4 Year Universities
Scroll down for more information on CSU's, UC's, Private Institutions, and Out-of-State Universities.
The path to a 4-year University starts in High School
Students must complete A-G requirements to be considered to a 4-year institution.
All classes must be A-G approved classes (on-level, AP, or IB).
To check if your class is A-G approved, click here.
Must pass with a "C" grade or better
Out of State and Private schools cours requirements vary. Be sure to check INDIVIDUAL schools for information.
**If you have any questions regarding A-G requirements, please contact me or your Counselor.
WHERE TO START LOOKING?
Did you know there are close to 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States alone? From big research institutions, to smaller liberal arts schools, to arts colleges, to health colleges... there are many schools available to you.
If you're considering attending a 4-year college or university after high school, this page will help you make a plan of attack. It can be overwhelming trying to navigate the college admissions process, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Use this site as a resource, and feel free to stop by D-9 to chat.
CLICK HERE to view a brief presentation: "College Info Night: How to Get Into Your Dream School"
Click on the logos below to learn more about campuses in California.
All institutions will communicate with you via their portal and your email (please provide a personal email, not your Simi Valley email). Check your portal and email at least once a day. They will send information about documents they may need and deadlines.
Campus Virtual Tours - We have gathered all of the CSU campus virtual tour links in one place for students. Student can find these links on the Cal State Apply main site under Explore Campuses. The direct link is HERE
Free College Guide for First Gens - CRACK THE CODE. A Guide to College Success for First Gens is a free, downloadable guide that provides information on a variety of topics. The advice in the book revolves around recent interviews with sixty current First Gen students and recent graduates as well as substantial research. The book is available for FREE download from Book Funnel which allows readers to download to a variety of devices. Here is the FREE download code: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/2o7wl46w9k. For those who prefer an actual book, a paperback version is available on Amazon for $6.29.
With nine amazing campuses, you can’t go wrong.
From the program, to the setting, to the vibe: each of our nine campuses has something different to offer. But no matter which campus you choose, you’ll find a culture of academic excellence, and fellow students and faculty who’ll inspire you every day.
Explore their Campuses HERE.
Future freshmen:
Our doors are open
Every year, we welcome nearly 40,000 freshmen from all over California — and the world. It adds up to an eye-opening, boundary-breaking, horizon-stretching mix of backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. Come be a part of it.
When applying to Private and Out-of-State Universities you will fill out the Common App.
Tips & Guide for the Common Application
KEEP IN MIND
All Universities have different deadlines!
Be sure to write deadlines on your calendar, notebook, or any where that will help you be organized.
College Applications
What do they mean?
Regular Decision = You have the option to apply to several schools, review offers of admission and financial aid, and then make your choice.
Early Decision = This deadline is earlier than their Regular Decision date. You can only apply to ONE college with an Early Decision because it is a binding contract, meaning if you are admitted, you must withdraw all other applications and attend that ONE college.
Early Action = This deadline is earlier than their Regular Decision date. You can apply to as many as colleges as you like with Early Action. It is non-binding, meaning you do not have to attend that college if you get accepted. Scholarship deadlines can often be the Early Action deadline.
*On your Common App, make sure you select the CORRECT DEADLINE. If you are applying by November, you are often applying "Early Action"
Learn more about Early Action and Early Decision
Do UC and CSU Campuses have Early Deadlines?
No, all UC and CSU campuses do not have Early Deadlines.
The UCs have one deadline = November 30th
The CSUs have one deadline = December 4th
How Do I Apply?
If you are applying to a UC campus, there is ONE application to apply to any or all of the UC colleges.
Each UC campus you apply to costs $70
Need a fee waiver? The UC application will let you know as you are filling out the application if you are able to receive a fee waiver. They will grant you 4 FREE waivers to apply to 4 UC colleges.
If you are applying to a CSU campus, there is ONE application to apply to any or all of the CSU colleges.
Each CSU campus you apply to costs $70
Need a fee waiver? The CSU application will let you know as you are filling out the application if you are able to receive a fee waiver. They will grant you 4 FREE waivers to apply to 4 CSU colleges.
*In order to apply to a UC or CSU, you must have a grade "C" or better in your a-g classes. List of a-g classes
If you are applying to a California private school, or out-of-state college (most of them,) there is ONE application called the Common App.
Each college has a different application cost.
Need a fee waiver? The Common App will let you know as you are filling out the application if you are able to receive a fee waiver.
Some Colleges have their own application on their own website.
The cost and fee waivers will be on their website.
Where should I apply?
You should make 3 lists: Reach, Match, and Safety Colleges
REACH Colleges: Colleges that are difficult to get into. Less than 30% chance to get it.
Examples: UCLA, Harvard, Stanford, Ivy League Schools, USC, Pepperdine, San Diego State
MATCH/TARGET Colleges: 40-70% chance getting accepted.
Examples: UC Merced, Chapman University, Most out-of-state private schools
SAFETY Colleges: 70-100% chance you are accepted.
Examples: CSU Channel Islands, California Baptist University, Most out-of-state public colleges
