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Private Universities/Colleges
Private Universities/Colleges
Admission to most independent colleges is very competitive. In addition to the typical admission requirements (subjects, grades, and test scores), independent colleges usually take a closer look at individual students by requiring letters of recommendation, application essays, and sometimes, personal interviews.
Early Action (EA)- A non binding process that allows qualified students to gain early admission to a school, well before those applying through the regular admissions process. You do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1.
Early Decision (ED)- A binding agreement that states if a student receives admittance to a particular college, they are obligated to attend. This means if you are accepted, you must attend the college. Remember that you can apply regular admissions to other colleges, but you must withdraw those applications if you are accepted
Regular Decision (RD)- is when a student applies for a college under the regular admissions timeline.
Instant Decision- Certain colleges will schedule application events where interested rising freshmen can receive an on-the-spot admission decision and, if applicable, a preliminary scholarship award at the conclusion of their interview.
Educational Purposes
Educational Purposes
There are great differences in sizes, educational purposes and emphasis among these institutions. Some colleges focus on a specific interest or student population.
College & Specific Interest/Focus
College & Specific Interest/Focus
Arts Colleges- These colleges provide training in areas such as photography, music, theater or fashion design and can offer degrees in fine arts or specialty fields.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)- These colleges and universities play a critical role in educating African American students, and students of all races, in a first-rate, unique learning environment. For undocumented students, it is important to note that while typically CADAA Applicants can only apply financial aid towards CA institutions, there is an CAL-HBCU scholarship undocumented students studying out of California can qualify for: https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-hbcu
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI)- At these colleges, at least 25 percent of the full-time undergraduate students are Hispanic.
Single-sex colleges- These colleges are specifically for men or for women.
Religiously affiliated colleges- These colleges are connected to a religious faith. Visit their website to find out how this connection may affect campus life.
How to apply to private/independent colleges
How to apply to private/independent colleges
There are over 600 member colleges and universities nationwide. Check out the links below for some places to research.
Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities- aiccu.edu
Students can find information on over 80 unique colleges through the AICCU website, in addition to planning tips for independent college admissions for freshman or transfer students. Check with each college to determine any additional writing requirements.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)- wiche.edu
This program has over 160 member colleges in 16 Western states. Their mission is to offer substantial discounts on tuition costs, enabling eligible students to experience attending an out-of-state college for an affordable price. Students who live in a WUE state can apply to any member college through the college’s own application process. Check with each college to determine any additional writing requirements.
Common Application (Common App)- commonapp.org
The Common App is a tool that allows students to apply to nearly 900 colleges and universities across the U.S. and in 20 other countries. Students can access Common App directly to research and build a list of colleges, and practice writing application statements using the Essay Prompts.
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