get the actual experience and not a covid shell of an experience), if that would make a difference. Covid has really screwed a lot of things up. I personally have struggled with isolation from my coworkers since the pandemic started.
I would also see how he’s doing mental health wise (not saying he’s a loonie or something) but those kinds of issues do not help testimony issues in any way. When things like depression are in play, it makes working through complicated topics really hard. Covid isolation has contributed to that for a lot of people, myself included.
And while they don’t offer an associates, that additional year, he could stock up on classes that will transfer better (more generals) so he won’t be completely starting over when/if he transfers.
Best of luck, friend.