He ran out of steam with number of applications and didn’t apply to SJSU but he did apply to UAB based on recommendation on this thread and was accepted. Based on NMF etc., hoping for high merit aid there. He also applied to UCSC and looks likely to be admitted as he was invited to apply for their merit scholarship. He also was invited by Rice to Visions which makes it seem like a likely.
OP, my S loves Pittsburgh. It was just the right size for him. He loves the neighborhoods and the cultural feel/energy to it. As far as CMU goes, there have been ups and downs but overall he is very grateful for the experiences there. The environment (workload) does get intense at times is my take on it. He isn’t the best with time management and frequently bites off more than he can chew but he is hanging in there. There is a huge park right by the school that has become a natural sanctuary for him. Wishing you and your son the best.
Thanks goingnutsmom!
Just wanted to follow up with his results and thank everyone for their help on this thread. He ended up getting into Rice and Columbia. He also got into Fordham and Northeastern with good merit aid, as well as UCSC and UAB with merit money at both. We will be working to decide between Rice and Columbia at full pay, both are amazing schools. Thanks again!