visibility among employers recruiting CS majors, though if you are in the bay area attending CSUEB, you could find out about the employers and apply to them on your own.
Assuming that you live somewhere north of Hayward, be aware that commuting the additional 20 miles past Hayward to San Jose can be a miserable experience. Take a look at https://www.sigalert.com/ during times when you may have to commute to class at CSUEB and SJSU.
If you really prefer SJSU over CSUEB, then you could apply to both for fall 2018.
I live in North Bay, right by the Richmond Bridge, and I’ve just checked SJSU is more like 30 extra miles in one direction. Considering this, as well as impaction factor, it is would be way more convenient for me to choose CSUEB over the SJSU. The only thing I am worried about is the name of the school on my future diploma.
The closest school to me is UC Berkeley, but I am not sure if I can afford it without getting into major debt. Also the fact how tough the admission process for CS major is makes me anxious if I could keep up with other students. At the same time, it may worth a try.
Anyway, thank you for the reply!
CSU East Bay has a good reputation for their CS program and with local employers. Most employers do not look at the school you attend but what kind of job skills you possess. You should look further into CSUEB’s CS program rather than looking at the school as a whole.
UC GPA Transfer admit range by campus and major should help you decide about UCB: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/infocenter/transfers-major
The CS program itself was the main reason I’ve picked CSUEB as one of the options. It’s a great fit for me, and moreover it looks like I have most of the lower division major and core courses covered short for one class. They also carry CS MS program which on paper looks decent.
So, basically CSUEB seems like the best bet for me. The biggest pros is that I could stay within CS major. Plus, I am already admitted, so could start getting upper division classes in the Spring.
Thanks for the info on UCB, it really helps. Looks like both CS and Math majors are out of my range.
Google Maps suggests that a drive from San Rafael to CSUEB in the morning commute time would take 0:50 to 1:30, depending on traffic. Using buses and BART would take 1:51, though you could read, study, or rest instead of driving.
It seems pretty accurate. Last time it took me about hour and a half to get to Hayward during a week. The intersection of I80/I580/I880 takes most of the time. It worth to mention that it was a rush hour, so, in the right time, 50 minutes should be doable. I actually enrolled at CCSF at the moment, and morning commute usually takes me roughly an hour, so extra half an hour is not a big deal.
yeah - that drive is going to be awful. The thing about bay area commutes is that they are highly variable. 1:30 easilt turns into 2 hours plus if there’s rain or an accident. Remember, you are doing it twice a day and it will take a toll - then there’s the bridge tolls, gas and tires. If you can’t move closer to Hayward, SFState probably makes the most sense from San Rafael.
I know this will sound crazy but, you could probably get an apartment near Sac State for less than it would cost you to commute. And, you work for the 3 hours a day you aren’t commuting, further offsetting the cost of your room and board.
This is true. But, here I stay at my parents place, so I am saving on rent and food. I used to drive a lot anyway, and could maintain my car too, so gas is the only concern. Commuting to SF State may make more sense, but you still have to pay toll. GG Bridge is pricey, and also they have a huge problem with parking near the campus. My buddy could not get a permit for three semesters in a row as they are always sold out! Also the permit at SF State is like an extra grand a year. But the main problem is that their program is based on Java, and I only took C++, which means I have to take half of the lower division major core from the very beginning, and later on take most upper division math and cs at the same semester, which does not sound fun at all.
This is just the thoughts though, and I am undecided whether I should go to Hayward or somewhere else, and it is like 9 days left to apply for Fall 18…
Would Sonoma State be a less miserable commute?
Sonoma would certainly be better than East Bay. The nice thing for you is that you don’t need to decide right now. I’d apply to Sac, SF, Sonoma, Chico and maybe a couple of other Cal States. Get admission packets then figure out your next steps.
Again, housing near the Central Valley Cal States is around $500 a month for your own room in a house or apartment that is a short bike ride from campus, perhaps another $400 for food, etc.and, frankly, you have to eat no matter where you are. If you are honest about the true cost of driving (gas, tires, oil changes, etc), tolls, parking, etc, it is easily higher than $500 a month, commuting really is a false economy. Now, if your family home is closer, that’s a different story.
From my personal experience, during rush hours, Sonoma is barely a better drive… unless I’m riding on a bike, but I do not feel like commuting to school on motorcycle.
Thanks for the replies guys. Appreciate your inputs!
One more question, how is CS program at SF State? Is it better or worth than one in CSU East Bay?
My main concern is that transferring to SF State or Sonoma I would have to finish some lower division major courses first, while in Hayward I already have these requirements covered…
By the way, I would better stay with my folks in a nice comfy apparent, decent food, and separate bathroom than renting a room and living with some strangers. Actually one of the reasons I prefer to stay in Bay Area is cause my relatives are here.
Seems like CSUEB would be favorable for you if you do not have to “catch up” lower division courses after transfer. It does look like it has a good selection of CS courses frequently offered: http://www.csueastbay.edu/csci/about-the-college/annual-class-schedules/comp-sci.html . SSU appears to have fewer CS courses offered each semester, so you may have less choice in terms of which semester to take each course. SFSU appears to have a good selection of CS courses each semester, based on its class schedule.
Be aware that CSUEB is changing from quarter to semester system. The last quarters will be winter, spring, and summer 2018; the first semester will be fall 2018. If you choose to transfer to CSUEB now (instead of next fall), look into how the quarter courses align with semester courses with respect to prerequisites, major requirements, and credits (1 quarter unit = 2/3 semester unit, 1 semester unit = 1.5 quarter unit). See http://www.csueastbay.edu/semester/files/docs/STUDENTS%20QA%20Fall%202016.pdf and http://www.csueastbay.edu/transfers/files/images/SemesterConversionFlyer-041916-R2.pdf .
http://www.csueastbay.edu/semester/ is another page on CSUEB’s conversion from quarters to semesters.
Great info! Indeed, seems like Sonoma has poor selection of CS classes, which is a big con for me since I am still trying to figure out what exactly I want to do with my major.
I was aware of the shift, and hope it won’t affect my progress if I decide to go to Hayward.
Another question, can I accept my admission with CSU East Bay in order to secure the place, and later to withdraw it after orientation if let’s say I do not like the place or faculty?
Also, I just checked the assist.org and I may actually fulfill 2/3 of the lower division major courses for SF State by Fall 18… it may worth a try.
Just I little update for you guys… after thinking and talking with friends and family, and more thinking (:DDD), I decided to aim for SF State. Now it’s time to make a productive use of remaining Spring and Summer terms at CCSF!
Again, thanks everyone for the replies! I truly appreciate your help guys!