Andrew Pinkard

Andrew Pinkard overcame his biggest obstacle to attending college by choosing to go to MiraCosta College: the cost. 

After graduating from Rancho Buena Vista High School, Andrew attended the University of California at Irvine. But he didn’t have a dorm room so he had to commute back and forth from his home in San Diego.

“I decided after two weeks that it wasn’t worth the drive.  I decided to save my money by instead attending MiraCosta College.”

While Andrew originally chose MiraCosta College because of its location and low cost, he soon came to love the school for the high quality education it offers to its students.

“The teachers and faculty are so enthusiastic and helpful. I’ve really enjoyed all of my classes and I’ve enjoyed getting a great college education less than ten minutes away from my house.”

After his first semester at MiraCosta, Andrew began work in the Tutoring Center, where he helps students with their chemistry, math, English and sociology studies.

“My advice to students is to be aware of all the services MiraCosta has to offer. Know about tutoring, financial aid; know where they are and take advantage of them. MiraCosta has so many different tools available to students.”

Once Andrew graduated from MiraCosta College with an A.A. in chemistry in spring 2008, he had to decide to which university he would transfer; he was accepted to all four he applied: UCSD, UCLA, UCD and UCB.  He chose to attend UC Berkeley where he will work toward a B.S. in chemistry and/or chemical engineering.