SFSU or CAL for re-entry student?

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1

<p>It seems trivial but which school would be best suited for a non-traditional student interested in taking basic upper math courses (analysis, topology, algebra) as a non-degree seeking student?</p>

<p>My long term goal is to do graduate study in applied math. My immediate goal is to learn the fundamental math courses very well. How well does SFSU math program prepare students for graduate work at top universities? I appreciate any inputs/suggestions.</p>

<p>Here are the pros and cons I came up with for both schools.

  1. UCB - rigorous math courses (+)
  2. UCB - big class (-)
  3. UCB - most undergraduate courses taught by post docs/first time teacher (+/-)
  4. UCB - focus on research may tempt profs to disregard teaching (-)
  5. UCB - Profs approachability. How willing are professors to go over things (??)</p>

<p>1) SFSU - not sure about the rigor of math courses (???)
2) SFSU - smaller classes compared to UCB (+)
3) SFSU - taught by tenured profs (+/-)
4) SFSU - not research based so profs may focus more on teaching
5) SFSU - Profs approachability. Heard profs are willing to go over things with students during office hours (+)</p>

2

<p>Both of these schools would be fine, however I would choose a Cal State for continuing education. They have an open enrollment that allows you to take classes without being fully matriculated. If you live in the bay area there are three other Cal states that are close, San Jose, Sonoma, and East Bay(formally known as Hayward). Good grades at any of these schools will get you into a graduate program.</p>

3

<p>If I could go back and do it all over again, I would have picked a Cal State over a UC because of the smaller class sizes. However, I would look into SJSU’s math department a bit further. Two key words: Silicon Valley.</p>

<p>Also, I would recommend applying as a junior-level math major, and formally matriculate through the undergraduate program, if your long term goal is to study applied math as a grad student. Here’s SJSU’s info: <a href=“http://www.sjsu.edu/math/docs/major_forms/BS_ACM_Applied_Math.pdf[/url]”>http://www.sjsu.edu/math/docs/major_forms/BS_ACM_Applied_Math.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

4

<p>If the OP already has a BA or BS in something else I really doubt that either SFSU or UCB would admit him for a second bachelors degree given the current conditions at California public universities. The major bottlenecks are in lower division courses so there would probably be seats available in upper division courses at either school for non-matriculated students and when he has reached the required proficiency in Math he could then apply to a graduate program as a degree seeking student.</p>

5

<p>Berkeley enrollment for non-matriculated students is described here:
[Concurrent</a> Enrollment Overview — UC Berkeley Extension](<a href=“http://extension.berkeley.edu/info/ConcurrentOverview.html]Concurrent”>http://extension.berkeley.edu/info/ConcurrentOverview.html)</p>

<p>Use the schedule to check class sizes and availability:
[Home</a> Page - Online Schedule Of Classes](<a href=“http://schedule.berkeley.edu/]Home”>http://schedule.berkeley.edu/)</p>

<p>Most upper division math courses are small and taught by regular faculty members.</p>