<p>I agree completely about the pond! My daughter’s first choice is UCB. She loved the campus, but a big motivator for her is that her boyfriend attends UCB – a bad reason to want to go to a school. It’s been a difficult time for me as a parent, because I can’t fault UCB as a prospective school, have a very high regard for the boyfriend, and think she would do very well there – BUT, I worry that she will not fully evaluate all of her options. At UCB she will be a small fish. At UCSC, especially as a Regent/FYHP scholar, she would have more access to opportunities. Same for CSUCI – not as much prestige, but the rep there has been very dedicated to trying to recruit her, and quite proactive in getting D14 to apply for their Presidents Scholar program. </p>
<p>I have less concern about the party reputation – I grew up in Los Gatos, lived in Santa Cruz for a few years, and have friends who graduated from UCSC. I think the reputation is over stated, and I get the Santa Cruz culture in general. </p>
<p>From what I’ve read so far about the program, they house students in either Crown or Cowell – I’m taking a guess that neither are the party college? I would love to know which college your daughter didn’t like, as I would steer my D14 away from it as well. I think she would hate a party environment. I was considered very conservative in my day, but by comparison she makes me look like a wild child. That’s another reason why I think this program has so much potential for her – I see her being at home with other like-minded students who are truly involved in their education.</p>