<p>My son (age 20) has 6 W’s (and no other grades) from the Peralta CC system (mostly BCC) obtained approximately between 2009 and 2011 and 1 W (and no other grades) from the College of Marin. He is planning to try CC again in the fall. He had A’s in each class when he withdrew but has been dealing with trauma-related anxiety, depression, and sleep issues for several years, which led to him dropping classes each time. </p>
<p>It’s is all a very long and convoluted story – too much to explain – but because of everything that happened, he stopped attending high school in 2009 and took the California High School Proficiency Exam. Because he has not had many of the required high school courses, community college is probably his best, probably only, initial option for college. He is very intelligent and was a great student prior to multiple life events that happened. He is also ambitious and his current plan is to major in some type of science or bioengineering and try to go to medical school or obtain a Ph.D. in chemistry or other science. He also has aspirations of transferring into what he would consider “a really good school.” (I realize that is subjective, but those are his words.) </p>
<p>We currently live in between Berkeley City College and Contra Costa College. Right now, he are considering Contra Costa and/or Diablo Valley. DVC would be a drive 30-40 minute drive for us, and I would be transporting him, or he could take public transportation, which looks to be about 1 1/2 hours one way, which may not be feasible. CCSF is also an option, as it could be accessed by BART, if it does not close.</p>
<p>He and I have decided it would probably be best for him to start over where he will not have W’s, considering he wants to try to apply to transfer into competitive universities and majors. Overall, however, he would prefer Berkeley City College, which he can easily get to by BART or a short drive. We have pretty much ruled that out because of the W’s. Does anyone know if there would be any way he could start over at BCC without the W’s? From what I have read, there probably is not, but I am wondering if there is something I don’t know about. He has a psychologist who would be willing to provide documentation of the issues that led him to withdraw. If he can get rid of the W’s, he wants to go to BCC. If not, he will consider CCC, DVC, CCSF, and/or College of Marin (where he does have 1 W). </p>
<p>Another question is, of these 5, which would be the best option?</p>
<p>CCC – fairly close if we drive; not on BART; I’ve heard it may not be as good of a CC, but I could have heard wrong.</p>
<p>DVC – not easily accessed by public transportation; 40 minute or so drive; but I’ve heard it is a very good school.</p>
<p>CCSF – on BART, but longer ride.</p>
<p>College of Marin – 1 W; across the bridge; I’ve heard it is a fairly good CC.</p>
<p>BCC – on BART; would be my son’s preference if he didn’t have 6 W’s.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>