<p>I went to UCSC and even was a Stevenson student but over 30 years ago. At that time all classes were 5 credit and you only took 3 a semester and yes, some of the classes were hippy dippy then of course :)</p>
<p>I can’t say how it is now but UCSC isn’t the right place for everyone. You really need to have that alternative type of personality and love of redwoods to be there. I did take some amazing classes but it is a cultural environment that has to suit you.</p>
<p>I also went to Cabrillo Jr. college in Soquel which I thought was a really good cc. Don’t know about the ones you mentioned. You could investigate which cc’s seem to be on a more direct path to engineering to find the more rigorous ones, like ones that have transfer programs as part of their curriculum. </p>
<p>I think you could start at a cc to get your focus and transfer to whatever 4 year school you find suits you. You should be more excited to attend the college of your choice and not feel like you settled. </p>
<p>What about Berkeley?</p>