<p>Hi I am a student in Rochester looking to possibly transfer to San Diego. The student atmostphere at RIT isn’t the greatest, the place is isolated and cold, and San Diego seems much better in terms of weather and social life, but I’m not sure which is better academically (basically which one looks better). Does the public vs private make much of a difference? How much harder is it to get classes at the UC vs RIT? Which one would employers like more?</p>
<p>Where do you want to live and work after graduation? If in the northeast, then RIT is more well-known, while the opposite is true for the west coast.
RIT can be a bit depressing in the winter :(</p>
<p>hoping to be in the CA bay area 
yeah it is…</p>
<p>Transferring is going to cost money. UCSD is 8K more and nowhere near as generous as RIT, so if you have any of that RIT generosity you can add that to the cost of the transfer. With the cost of anything in southern CA, figure in an extra 2K in costs.</p>
<p>Have you thought that part thru yet?</p>
<p>I agree with you that SD looks worlds better than Rochester, particularly at this time of the year. It may also be a better department than RIT’s. But can you afford it?</p>
<p>
No, what makes a difference is what you learn and can demonstrate. You’ll get hired thru technical interviews where you’ll be asked to show you understand fundamental concepts as well as that you are capable of actually writing code. Many employers have a GPA screen before they will consider you, or to steer you to jobs in support or development. </p>
<p>Indirectly what may make a difference is location. There are probably many more employers within a 2 hour drive of San Diego than Rochester. Talking face-to-face is not the only way to get the hiring ball rolling, but the easier it is for employers to come to campus or you to go out to visit the better. Especially for internships, again something you didn’t ask about but far more important than any “public/private” distinction.</p>
<p>At a private, you get more hand holding and advising. At a public, it’s like the DMV; you get herded through like cattle and once something is filled, it’s filled. In terms of “reputation,” I’d say UCSD is better ranked than RIT. The weather and CA scene is so much better that Upstate NY, that you will never want to move back (so I’ve heard from people who move to CA. I’m from CA, so don’t know what it’s like to live anyplace else).</p>