I'm a high school junior interested in pursuing computer science. I'm looking for recommendations on the best California colleges that have strong computer science programs. Any advice on whether Cal State schools are a good choice?
California certainly has a wealth of strong computer science programs to choose from. While UC Berkeley and Stanford University are widely known for their top-ranking computer science programs, there are many other California schools worth considering as well.
UC San Diego, for example, has a highly regarded computer science department that emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications of the discipline. UC Santa Barbara and UC Irvine also have strong computer science programs.
If you're interested in smaller school settings, Harvey Mudd College and California Institute of Technology (CalTech) are great options to look into. They both have rigorous and well-respected computer science programs.
When it comes to the Cal State system, San Jose State and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are known for their strong computer science departments. Both are located in close proximity to the Silicon Valley, which can provide ample internship and job opportunities.
Remember, the best college for you will depend not only on the strength of the computer science program, but also factors like size, location, campus culture, and financial aid availability. It's a good idea to tour campuses (if feasible), connect with current students, and do some extensive research to find the school that will best fit your personal interests and needs.
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