Embedded Files
"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." — William Butler Yeats
California Public Universities
California Public Universities
California features the largest public higher education system in the United States, divided into two distinct four-year public university systems: the research-focused University of California (UC) and the broader, career-oriented California State University (CSU). Admission to either the UC or CSU is competitive, and the requirements may vary from campus to campus and from year to year. To check current standards, see the admissions information listed for each system linked below, go to your campus career center, or check with your school site counselor.
The UC system has an excellent reputation for research and theory-based teaching. It includes 10 universities with a strong emphasis on graduate programs. Many of the professors engage in research, providing students with the opportunity to learn in a research setting.The admissions requirements differ from the CSU system and include higher grade standards, a review of personal involvement in enrichment activities, and written Personal Insight Questions as part of the comprehensive, holistic review process at each UC Campus. In addition to bachelor’s and master’s degrees, UC also awards numerous professional and doctorate degrees.
Things to comsider:
Rigorous courses are expected
A-G Required - Recommended A-G classes are preferable
3.0 min GPA, but typically must be much higher
Often focused on preparing students for graduate school
Requires 4 Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)
Admission is based on Holistic Selection (13 factors of admissions)
Top 9% of students are automatically selected
EOP is available
Application Window - Aug 1-Nov 30
The CSU system consists of 22 universities that emphasize undergraduate education leading to a bachelor’s degree. Some CSU schools also offer master’s degree or doctorate programs. Eligibility for admission to a California State University directly from high school depends on meeting the A-G requirements and the applicant’s grade point average in camparison to the impaction of the major and college. Here is a list of impacted CSU majors. CSU is known for basing their courses and degree programs on practical applications and non-research-oriented careers.
Things to consider:
2.5 is minimum GPA for admissions but it may be higher for impacted majors and campuses
A-G course requirements must be met
Writing is not a part of the application, so students cannot express their personality or hardships
Admission is based solely on grades in A-G courses and major choice
EOP is available
Application Window - Aug 1-Nov 30
UC & CSU Application Resources
UC & CSU Application Resources
What is UC admissions looking for? Watch this YouTube to find out about application myths
new-ada-fy-piq (1).pdfUC Personal Insight Questions Prewrite Worksheet
CSU Grade Level Checklist
ImpactedProgramsMatrix (1).pdfCSU Impacted Program Matrix
Page updated
Report abuse