<p>Kennysmom,
The UC's and Cal States use their own formula for computing GPAs for admissions -- if you are not yet aware of that formula, I'd suggest you start by going to this website and seeing how your son's UC/Cal State GPA will pan out: <a href="http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergraduate.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergraduate.html</a></p>
<p>In addition, for the UC's, your son will also need two SAT subject exams - no one can really guestimate his chances without those. The above website will also give you information on the way the UC's weight other factors in admissions (it is not just about GPA and test scores for the UCs like it is for the Cal States), and that should give you a clearer picture of where he might stand in the applicant pool.</p>
<p>That said, every student needs to have a list that includes a mix of different selectivities -- so, in addition to the three schools you mentioned, you should be encouraging your son to broaden his horizons and look at other schools as well. He sounds like he will be in good shape for MANY colleges and universities -- please don't think that a 3.7 GPA is an "underachieving" one. It is actually a very good GPA in the grand scheme of things.</p>
<p>I just sent you a PM with some other ideas -- you can find it in the upper right hand corner of your screen.</p>