Click below for general information on the college or university system. Most college applications open in the fall, though they may have different deadlines to apply. Students should plan to apply during the Fall of their senior year for their college(s) of choice as well as for financial aid. Students are highly encouraged to visit the college's websites to learn more detailed information.
Be sure to let your counselor know during your individual meeting each Fall what your goals are, or if you are still exploring.
Universities will have minimum requirements needed to apply and they may vary from one system to another or one university to another. For example, the University of California (UC) requires students to answer Personal Insight Questions, but Cal State University (CSU) does not require any sort of essay to apply. Neither UC or CSU requires letters of recommendation, but many private universities do. Community colleges do not have a minimum GPA requirement, but UC's, CSU's, and private have varying requirements. Be sure to visit the admissions website of any colleges you are interested to know their specific requirements. Some requirements are provided in the sections below but students should do their due diligence to assure they are on track for the colleges of their choice.
Students who have a major in mind can search for colleges and universities that offer that major. Even if you are unsure of your major, it is important to know your options early. This helps ensure you are not paying college application fees for a college that may not offer what you are interested in. Search California public colleges and universities majors using the links below. For private and out-of-state, visit the school's website.
Riverside Unified is partnered with California Colleges. Register your account using your RUSD email to explore financial aid and career information. As an added bonus and time saver, registering your account will allow you to apply directly UC and CSU colleges and have your MLKHS academic grades automatically added to your CSU applications. Parents and students can visit this link to more about californiacolleges.edu. Additional information is provided below on how to use californiacolleges.edu to launch the UC or CSU applications.
There are 9 undergraduate campuses throughout California. Students going straight into a UC from high school will be working towards their bachelors degree. Be sure to apply for the Fall application. MLKHS is in the local admissions area for UCR.
Applications open: August 1st
Note: You can submit an app beginning October 1st
Application Deadline: November 30th
Personal Insight Questions: UC requires applicants answer 4 of 8 Personal Insight Questions (PIQ's) as a way to get to know more about their applicants.
Learn more about PIQ's on the UC website.
View the PIQ Guide.
There are 23 campuses throughout California. Students going straight into a CSU from high school will be working towards their bachelors degree. Be sure to apply for the Fall semester application. MLKHS is in the local admissions area for Cal State San Bernardino.
Applications open: October 1st
Application Deadline: November 30th
How to launch CSU app and transfer MLKHS grades from californiacolleges.edu
Cal State Applicant Help Center
View the Freshman Application Guide for step by step assistance.
Live Chat is available during the application period. There are CSU representatives available to help you!
There are 116 community colleges throughout California. There are 7 community colleges within a 25 mile radius of MLKHS! However, students wanting to get two free years of college should attend RCC in order to take advantage of the Promise Program.
Students can choose to do their major-prep and general education requirements at a California Community College, then transfer to a university to complete the remaining requirements to earn a bachelors degree. There are also options such as certificates or associate degree programs that can be completed more quickly that allow a student to begin working in a specific industry without having to complete a 4-year bachelors degree.
There are no minimum entrance requirements- all students who apply are welcome to attend. However, be sure to send your final high school transcripts or any AP scores to your community college.
RCC Application link - You will first be redirected to create an account on CCCApply. This is NOT the application for the college. Be sure to keep going until you get to the RCC application.
Find a Community College- Search by location or desired course of study
There are over 80 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities located throughout California and many more throughout the country. It will be important for students to research the schools they are interested in to learn about their specific admission requirements since they can vary from one college to another. Many will require an essay and/or letters of recommendation from the applicant.
Applications open: Varies by school
Application Deadline: Varies by school
Common App - Used by most private universities