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Private Colleges
Private Colleges
A Word About Private Colleges...
While public universities are funded by the government, private colleges are supported by their endowment, donors and student fees. Although the price tag may be higher, private colleges often give out excellent financial aid awards. If you’re willing to look outside of California, your options could increase significantly. Private colleges often offer smaller class sizes, more access to professors (i.e. mentored research) and greater flexibility to design your own academic program.
Females might also consider adding at least one women's college to their list. All opportunities - for leadership, research, mentoring, etc. - are focused on women. Check out this CollegeWise guide: "Why a Women's College?"
College Simply can help you figure out your odds of admission.
Applying to Private Colleges (and some public and international)
Most private colleges (and some public and international universities) use the Common. A few colleges may require the Coalition Application.
COMMON APPLICATION TIPS AND TRICKS (published summer 2024 for application season class of 2025)
Explore Common App. To assist students in finding the right college, direct them to Common App’s explore page. There, students can browse over 1,000 unique colleges and universities that accept the Common App, and tailor their search by location, specialized mission, and more.
The REACH Pathfinder. Reach Higher’s Pathfinder map helps students find a college that fits their unique needs and keeps them aligned with their goals. Download the REACH Pathfinder and detailed cheat sheet to support your students' journey.
First-year and transfer application guides. Students can find tips and best practices in our first-year and transfer application guides, designed to help them complete their applications successfully and on time.
Common App Ready. When guiding students through their college planning, use our Common App Ready resource. This toolkit, available in both English and Spanish, provides resources on starting essays, preparing counselor, teacher, and family brag sheets, and navigating financial considerations such as application fees and financial aid.
Thinking about applying Early Decision or Early Action? What's the difference? What are the benefits/drawbacks?
About 450 colleges offer an early admission option. Students submit applications early and receive a decision earlier. Here are some considerations and resources:
Early Decision (binding contract) is a way to demonstrate substantial interest in a college.
ED vs. Regular Decision Acceptance Rates - Keep in mind that the ED applicant pool is often stronger.
Especially for students with high financial need, ED may give them access to more funding.
If students haven’t prepared their best application or need their first semester senior year to strengthen their application, they should not apply early.
Those who do not have a clear first choice should not apply ED.
Be sure to let your counselor know right away if you’re planning to apply early.
Liberal Arts
Traditionally, liberal arts colleges have emphasized broad academics and personal growth over professional training programs. They generally offer one expansive area of study, whereas at universities, the same major may be broken into two or more degree tracks.
Specialty Colleges/Universities
Specialty Colleges/Universities
Art School
Considering an art major? Thinking art school might be right for you? Get valuable tips and learn more about the different types of schools and degrees available.
Plan to attend a Performing and Visual Arts College Fair and National Portfolio Day at CA College of the Arts where you will have your portfolio reviewed by art and design college representatives and get valuable feedback.
Why Study Art & Design?
Follow your passion and do what you love every day
Prepare for the creative careers of the future
Learn critical problem solving skills
Connect with other like-minded creative peers on a daily basis
Learn how to apply your creativity - an essential skill in the workplace
Virtually explore college opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.
Recession-Proof Career Options
Women in STEM
Research, Internships & Co-op in STEM
Science, Engineering & the Arts
Entrepreneurship & STEM
Out of State Options
Out of State Options
Considering public universities outside of California? The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) connects California students with opportunities to study in neighboring states at a discounted tuition rate. Instead of paying the full out-of-state tuition (often 2-3 times the in-state rate), students pay 150% (or less) of the in-state rate. Because California is one of the more expensive states participating in the recipocity agreement, families may find the WUE rate to be reasonable. Plus, there may be additional scholarships available to students.
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is an agreement among 16 states and territories, through which 160+ participating public colleges and universities provide steep nonresident tuition savings for Western students.
Through WUE, eligible students can choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs outside their home state, and pay no more than 150 percent of that institution’s resident tuition rate.
Since full nonresident college-tuition rates may exceed 300 percent of resident rates, WUE increases affordable higher-education choices for students, and minimizes the adverse impacts of student loan debt.
Here's an example of how WUE may benefit you... If you were a high school student from New York and you wanted to study at Washington State University, tuition would be almost $24,000 per year as opposed to a student from Washington state who would pay just over $9,000 annually. As a California resident, your tuition would be just shy of $14,000 - the same as a UC.
WUE only affects cost of tuition, so remember to factor in other costs (housing, food, books, transportation and personal expenses) as you make your decision.
Regional Admissions Counselors of California (RACC)
The Regional Admission Counselors of California (RACC) is composed of college admission professionals who represent colleges and universities outside the state of California. Members work closely with students and families of California while partnering with high school, community college and independent counselors throughout the state.
The RACC YouTube Channel is now live! The channel features RACC institution videos and additional content and presentations will be added continuously.
International Universities
International Universities
Interested in living and learning abroad? With ever-expanding options for students to study at universities across the globe, check out the Guide to International University Admission (below) for more information. This comprehensive guide provides country profiles for Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain and the UK. You’ll find everything from how to apply and get a visa to degree programs offered and financing your education. Check out this NYT article: A Guide to Getting a Bachelor's Degree Abroad.
International College Options
International College Options (ICO) was formed to educate high school counselors, students and families about the opportunities for US students to obtain a Bachelors degree abroad.
The International Scholarship Search is a financial aid, college scholarship and international scholarship resource for students wishing to study abroad. At this site, you will find a comprehensive listing of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other information to assist college and university students in their pursuit to study abroad.
United States Military Academies
United States Military Academies
Considering one of the military/service academies after high school? Learn about the five Service Academies and their admission procedures and timelines from these links below. Interested candidates must secure a congressional nomination, pass a physical exam, and demonstrate strong leadership skills and potential.
Four of the five branches offer summer opportunities to experience the academy first-hand. These applications are open to students in their junior year of high school for the summer between junior and senior year.
ROTC programs are offered at over 1000 colleges and universities across the U.S.
CLEP for military (Dantes funded) offers an opportunity to earn college credit for what you’ve learned in the military.
ROTC...
Interested in Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) or Navy or Marines Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) programs?
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