This is more for my own curiosity since it’s not my kid. I have known this young man since the first day of K. Smart kid who can bounce easily between highly focused and depressed and unmotivated.
Transfer student- admitted to Santa Cruz, Cal Poly Pomona and Davis. Waiting to hear from a few more schools. Denied SLO and San Jose. Wants to study Computer Science.
Background-He went to a top ranked school for CS out of high school. Quit midway freshmen year due to depression and self medicating with weed. Came home spent almost 5 yrs drifting, living in his Dad’s basement. 2 yrs ago decided his life wasn’t going anywhere and went back to school, worked hard and has a 4.0 at a rigorous Ca CC. Gave up the weed since it zapped his motivation. He is now 27 yrs old.
He is leaning towards Santa Cruz since he feels it will help him get a job in the Bay Area.
It’s nice to hear a good story.
Don’t overlook UC Davis. It has closer tie to UC Berkeley than UCSC does. Many UCB professors also teach at UCD.
Weed use is more pervasive at SC than Cal Poly Pomona. If there is any concern for relapse to bad habits it might be a consideration. However if his goal is to work in the Bay Area then UCSC and UCD make sense. Nice to hear a success story & the importance of our great CC system for second chances.