Help my son decide: CS (Purdue /UCI/Cal Poly SLO) + UCSD (Math and CS)

Compare College Acceptances
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My son is into Computer Science (specifically AI/ML) and here are the acceptances.

  1. Purdue – Comp Sci
  2. UC Irvine – Comp Sci (honors)
  3. UC San Diego – Math and computer science (didn’t get comp sci)
  4. Cal Poly SLO - Comp Sci
  5. San Jose state - Comp Sci

Waitlisted

  1. Georgia Tech
  2. CMU
  3. UCB and UCLA

We are instate CA and cost of attendance for all colleges incl Purdue are approx. in the $42-48K (includes some aid $$) and we are fine from a cost standpoint. He prefers Comp Sci with access to more specialized courses (upper level or grad level) and very much focused on research. He is fine with the weather and does not go much for the Greek life. He is looking more for internship, research opportunities and job prospects. Pls help to decide.
His top preference is UCSD, but concerned about being able to sign up for Comp Sci courses as they are prioritized for CS majors - same concern for getting internships/research which may go more towards Comp Sci majors (?). His next choices are a tie between Purdue and UCI and Cal Poly is in the mix as well. We are planning to visit the campuses next week to get an idea. Thank you

Note: he got in U Washington, but didn’t get into Comp Sci (admitted as Prescience). What are his chances of getting into Comp Sci – Seems near impossible, but checking if anyone has any inputs on the same. Thank you

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One of Purdue’s strengths is with its career readiness focus, internships, and coop opportunities. My sense is the vibe is similar at Cal Poly.

I’m happy to answer specific questions about Purdue but I would bet your child will have a clearer preference once they visit.

Just keep in mind that this is one of the nicest times of year in IN. It’s not the same in January.

Personally I would cross of schools where he hasn’t been admitted to his intended major unless there it’s easy to change into the major later.

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You didn’t list a major on 4-5 so are they out ?

I’d choose 1-2. No point going somewhere if you can’t 100% study what you desire.

Purdue is a big 10 school - sports and more. Large OOS presence.

UCI is more a locals school - historically people going home weekends.

Which do you want ?

Purdue’s name might carry more …maybe not.

Both are great. If he wants to be in CA, then go Irvine but I think Purdue will give a more complete four year experience.

Good luck.

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Thank you for your response. Can you pls share more insights into the type of internships/the companies that offer them. We had a meet and greet here with some Purdue alums and they mentioned mostly companies local to the area comes in for job fairs/offer internships etc. Do you see many silicon valley companies coming in. How about reasearch for undergrads. I hear that mostly grad students/ PhDs get them with only a few undergrads getting opportunities (this is not specific to Purdue). Do you see the same trend in Purdue? thanks again for your insights

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He got in Comp Sci for Cal Poly SLO and San Jose state as well. Thank you

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Purdue hosts one of the largest career fair in the country with companies from all over the US. There will be a giant one in the fall and a major specific one in the winter and then a research specific one in the spring. My daughter and her friends who graduated in 23 are literally all over the country and some are even international. There will not be any geographic restrictions by going to Purdue.

I would recommend looking at the office of professional practice website about co-op specifically and also visiting the career center website.

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Thank you - I will check it out.

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I would go with Purdue since he is interested in research. If research is not important then CalPoly might be good. Hope he gets off the UCB waitlist!

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thank you

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Both do well industry wise. SLO is a great name. All should have research opportunities.

Agreed none will be career location limiting.

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The combination of mathematics plus computer science is a very good combination, and is quite close to what I did (but not at any of the schools that you are considering).

There are a variety of types of computer science jobs. Some of them require math skills, some do not. However at least to me the jobs that do also require math skills tend to be interesting ones.

Regardless I think that your son has five very good acceptances. I would have trouble choosing from among this particular list.

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For sure no uDub (little chance to transfer into CS) nor SJSU (commuter school). Between CPSLO and UCI, I would pick CPSLO (hands on approach, smaller class size, well known among High Tech companies in Silicon Valley). Plus, UCI is known as suitcase school. Among the final two, Purdue and CPSLO, both are pretty even… I think I would enjoy CPSLO more because of the weather. Good Luck.

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As a general rule, I place a great deal of value to having direct admission to the major one wants to study. If there is concern about the ability to get into CS classes, I’d eliminate UCSD.

Hopefully the visits will help to clarify the choice.

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Thank you - yes, hope the visits will narrow down his choices.

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Thank you

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yes. He like machine learning and I’ve heard that math helps with building the algorithms etc. Not sure if there are specific types of classes that are needed vs what is offered as part of the regular curriculum.

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thank you

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Where did he commit finally? What drove your decision?