Our CVUSD District uses CCGI - CaliforniaColleges.Edu, a program that will give students the opportunity to explore colleges both in and out of California. Plus, CCGI - CaliforniaColleges.edu can be used to apply directly to UC and CSU campuses.
To learn more about CCGI, click HERE.
Get Informed
Colleges want to know the real you. When you apply to colleges, don’t try to make yourself look better by listing the accomplishments or writing the essay you think they want to see. If you're honest about who you are and what you've done, you're more likely to end up at a college that's a good fit for you.
Understand the common terms you'll see during the application process.
Review the application deadlines you should follow when applying for college. Every school has its own deadlines!!
Discover the individual items needed for every college application. For example, schools usually ask for supplemental application materials like letters of recommendation, transcripts, and written essays.
Get Organized
Create a folder for storing documents.
Print a checklist to track your progress on each part of the application. Or use your phone or iPad "Notes" function to keep your specific lists for each school.
Build a spreadsheet to stay on top of submission deadlines.
Gather the Necessary Documents
Your high school CEEB code. (053502 for Thousand Oaks High School)
A copy of your high school transcript.
Your score report with your SAT/ACT or AP exam scores. **Please note, many colleges are not using SAT/ACT scores in admission considerations.
Request a letter of recommendation from your teacher and/or counselor, as needed. Click here to learn about Letters of Recommendation.
Review Your Application Before Submitting
Make sure you’ve included all required information and that the information filled out on the forms is accurate and spelled correctly.
Confirm that any required attachments are the correct files and have been properly uploaded.
Double-check that you filled out all fields and followed all instructions.
Ask for help if you need it! Contact the College and Career Center; reach out to your counselor; have a parent or older sibling looks things over. The more eyes on the application BEFORE you submit, the better.
Take a deep breath. Click submit!
UC System Application
Fill out application through specific portal
Send transcript: NO
Letter of Recommendation : NO
Essay for Admission: NO; However, will need to choose 4 of 8 Personal Insight Questions (PIQ's) to submit
Video support for PIQ's
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT:
December 1st
Common Application
Add colleges to the Common App portal
Fill out one application to send to multiple schools
Send transcript: YES
Essay for Admission: YES
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: Varies by School
Focuses on academic research
Offers programs for bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degrees
Provides professional education in fields like law, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine
Known for top-level research and advanced degrees
Offers bachelor’s, master’s, and some doctoral degree programs
Tends to focus more on practical and career-oriented education with a focus on direct workforce preparation
Some faculty do research, but teaching is the main focus
Doctoral programs offered include education, nursing, audiology, physical therapy and are often in partnership with UC or other schools
Provides the first two years of college (general education and career training)
Offers support classes and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses
Offers vocational and workforce training and degrees
Community enrichment courses (like cooking, art, etc.) and non credit classes for adults
Since 2021, some community colleges can offer bachelor’s degrees in areas not offered by CSU or UC
California Community Colleges (CCCs) are open to everyone after high school.
California State Universities (CSUs) accept students from the top one-third (33.3%) of high school graduates.
University of California (UCs) accept students from the top one-eighth (12.5%) of high school graduates.
UCs and CSUs plan for 40% of students in lower-division (freshman/sophomore level) and 60% in upper-division (junior/senior level), so more community college students can transfer.
Students from community colleges get priority when transferring to UCs and CSUs.