[Gogeta]

I'm a male Asian senior in high school.

My reach schools are UCLA, USC, and University of Urbana-Champaign.
My dream major would be Computer Science, but I've looked into the schools and all three have super competitive Computer Science and Engineering programs. Recently though, I've been thinking of going the "easier" route (meaning less competition to be accepted) and applying with a business major, since I've heard it pulls in the big bucks.

My GPA is 3.7 unweighted and a little over a 4.0 weighted (I can go into more detail with my coursework if I need to). I also got a 34 on my ACT with an 8 on writing.
Since Computer Science is my dream, I've taken a couple of Computer Science classes (Intro to Java, AP Computer Science, and I'm taking Intro to C++ right now). I just wanted to know if it was even possible to get into a school that's so prestigious in Engineering/CompSci with the grades that I have and the race that I am. I don't really have much going for me except a lot of volunteer hours and one writing award, so I don't stick out that much to colleges.

Should I go for the risky route and apply for CompSci to my reach schools or play it safe and apply as a business major?

[GodComplex]

nothing like asking a hacking forum what you should do with you're future...

[Gogeta]

nothing like asking a hacking forum what you should do with you're future...

lmao it's not like i'm gonna be making my final decision based on what people tell me here. i just wanted a little more input from people that may have already gone to college and such.

[Lindros]

Honestly I went business/finance and ended up switching software engineering. Do compsci even at a worse school statistically it will bring you a better living/better work homelife balance than a business degree. This is my opinion but I would look up average paying degrees out of school and head in that direction that INTERESTS you.

That last part is super important. Honestly I really don't think school name matters as much for technical degrees. For instance if you have a 2 state universities, i'd recommend going to the cheaper one and to hell with the name. Again, my opinion.

The degree proved you can juml through hoops, whether they have a good program/bad program is relative to the teacher's teaching and will be up to you to learn. Obviously don't go to some garbage online school.

[Demoz]

If you want to do Computer Science, apply as Computer Science. Worst case scenario, it's actually quite easy to transfer to a very good school as a third year. One thing you should know now that most don't learn until college is that grades honestly aren't your defining characteristics in life. Don't change your entire life path just because you're scared of rejection. If Computer Science is what you love, then stick to that.

Also, might as well apply to Berkeley too while you're at it, considering it's just another check mark and $35 on your UCLA application.

[KingKernshaw]

I'd def go the computer science route, you can always fall back to something IT related if you find the curriculum too intense.

[yakabuff]

nothing like asking a hacking forum what you should do with you're future...

especially this forum.. everyone be like just drop out bro fuck school just teach yourself python

[xenko]

Speaking from experience, ita better to have a life doing something you are interested in than doing something because it pays well. Luckily for you, CS is both.

Realistically, you'd be best off applying for it on the chance you could be accepted and also applying to some good schools that aren't quite as prestigious. 99% of employers don't give give two shits which university you got your degree from and the ones that do are going to suck to work for because it breeds an elitist culture.

Take everything you read, including this, with a grain of salt. Only you know the life you want.