College Types, Requirements, Applications & Deadlines
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University of California (UC)
10 public UC Campuses
Offers 4-year Bachelor degrees and higher
High School Students must:
Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Complete 11 of the 15 a-g courses by the end of their Junior year and the rest by the end of their Senior year. What are the a-g's? Click here!
The UC system no longer requires SAT or ACT scores. Students may choose to share them but they will not be used for admissions purposes. What is the ACT or SAT? Click here!
Respond to 4 out of 8 personal insight questions as part of the application process. Personal Insight questions & resources - Click Here
Option to transfer to a UC from a community college.
Application window is August 1st - November 30th.
Application Fee waivers:
After being accepted to a UC, you will need to fulfill the Entry Level Writing Requirement. Click here to learn more about satisfying this requirement!
UC Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan:
UC's Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will ensure that you will not have to pay UC’s systemwide tuition and fees out of your own pocket if you are a California resident whose total family income is less than $80,000 a year and you qualify for financial aid. Click here to learn more
UC Native American Opportunity Plan:
UC’s Native American Opportunity Plan ensures that in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees are fully covered for California students who are also enrolled in federally recognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes. This plan applies to undergraduate and graduate students. Click here to learn more.
UC Middle Class Scholarship Program:
The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) program provides funding to eligible undergraduates and to students pursuing a teaching credential who attend the University of California or a California State University. Click here to learn more.
UC California DREAM Loan Program:
The California DREAM Loan Program provides eligible undocumented AB 540 undergraduates with the option to borrow loans to help cover the cost of attending UC. Click here to learn more.
California State University (CSU)
23 public CSU campuses
Offers 4-year Bachelor degrees and higher
High School students must:
Complete all a-g courses by the end of senior year. What are the a-g's? Click here!
2.5 minimum GPA
2.0-2.4 GPA may be evaluated for admission based on supplemental factors
The CSU system no longer requires SAT or ACT scores. Students may choose to share them but they will not be used for admissions purposes. What is the ACT or SAT? Click here!
Most majors are impacted. What is impaction? - Click Here
Option to transfer to a CSU from a community college after completing minimum requirements to transfer.
Application window is October 1st - November 30th.
Application Fee waivers:
Community College
(CCC)
116 public campuses
Offers certificate programs and 2-year associate degrees
Students may transfer to a 4-year college after completion of minimum requirements
No SAT or ACT required for admission or transfer to 4-year college
No minimum GPA or high school diploma required for admission
High school diploma helps students qualify for Financial Aid
Applications are due each semester. Check with the community college you are interested in for specific deadlines
Private & Out of State Colleges
A private college/university is an independent school that sets its own policies and goals, and is privately funded.
There are many different types of private colleges/universities.
They may also be affiliated with a particular religious denomination or gender.
Tuition costs at Private Colleges/Universities vary.
Financial Aid packages can be competitive with UC's & CSU's Application deadlines vary.
How to find Private College/University application deadlines:
Check with each college for admissions requirements, application, financial aid, and deadlines.
Other resources:
PLANNING TO GO TO A COLLEGE OUTSIDE OF CALIFORNIA? WANT TO SAVE MONEY ON NONRESIDENT TUITION FEES?
Founded in 1987, the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE, pronounced “woo-ee”) is a regional tuition-discount agreement administered by the WESTERN INTERSTATE COMMISSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION (WICHE). WUE enables students from one of 16 WICHE STATES AND TERRITORIES IN THE WESTERN U.S. to enroll as nonresidents in 160+ participating public colleges and universities and pay 150 percent (or less) of the enrolling school’s resident tuition—which annually saves students an average of $9,000 each on the cost of nonresident tuition.