If his CSU/UC weighted-capped GPA is at least 3.0, some UCs may be possibilities (UCM probably high match, UCR and UCSC reaches) if he can write good essays for admission readers to be impressed with. http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/personal-questions/freshman/index.html lists 8 prompts; choose 4. Prompts #4 and #5 may be especially relevant for him.