@amaizyng While it’s true that kids in the top 7% of the CA HS are guaranteed a spot a “a” UC school, the reality is the school to which they’re admitted will be Merced, Riverside or Santa Cruz. My son lasted one quarter at UCSC and realized it was not a good fit for him at all - academically nor socially. He easily made straight As, but was so unhappy he took a leave from the school and is currently attending our local CC, which he’s finding far more challenging and interesting.
Your experience may be very different, but that’s our reality.