I guess this is a question between choosing a safer route or a more newer, but dynamic one.
So when I first applied to colleges, I was interested mainly in interactive design.
I applied to berkeley just because it was part of the UC application, and my brother goes there, so why not? I didn’t really expect myself to go even if I got in. I also applied to USC’s Iovine and Young program, which is a really new (class of 2020 will be its third year) and emphasizes interdisciplinary- art, business, and technology in one major. They only accept ~30 people a year, so I didn’t expect to get in, and was really happy when I did get in.
However, I’m faced with a dilemma now! I’m considering Berkeley because of the strength of its CS program (assuming that I get through the prerequisite GPA cap), its lower cost (in state californian) and how it’s closer to home (Silicon Valley). Also, it’s stable-- I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to find a good job after 4 years at Berkeley. There’s always the risk of not passing the GPA cap, however, and if so I’m not really sure what I would do at Berkeley.
At the same time, however, I really do enjoy the interdisciplinary aspect of IYA and they seem much more welcoming/ individualized with a smaller class/ very dynamic and innovative. The main issue that initially turned my (CS) parents away from it is when they looked at the curriculum, they said the CS portion was not in depth at all-- it skimmed very basic topics that many high schoolers easily achieve. I get the whole breadth vs depth part with interdisciplinary, but combining that with the fact that no class has actually graduated from the program/ proved its worth in the job market makes me kind of reluctant to go there. That, plus its really expensive, so I’m not sure the risks outweigh the costs.
Anyways, is there anything I’m missing about the two schools that might alter my choice? Any input? I really don’t know which to pick, but I think I might be leaning towards Berkeley mainly because of the costs.
Totally the same situation and the same interest! Actually I’m freaking out cuz it’s mid April and I’m still choosing among UCB, IYA, Cornell (gorgeous campus and also good CS program) and Brown (I can’t give up RISD and I will also enjoy the liberal environment)…
Have you decided where to go so far and could you tell me a little bit about your decision?
Yep, same here. Hard pick but I decided to attend another school for engineering. The interdisciplinary aspect was intriguing, but I’d like to go more in-depth into engineering. Given your financial circumstances and interests, I’d strongly suggest UCB, because if CS is what you’d truly like to learn, nothing beats Cal. Also has a fantastic reputation in CS, so could be helpful when looking for jobs, etc.
Just my two cents ! And of course, IYA still looks like a great school and has much potential. I had a really hard time turning it down, but my family and I decided it just wasn’t a 100% fit for me.
At the particular USC program, would be possible to “bulk up” the CS content by taking additional CS courses that CS majors take in place of the lightweight ones or in free elective space in the schedule?
Also, if you are interested in changing to the CS major at USC, you may want to find out how difficult it is to change into. There is an application process if you are not already in the engineering division, but it is not clear how difficult it is to get admitted.
Then you can compare with the UCB characteristics: less expensive, closer to Silicon Valley, but a 3.3 GPA in prerequisites to get into L&S CS (assuming you are in L&S, not EECS).
If you want to be a programmer, might as well go to Berkeley. If you want to be an interaction designer, (and there are lots of jobs for that, though they don’t usually pay as well as software development), USC’s IYA looks great. Reminds me of Stanford’s Design School.
I thought Berkeley had an interaction design program in its IT school, but it looks like there’s been some kind of reorganization, and I can’t find it anymore. It still may be somewhere. I only spent a few minutes looking for it.