TORN. Don't know where I want to go. CS Major (I think)

College Majors Engineering Majors
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<p>So far I’ve been accepted to a handful of pretty descent schools. I’ve gotten into Cal Poly Pamona, Cal Poly SLO, CS Longbeach, UCR, UCI, UCSD. I’m hoping to get into LA and doubt I’m getting into Berkeley, but if I don’t have faith, I don’t have anything.</p>

<p>I’ve been going to small private schools for most of my life; I don’t know whether it would be better for me to stay in these small communities or expand my horizons and become “just a number” where hopefully, I’ll get some kind of recognition (I REALLY like to ask questions and talk to teachers). </p>

<p>My only issue is I don’t know what type of learner I am, or what kind of enviroment I would prefer. On one hand I absolutely adore large, spacious campuses surrounded by life and action. On the other I like having a bubble where everyone knows everyone, and everyone is approachable. </p>

<p>As far as learning goes, I have been known for being a kind of hands-on learner. I like jumping right into the grime of it all and figuring things out the hard way. Theory is great, and if it’s captivating I’ll learn as much as I can, but as of right now I think I want a masters degree- maybe even a PhD.</p>

<p>And then there’s the matter of majors- Under some I’ve gotten accepted under Computer Science, others Computer Engineering. From what I’ve heard, switching majors isn’t a huge deal, and I mainly want to go for a major that will support me for LIFE. I love computers and taking them apart and playing with various linux distros and various OS’s- learning about the command line and coding and all, but I chose it as a major because of its flexibility.</p>

<p>Prestige and reputation are important to me,mostly because I feel that that’s what employers look for, but not as important as my education/quality of life. I get anxious alot if I stay in the same place for too long- i really like going out, and don’t know how well i’d do in small towns, seeing as I haven’t stayed in one for more than a month.</p>

<p>I’m just very lost right now. Any help/input/slap in the face would be extremely helpful. Thanks to anyone who took the time to read my post.</p>

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<p>At some schools, changing major can be rather difficult, particularly into an engineering or CS major. Check before you assume.</p>

<p>Regarding computer science versus computer engineering, take a look at course requirements for each major. In many cases, computer engineering has more emphasis on hardware while computer science has more emphasis on software and theory.</p>

<p>School prestige becomes less important as you gain experience after graduation, but can make a difference in what non-local companies come to recruit you for internships or your first job out of school. Cal Poly SLO and UCSD are probably the most attractive to employers of your acceptance schools. Berkeley is highly attractive to employers due to national prominence and being local to Silicon Valley, and UCLA is also highly attractive to employers. Berkeley and SLO web sites have career surveys listing employers who hired their graduates.</p>

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<p>Don’t worry too much about picking a school. Makes no difference.</p>