#Duke Kunshan vs Cal Poly SLO CS

8 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

near sierra
#

Schools: Duke Kunshan (Duke's international campus) and Cal Poly SLO
Intended major: CS
Similarities: cost is about the same after scholarship with DKU, both campuses are beautiful
Duke Kunshan (LAC, research based)
School 1 Pros:

  • lots of diversity
  • super small class sizes (like 10) so I can connect with professors and really understand the content
  • lets me study abroad in China and back in Durham for a semester of junior year
  • learn mandarin
  • graduate with Duke degree so probably looks good
  • duke alumni network
  • good food
  • interdisciplinary education
    School 1 Cons:
  • covid makes it a bit uncertain on when I can go to the china campus (right now they're planning to be in Barcelona until china gives student visas)
  • not sure how the cs program is because its rlly new (based on duke curriculum but the major was just introduced for the class of 24 )
  • very research based so most likely won't get a lot of work exp
    Cal Poly SLO (hands on)
    School 2 Pros:
  • good cs program with reputable classes
  • hands on work to get work experience
  • classes are small (30-40) but not as small as DKU
  • job out of college
    School 2 Cons:
  • like no diversity
  • terrible food
  • can't really get the international experience im looking for
  • not really a big alumni network
  • heard its kinda like a party school but im tryna focus up
#

Additional Notes:
I really want the international experience and a small liberal arts college, but I'm worried that I might not be able to get a solid job afterwards unless I go to grad school. SLO, on the other hand, will probably get me a job out of college but like the experience really isn't there for me.

sharp shell
#

Sounds like you’re leaning towards DKU

#

You’re going for CS, so your actual skills tend to matter more for job recruitment compared to whether or not you went to a highly ranked school

#

I’ve never really looked into international campuses, but I would guess that looking at a major map (if one is out yet for your major) and comparing the courses to Duke’s would be a good idea to get a feel for how similar they are

#

You can also check another more established DKU major and compare it to Duke’s to see how well it’s been doing

#

Because if it’s doing well then there’s a better chance yours would do well imo

near sierra