Numerous Opportunities
If you want to attend college after high school, you will have the following options:
Junior College (JC) - Students usually finish within two years. Many use JCs as a stepping stone to a four-year university and transfer to one of the other colleges on this list. An example of a nearby JC is Mt. Sac.
California State University (CSU) - Students must fulfill A-G requirements and earn at least a 2.50 GPA. Two nearby CSUs are Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State Fullerton.
University of California (UC) - There are nine UC campuses in our state. You must fulfill A-G requirements and earn at least a "C" in each class for that to count, though you should aim for at least a B or higher. All the UCs consider these 13 criteria when they review applications. The most competitive one is UCLA, which is the most applied to college in the entire nation.
Private Colleges - There are a many private colleges throughout our state. Some are quite small and are not difficult to get into. However, the more competitive ones are Stanford University and the University of Southern California (USC), and you will need to stand out in your application to be considered.
Private and Public Colleges Outside of California - You don't have to go to college in California if you want to live in another part of the country or the world. Tuition will be higher though and can be similar to an in-state private college.
Applying to a UC
Though all UCs review applications using these 13 criteria, they also have other standards that are unique to their campus. For example, below is an example of how UCLA selects their candidates. Be sure to check each campus you are interested in by going to that specific college's website.
UCLA Selection Process
Over 145,000 students applied as Freshman applicants in the fall of 2025. "UCLA is among the most selective universities in the country and is becoming more competitive for first-year applicants each year . . . . Recently, the campus has been able to admit about one in eleven first-year applicants for the fall term" (UCLA Admissions).
For the College of Letters and Science, the applicant’s major is not considered during the review process.
The Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science admits students by declared major, with more emphasis on science and math programs.
The Joe C. Wen School of Nursing also places more emphasis on science and math programs and requires the submission of an additional supplemental application.
The School of the Arts and Architecture, Herb Alpert School of Music and the School of Theater, Film and Television admit students by declared major (within the school), and put more emphasis on special talents through a review of portfolios and/or auditions, which are the most significant admission factors for these schools.
UC Personal Insight Questions
Applicants choose four out of the eight questions below and write responses (maximum 350 words).
1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?