<p>Slugg, if its any consolation, about a week ago I was talking to my daughter about Berkeley (before she heard from other colleges) - and she said she didn't know if she would go even if she did get in, because basically the word from all her friends is that Berkeley is not such a friendly place for undergrads. My brother, who dropped out as a sophomore from Berkeley many years ago, revealed recently that it was the huge lecture sections that had defeated him... you know, the feeling that cozy feeling of being one in 800 in a classroom. And my son has opined after spending time at the Berkeley campus that the students there seemed way overstressed. </p>
<p>Lest any other Sinners' Alley denizens interpret this as a Berkeley-bash - I don't mean it that way -- I spent 3 years at Berkeley as a law student and absolutely loved it, and will always have very fond memories -- but we law students occupied our own small corner of the Berkeley universe. Berkeley might be a place best reserved for students who are very intensely focused, ambitious & highly self-reliant. Though I know him only through your posts, I suspect Slugg Jr. might not be one of those types.</p>
<p>Davis, on the other hand, can be a very foregiving place with lots of room to grow. I speak from personal experience, and many fond memories. It also offers excellent and challenging academics for those who want them -- but the general college atmosphere allows room for fun and relaxation. So I think Slugg Jr. will be much happier at Davis. </p>
<p>So stay happy. Davis is full of very happy campers. I was one of them. The town gets boring after awhile, but that problem is solved very easily with a car -- not necessary freshman year, but very nice as an upperclassman. </p>
<p>My daughter is a different matter. We have just learned that she has been admitted for Berkeley for the spring semester. A mere week ago this would have seemed the best of all outcomes -- I had been hoping for spring admit all along. (That would allow for the kid with the itch to get away from California to do some traveling first). Of course, that is not to be... she is out with friends tonight but allowed me to check online for her after I called and begged permission, but her response to the news of the congratulatory message was disdainful... "nah...." (Too bad we can't auction off the space on ebay). </p>
<p>And... we have our first family college rejection ever. (Up to now, between 2 kids and 18 other college outcomes, we have collected 3 waitlists, but never a flat out no.) Yes, folks, my daughter has been officially rejected from ..... Brown. </p>
<p>As to Barnard.... they surprised me to no end today by offering my d. a Pell Grant. I had always wondered who it is that qualifies for those things, and it turns out, oddly enough, that it is us. (Must tell Mini!!!!) [All this leads me to be very suspicious of the math that college financial aid offices do, since they also say our family contribution is $16K -- but that's a question for another day]. Still waiting on official notice from NYU, rather than the teasers, as well as their finaid award.</p>