Applying for College

University of California (UC)

The University of California is a system of 10 campuses, five medical centers and three affiliated national laboratories. Each campus offers an incredible range of experiences and academic programs. Whether you want to be in a big city, nestled in a redwood forest or on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, there's something for everyone. YOU can be a part of it!

82% of undergrads come from California. 2 out of 3 California students who applied last year got in.
55% of California undergrads pay no tuition. UC has one of the strongest financial aid programs in the nation.
86% of undergrads earn a diploma. Most students complete their studies in just over four years.

Eligibility requirements:

Complete 15 A-G courses (11 of them by end of junior year)
Minimum 3.0 GPA
UC Personal Insight Questions

The application fee is $70 for each UC campus. UC will waive application fees for up to four campuses for qualified students who would otherwise be unable to apply for admission.

You can start working on your fall application as early as August 1, and submit by November 30.

To begin your application, please visit: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply-now.html

California State University (CSU)

The California State University system is made up of 23 campuses across the state of California. The CSU educates more than 477,000 students each year. The CSU has one of the most diverse student bodies in the United States.

81% of undergraduate students qualify for financial aid. The CSU offers one of the most affordable and high quality college educations in the nation.
Nearly one-third of CSU students are the first in their families to attend college.
87% of first-time freshmen come from CA public high schools.

Eligibility requirements:

Graduate from high school or equivalent
Complete 15 A-G courses (11 of them by end of junior year)
Minimum 2.5 GPA

The application fee is $70 for each CSU campus. CSU will waive application fees for up to four campuses for qualified students who would otherwise be unable to apply for admission.

You can start working on your fall application as early as October 1, and submit by November 30.

To begin your application, please visit: https://www.calstate.edu/apply/Pages/default.aspx

California Community College (CCC)

The California Community College system is made up of 116 campuses with 1.8 million students across the state of California. The CCC will provide you with life-changing opportunities and a clear path to your goals, whether it's transferring to a four-year college or university or seeking the job-training skills that can help you move up the career ladder.

69% of CCC students are people of diverse ethnic backgrounds.
51% of CSU graduates and 29% of UC graduates started at a CCC.
47% of students do not pay fees.

Eligibility requirements:

No subject requirements
18 years old, or
High school graduate

There is no application fee for CCC.

There is no application deadline, but early application is encouraged.

To begin your application, please visit: https://www.cccapply.org/en/apply

Private Colleges & Universities

The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) is compromised of over 80 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities in California. Together, these institutions make up the Independent California Colleges an Universities sector (ICCU).

Private colleges differ from public institutions in their difficulty of admission, rules and requirements.
Within California, the ICCU award 18% of all bachelor's degrees, and 52% of all graduate degrees.
Private colleges also offer many financial programs and scholarships to assist with tuition.

Eligibility requirements:

Many private colleges have the same entrance requirements as the CSU's and the UC's. Confirm on the colleges website.
GPA varies by college
Some colleges may require a letter of recommendation

Application fees vary. Waivers may be available. Check the website for the college you are applying for.

Application deadlines vary. Check the website for the college you are applying for.

To begin your application, please visit: https://www.commonapp.org/apply/first-year-students

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