What is a good GPA to transfer to CSULB?

UCR or CSULB for Computer Engineering and College life?

• I know UCR is more popular than CSULB, but I was wondering which university would provide a better experience. Many people claim Riverside is in the middle of nowhere and it is a boring suburban community. Also, I'm iffy about UCR's reputation, as nearly anyone is accepted. Many people may be rejected by CSULB but still get into UCR (1/3 to a 3/4 acceptance rate). I aim for a bachelor's in Computer Engineering, UCR is ranked higher in the engineering column but how is the educational experience in both schools? I am also seriously considering going to a Community College, as I want to transfer to UCI or another UC in the future. I am considering IVC or OCC. Is a CC just as hard as any CSU or UC? What GPA do I need to achieve to get a likely transfer from CC to UC? Is it likely at all if I try to transfer to UCI from CSULB, or UCR to UCI if I get good grades? I also live 15 minutes away from CSULB and about an hour away from UCR. I live in Westminster city, in Orange County. I can commute or dorm at CSULB/IVC/OCC, I have to dorm at UCR.

• Answer:

  I don't think you'll be getting the college life you expect if you go to a school located near your house. You'll still be surrounded by the majority group of people you are surrounded with in high school. From the courses I've taken at ccc, ivc, and sac, they seem extremely easy compared to UCR which is where I'm attending. I'm from Westminster also and honestly I wanted to go to UCI only because it was close to home, but after going to UCR I'm sincerely happy with my choice because it does allow me the freedom and I'm more independent. You'll grow more if you attend somewhere further from school. And an hour away from home isn't that bad. It takes me 40-50 minutes to get from riverside to westminster. It's only an hour away haha and cliche as it is "college is what YOU make of it." Nothing is going to be handed to you. If you want to socialize and party then get out there and make friends, join a frat, be opened. Don't listen to the stereotypes about UCR. Usually they're made by students who have not been there or students that didn't try to have a college experience. And like the person said earlier if you want to go to UCI then go through the TAG program, but I'd recommend doing it at ivc. It is extremely easy, but be aware that you may have a difficult time when you transfer because the course load is on a different level. If you go into any school with a negative mindset then most likely you'll hate your time there.