Harshil Shah Review at California State University [CSULB], Long Beach | Collegedunia

My Master's Experience in California

9.3
Verified Review (Out of 10)
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Academic
8.0
Accommodation
10.0
Faculty
10.0
Infrastructure
10.0
Social Life
10.0
Placement
8.0

Student's Snapshots

Classroom
Classroom
Infrastructure & Academic Building
Harshil Shah
Reviewed on Dec 9, 2025(Enrolled 2024)

Course Curriculum

8

  • The curriculum is moderately challenging, which offers a balanced mix of theoretical and practical learning. The positive aspects of the curriculum include hands-on projects and experienced faculty, and the negative impact includes a heavier workload sometimes, which can be a downside.
  • Typically, 2–3 classes are scheduled per day, and timings are not fixed as each has different ones between 9?AM–6?PM, with around 40–50 students per class. The batch has about 20–25 Indian students, contributing to a diverse and collaborative environment.

Admission Experience

  • I applied to several colleges, including CSU Long Beach, Arizona State Univ., the University of Texas, Arlington, the University of North Carolina Charlotte, and CSU Northridge.
  • I was admitted to CSU Long Beach and Arizona State University, waitlisted at the University of Texas, Arlington, and did not receive anything from the University of North Carolina Charlotte and CSU Northridge. I think I wasn’t accepted due to high competition and limited spots despite having a strong profile overall. Also, they see a lot many factors, and after that they provide admission to the students.
  • Because of number of factors which are - Good academic record, past students record, environment. Process included application form filling with details and submitting transcripts followed by acceptance letter and I-20 from the university. The eligibility is to give GRE and TOEFL/IELTS exam and there is no such minimum score for GRE but for TOEFL it's 80. Overall, it was a nice experience and there were no challenges.
  • I applied for the Fall intake as it offers more course options, internships and better networking opportunities. The admission process took around 4–5 months in total. I submitted my application in December, received confirmation of document review by February and got my final admission decision in April for the upcoming semester. It was a long process.

Faculty

10

  • The faculty-to-student ratio is around 1:40, which allows good interaction and personalized guidance. Teaching combines lectures, projects, and practical sessions, effectively preparing students for industry roles, and they need to practice on their own as well.
  • Some faculty actively help with part-time jobs as a Student Assistant under them. I admire professors who are approachable, knowledgeable, and encourage critical thinking, making learning engaging and highly practical.

Campus Life

10

  • The college has one main campus with a library, sports complex, and medical center(SHS). Popular festivals include Homecoming, Spring Fest, and Monday events. Numerous clubs focus on robotics, arts, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
  • Students engage in sports, cultural events, and volunteer activities such as Event Pride, which creates a vibrant, interactive campus life that encourages both personal growth and community involvement.

Part Time Jobs

  • On-campus part-time opportunities include TA, RA and SA roles, with around 10–15 students securing them each semester. Pay ranges from $17–$25/hour depending on responsibilities. Other jobs include library assistant, lab support, dining and campus services, typically $17–$19/hour. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters. While competitive, if one has strong academic performance and faculty recommendations, securing these positions is manageable.
  • Most Indian students prefer on-campus jobs like TA/RA positions or roles in libraries and labs, while the majority have dining as their first job. Hourly wages range from $17–$20, depending on the job type. Securing a part-time job can be moderately competitive, depending on funds. Students usually search online portals or campus boards, submit resumes and may attend interviews. Recommendations from faculty or peers can improve chances of selection.

Placement

8

  • Around 98-100% of the graduating batch secures employment within six months of completing the course. Average starting salaries range from $100,000–$180,000 per year.
  • Students find jobs via internships, networking, and online portals like Indeed, Jobright. Batchmates have joined companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft in roles such as Software Developer, Data Analyst, and Product Manager. Major recruiters include top tech firms and startups.

Accommodation

Off Campus
10

  • I opted for off-campus accommodation, found mainly through Facebook and Telegram student groups. Monthly rent was around $550, including Wi-Fi and utilities. Some challenges included high demand and limited listings near campus, and not proper knowledge of the areas. Most Indian students stay nearby for convenience.
  • I recommend starting the search early, visiting multiple options, and confirming safety and amenities before finalizing.

Exams

  • For admission, exams like IELTS or TOEFL are required to prove English proficiency, and GRE may be needed for some programs. There are no minimum scores for GRE, but for TOEFL, it's 80.
  • The application includes documents such as a Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, and a CV. No, the interview wasn't part of my process; the admission decision was based on academic performance and submitted documents.

Fees

  • The fee structure is semester-based, covering tuition, campus fees and health charges. Tuition is around 10,000, with additional costs for books and materials.
  • Monthly expenses are roughly $600-$700, including rent ($500), transportation ($100), food ($100), and other essentials like internet and utilities. It is as per the I-20 that they have provided.

Scholarship

  • No, I did not receive any scholarship during my course. Scholarships are available for international and domestic students based on academic performance, leadership, or financial need.
  • However, they are very competitive and only a few students each year are awarded amounts and it depends on several factors. In my course, there are no scholarships, so none of my batchmates received it.