Private Colleges & Universities

Private college and universities are often smaller than UCs and CSUs with smaller class size and more individualized learning. Some are tailored for specific majors or areas of study while others are Liberal Arts Colleges which are designed to provide a broad education.

Private colleges and universities are found throughout the United States, with over 80 colleges in California.

Tuition varies for private colleges and universities; although tuition is generally much higher than UC and CSU tuition, there are a lot of scholarship and financial aid opportunities.

For a list of independent colleges and universities in California check out AICCU.

2020-21 College Guide to California Independent, Nonprofit Colleges and Universities

https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/top-private-universities/

Applying to Private Colleges

Most private schools allow students to apply with Common App.

Application Guide: https://www.commonapp.org/apply/first-time-students

• Common App Guides

• Approaching the Essay

• Approaching the Activities Section

Family resources: https://www.commonapp.org/family

Tips on writing your personal statement for Common App: https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/portfolio-items/2020-21-common-application-essay-prompts-guide/

***Tips & FAQs from the College & Career Center***

High School Information for Common App (Note that some of these are optional):

• High School CEEB Code: 050500

• Graduation Date: June 2, 2022

• Counselor Name: Check counselor page for your counselor's name and contact info (use their school email)

• Graduating Class Size: 650

• Ranking: Decile

• Your rank: 1 = Top 10%, 2 = Top 20%, 3 = Top 30%, etc.

• GPA Scale: 4.0

• GPA Weighting: Weighted

• Class Rank Reporting: Decile

• Class Rank Weighting: Weighted

For more info: CVHS School Profile