2nd BS choosing college for Grad School Prep, Advice wanted

[zombiedragoon]

Ok I need to make a final decision by tomorrow. So anything would help. It's a little complicated so I'll give a short version and long version (which you can skip if you wish). Thanks in advance.

Short Version:

I have a degree in English from UCLA. I want a graduate degree in Computer Science (preferably USC's game software engineering Master's). I've been accepted for a 2nd bachelors in CS at UCI and CSULB. UCI = better school, graduate in 2 years. CSULB = not as good school, graduate 1 year. I'm leaning toward CSULB because I'm already 26 and don't want to be in college forever, and I figure the UCLA degree will boost me up already. Am I making the right choice?

Long Version:

So I graduated from UCLA awhile back in 2008, with a degree in English. Obviously I made a terrible terrible mistake. It took approximately two years for me to realize fully how screwed I really was, even moreso due to the decrepit status of the labor market at that time. Luckily, I possess, I believe, a well-rounded intelligence and decided to change course to a career with better job prospects than the unmentionable $10.50 an hour job my first degree prepared me for.

So I went back to CC and started taking as much of undergraduate curriculum in computer science as possible (Calc 1&2, Programming, Data Structures, Physics + I had taken a couple CS courses at UCLA through honor's programs), with the ultimate goal of being accepted into USC to obtain a Master's degree. Most specifically in CS w/ Game programming concentration, due not only to the obvious inherent interest in the field, but because from what I gather, it's a robust job market and the pay is generally higher (more so for someone with a concentration, as I intend to obtain in AI programming). USC because, not only is it local, but it's also consistently ranked among the top schools for that field.

So fast forward to now, I applied to several second bachelor's programs, both because those school will allow me to take prep courses I can't at my CC, but also because even graduating with a BS, no master's opens up doors not open to me now. I've been accepted to both CSULB and UCI, and I have to decide which one, though obviously my real goal is USC, which I haven't applied to yet, and will in the fall. I'm leaning toward CSULB because its flexible program allows me to graduate in only a year (compared to 2 at UCI) and in addition, it's cheaper. I accumulated zero debt my first round through college, but am prepared to make full use of student loans this time around, given that by playing my cars right a $90k job right out of college is possible. But UCI is the school with the better reputation, and I can't pick the lesser school unless I know for a fact I'm making the right choice.

I talked to an advisor at USC who informed me, they've accepted applicants from both colleges, and I should apply this fall regardless. So, to summarize should I pick the 'lesser' school (CSULB) over the better school (UCI), knowing I already have a UCLA degree in my pocket because it offers the quicker, cheaper degree? Am I creating stress over nothing?

If it helps my GPA is 3.7+ now (higher in only science, programming, math classes) and should improve with each passing semester. I haven't taken the GRE yet (will over the summer) but am confident I'll do well, at least on the math/reasoning section. And of course will attempt to obtain any honors or extra circulars possible at either college. Thanks again to anybody who got through this and can offer advice about my decision or anything else. I really am stressing about what choice to make, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Again, I need to make my final decision very soon, and any advice is greatly greatly appreciated.

[Lox26]

Hi,

This is not my field. I just wanted to encourage others not to down-vote your post.

As an erstwhile-almost-English major myself, I understand following your passion in undergrad. I also understand that job prospects are not great for English majors (who do not make sure to become well-rounded through coursework and internships...or go into teaching). Most people don't know what they want to be when they grow up. Your predicament is a phenomenon experienced acrossed disciplines, and I empathize with you. I am not sure why/whether anyone disagrees with your outlook. Again, no disrespect to the field--I love literature and enjoy reading, deconstructing, and discussing texts.

You seem to enjoy CS and find it stimulating. Job prospects are better. You will likely be happier doing something you love and earning a living wage. I don't see why this is frowned upon.

Last, some people may see your post as bragging. I don't, but I understand how others might (they read it as "I'm so awesome and smart and potentially too good for CSULB. Also, I will definitely excel there because I'm a genius."). I think some of the negative votes are a result of your perceived entitlement. I read your post as one of worry, wistful regret, and determined optimism. I wish you the best of luck in whatever path you choose.

To anyone out there reading who may know more about CS, please provide concrete explanations of why OP's reasoning is flawed or better paths he/she may choose to attain his/her goal. We're here to help each other.

Edited June 1, 2012 by Lox26

[Usmivka]

I can't speak to CS, but I can say that as a PhD student in the physical sciences, the prospect of graduation before 30 is mind-blowing

I wouldn't worry about 1 yr vs 2, it makes no difference in the scheme of your life in terms of time spent. But that extra year could teach you a lot more, and provide the extra problems solving strategies and networking needed to not only get into grad school, but perhaps to get you a fellowship or even a great job without grad school, saving you even more time and money.

I don't know the field or programs well enough to say if this is the case. But worrying about +/-1 year seems trivial compared to the other considerations you need to go through.

Edited June 1, 2012 by Usmivka

[Gneiss1]

Like usmivka I agree that the one year difference ultimately shouldn't be the deciding factor. Seeing as that is a pretty big career jump, I would go for the two year BS. For one it offers the better school credentials, but more importantly it will give you more classes under your belt. Your potential graduate schools are going to be looking at your transcripts to see the classes you took, not just the degree you received. In looking for well qualified candidates, the extra year of classes may be the determining factor between you and other candidates for acceptance and/or financial support. It seems the safer bet to me and also maybe it would be possible to wrap up your UCI degree sooner if you took more classes or went to school over the summer. Since you already have some background in CS classes taking on a heavier class load may not be as difficult for as some of those just starting out.

Ultimately it is your decision, but in the long scheme of things that extra year spent in college likely won't be time wasted and will give you a more solid foundation when entering grad school. Just my two cents:)