My son was accepted to the Scripps Marine Science program in the UCSD Academic Connections (AC) for this summer. I also made him apply to the Research Scholars (RS) program since he qualified for it, not thinking he would get in but simply for application practice. Well, we found out today he was accepted into the RS to work with a very impressive PhD working on stem-cell nanotechnology, or something like it - way over my head. I realize it is an honor, but he would rather be in the general Marine Science program. Ugh. Do any of you have advice on this? There are other kids who would gladly take his place in the RS program, but I think it would help his college applications more than the general AC program. We live in a different state, so I’m not familiar with the program. He does want to attend a UC school, and since we are OOS, this may help his chances. He’s my oldest so this is all new for us. Any thoughts?
Anyone?
My personal opinion is that he should do what interests him most. His original choice was to apply to the Marine Science program, and if that is what he still wants to do, I think he should do it. I think following his genuine interests is the best way to live during the high school years as well as the best approach to college admissions.
If his ultimate interest is in Marine Science, that is a ery important factor but there may be other factors in each program to consider, and perhaps he can further investigate by talking with someone, rereading websites or informational materials etc. Just to make sure of his decision.
First off, attendance in the program will not help his UC applications. Secondly, if you are OOS, I would counsel strongly against paying OOS fees to attend a UC.
Re your question: yes, I would definitely do the Scholars program. He will learn plenty of skill transferrable to any portion of Marine Bio later. And, such skills can make it easier to get a lab/research position in college.
Thank you for your advice, bluebayou. He wanted to do a summer program in a college setting this summer and this one was somewhat selective, wasn’t crazy expensive, and fit his summer schedule, plus they said it adds some sort of points to the UC application (I know nothing about that yet). Yes, OOS costs to the UCs are crazy, but they are crazy everywhere. I’m thinking I would rather pay $50-60,000 per year to a higher ranked UC school than U of Miami, Occidental or Tulane (some of his other choices). It is a moot point now since he is only a junior and this program may change his mind about the CA schools or being so far from home. He also has a seizure disorder (well controlled with medication) and we have close family living near all of the UC schools (except Davis), which makes me feel better about his living so far away. We live in the South, and he doesn’t like the current political climate and narrow-mindedness that is rampant here. It’s early, and it may not even be an option, so we will reserve judgment until then.
For a student with a special needs, I would look for those types of services first, and major last. And I would be greatly surprised if the UC’s could beat a private school in that regard. The big public U’s out here are notoriously bureaucratic, slow to respond, and can be sink or swim culture. I’d look to privates, which can be a LOT more welcoming and supportive.
Good luck.
Thank you @bluebayou for your advice. Yes, I’m concerned with the large school aspect as well. That’s why UCLA, USC and UCB are out of discussion. UCSD and UCSC both have a college within a university format, so it could be like a smaller college, like an honors college within some larger universities. USCB isn’t crazy big and we have close relatives that live in SB and Montecito, and he has spent many vacations and summers there so it seems like home to him. Plus we know kids from our home state that go there and are thriving. He would considered being called “special needs” an insult, even if true. He has had 3 seizures total, and none while on medication, but it is a serious consideration. Since his seizures, he has traveled to Japan as a People to People ambassador and to Italy as a Rotary Exchange Student where we found ways to refill his meds. He is an all state tennis player and named as one of the best athletes in the state last year and this year. His tennis team is ranked third in the nation. We would never rely solely upon a university to administer to his health needs. We will make sure wherever he goes we have a private support system in place to take care of him if he needs it.
I would love for him to go to a perfectly good LAC 2-3 hours away from home, but that is not his preference. It’s his life, and I respect his decision to live it as anyone else would that didn’t have his medical issues. He is smart as a whip, athletic, looks like a movie star, hilarious, well-liked, empathic, and a total-package kid that has had 3 seizures. He doesn’t want to be defined by them.
We recently discovered that the Academic Connections program gave us the wrong information regarding his Research Scholars assignment, and he is assigned to a PhD in the Scripps and Skaggs colleges that researches making medicine out of marine algae - the exact program he wanted. Before he starts the program we will be touring UCSB, Oxy, Pitzer, USC, UCSD, UofSD, and SDState. He is now leaning toward Florida colleges so who knows where he will end up going, but this is a fun ride for all of us.
If his interest is in marine biology, he can’t do much better than UMiami. In addition, UMiami offers scholarships to instate people based on their scores, GPA.
Fl offers a summer program at FL State called the Young Scholars program. Less than 40 kids are accepted each year. The program involves lab work a few days a week, and classes. They have social activities in evenings and weekends. Totally free, except transportation.
I’d also have your son look at New College in Sarasota, which is similar to a LAC.
My info is a dozen years old, so take with a grain of salt.
Thank you, @bookworm we will be touring FL colleges in October. U of Miami is currently his first choice but that changes on a monthly basis. They do give good merit money and it isn’t too big. I’m intrigued by Eckerd, but it may be too small for him. There are many great choices in FL, so we are excited to visit.
any new feedback on RS or AC program at UCSD would be appreciated… does one apply to both simultaneously in case if rejected by RS program then still can have a shot at the AC program? TY!
Hello @Twinskle , yes, I’m pretty sure he did apply to both programs at the same time in case he didn’t into the RS portion. He enjoyed it, but he said he would have enjoyed the regular program as well. He has received early action acceptance to all schools so far, and I think having the RS program on his application helped with that (but I don’t know for sure). There is also the COSMO program in CA, and we didn’t know it was open to OOS students or he would have applied to that as well. The AC/RS program was worthwhile (even coming from Arkansas), and he learned a lot. I highly recommend it.