University of California (UC)

The UC system is among the world's greatest research universities with 10 campuses across California.

• Visit www.universityofcalifornia.edu for admissions requirements, deadlines and the application.
• Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above in all UC approved coursework. You can view FAQ's on calculating GPA by clicking here. Most UC campuses receive more applicants than they have room for, so they use a comprehensive review process to determine admission.

Note: Although SAT Subject Tests are no longer required for admission, scores can still be submitted and are recommended by certain campuses or programs.

• UC Application Deadline: December 2nd, 2024 (*For 2024-2025 cylce)
• University of California A-G List
• UC Resources
• UC Admissions Website
• UC Application
• UC Important Dates & Deadlines
• UC Freshman Admission Profiles
• UC GPA Calculator
• UC Campus Policies & Procedures for Reviewing Freshman Applicants
• Transfer Path to the UC
• Incoming Freshman: Personal Insight Questions - Click here to view a terrific PIQ worksheet.
• UC Admission Presentation

California State University (CSU)

The CSU, with 23 campuses, is a leader in supplying graduates with the necessary technical and personal skills to be successful in the working world. Visit www.calstate.edu/Apply for admissions requirements, deadlines, and the application. 

The minimum requirements for admission as a first-year student are:

• Completing 15 yearlong college prep A-G courses with a grade of "C" or better.
• Meeting minimum eligibility determined by an index that combines GPA with test scores (ACT or SAT, excluding writing).

Note: Meeting the minimum eligibiilty requirement does not guarantee admission. Some programs/campuses may establish a higher index which is not published prior to applying.

• CSU Resources
• CSU Application Deadline: November 30th
• CSU Application
• University of California A-G List
• CSU Freshman Testing Requirements
• CSU Undergraduate Impacted Programs
• Student Support
• Transfer Path to the CSU
• CSU Early Start

For an overview of the UC application process click here.

Private Colleges & Universities

There are over 60 independent undergraduate colleges and universities in California alone. Private colleges and universities are quite diverse in nature, including research universities, small liberal arts colleges, faith-based colleges and universities, and specialized colleges.

The cost is higher than public colleges and universities. However, these institutions have a variety of financial aid programs that often make the cost comparable to a public institution. The ability to graduate in 4 years at a private institution may be greater than at a public institution due to more courses being available.

Some independent institutions, such as USC, Stanford, and California Institute of Technology, are highly selective. Other universities are less selective in nature. Visit their websites for specific admission information. Transfer to a private college is possible after your freshman year at a community college or other institution.

Many schools take applications through the Common App.

See the following instructions on how to get started on the Common App: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=804V5JiHx7Y

Historically Black Colleges & Universities

The Common Black College Application allows students to apply to any number of 50 HBCUs at the same time for only $35. Also, did you know that California community college students are guaranteed admission to several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) throughout the United States? Click here to find out more information.