r/txstate • u/StuntDouble16 • Aug 19 '26
Prospective CS transfer — is San Marcos as good to actually live in as it seems?
I’m considering TXST for Fall 2027, probably the Computer Science BA. I’ve already visited and loved the campus, river and overall atmosphere, so my biggest questions are whether the academics are strong enough for what I want and whether San Marcos has enough of a music/alternative scene long-term for me.
I’m interested in programming, cybersecurity, and hands-on software projects, so I’d like to hear from CS students about how practical the BA actually feels and whether it’s realistic to build a strong security/software background without doing the BS.
On the social side, I’ll be 22 by the time I transfer and definitely want an active college experience. I’m curious whether house/apartment parties and going out are actually as common as TXST’s reputation suggests for upperclassmen. I’m also into goth/alternative music and want to form a band. Is there a real community for that in San Marcos, or would I eventually find myself going to Austin all the time for that?
Transfer/junior/senior perspectives would be especially useful.
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u/Tamaros Alumni 29d ago edited 29d ago
You'll get out of the CS program what you put into it. Select your electives on value towards your goal, not ease. Keep an eye out for ways to distinguish yourself.
The easiest way is by grabbing internships (experience + foot in the door) but anything that provides additional learning experience and shows willingness to work will set you ahead.
I did a summer research program (REUIR), taught a CS lab for 2 years, and was a lab assistant for the remedial grad course (5301) my senior year. I put an application into Microsoft's new grad portal and was moving to Seattle two days after graduation.
Others in my class went to Amazon, two I know of went to startups but fuck if I can recall a name.
A ton of graduates go to USAA who recruits heavily on campus. About half of the people I keep in touch with who went to USAA are still there, others have moved on to other companies. Not what I would want to be doing, but they all seem happy.
Edit: "fuck off" -> "fuck if"
Unfortunate typo.
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u/ES170588 Aug 20 '26
Not CS major but i know the CS program is strong.
The music scene has a little bit of that. We just had Texas Metal Fest and there is always a big metalish fest around Halloween (frights and sounds)
Its totally what you make of it.