Even if you're not ready yet - apply now

Most high school seniors will admit they are not quite ready to head off on their own at college, just yet. But it’s time to put a college plan into action. November 30th is the University of California application deadline, and also the California State University priority admission deadline.  Students across the Golden State have just a few days left to submit their applications to both of their public education options for four year colleges.


Applications to both college systems are submitted on-line. The California State University application is filed at www.csumentor.edu a comprehensive sight that allows students as early as middle school, begin to plan for a college education at any of the 23 CSU options.  CSU Mentor allows students to apply, one school at a time, by entering their high school courses and test scores. The good news is that once a student has submitted a CSU application, when he returns to apply to a second or more, the application is already pre-populated with the information entered the first time.  CSU Mentor is also an option for having SAT scores sent by the College Board. By submitting SAT scores to CSU Mentor, all 23 CSUs receive the scores. Students may share their ACT score with all CSUs by sending the ACT score to just one CSU.


The University of California offers on-line application at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions where with a click of a mouse, students can submit the same application to any or all of the nine undergraduate universities.   The UC application is far more comprehensive than the CSU. Like CSU Mentor, the UC application will ask students to complete their high school course history, and SAT or ACT test scores. But it will also inquire about a student’s history in high school activities, awards, recognition, volunteer work and even employment. The UC also requires two application essays, fondly referred to as “personal statements.”  The prompts are specific and students are well advised to think carefully about what they have to say to the UC within the context of the prompt. Both SAT and ACT scores are shared among the nine UC campuses by submitting them to just one campus.

The UC does not require a transcript until after graduation and they do not accept letters of recommendation. Most of the CSUs do not require a transcript as part of the application, but students should check their individual college web pages for their admission “to do list.” There are a few of the universities with in the CSU that are requesting an official transcript this year, and students need not worry that their application is “suspect” if a college asks for a one.


Private and independent colleges have a variety of application deadlines. The simplest way to determine a private college deadline is to simply “google” the college name and undergraduate admission. Applications are filed on-line and require a comprehensive application. Many private colleges offer priority admission deadlines, with later deadlines also available. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities has a very comprehensive website http://www.aiccu.edu/    which will assist students with more application information on dozens of private schools.


As fees have risen dramatically at our California public universities, interest in out of state colleges has also risen. Out-of-state schools will have various deadlines, requirements and some often factor the gpa differently than California systems. Deadlines range from early November to “rolling” which means right up until fall semester begins. Public universities in the Western U.S. states sometimes offer California students tuition discounts through the Western Undergraduate Exchange program (WUE) which significantly lowers the tuition for an out-of-state student. WUE discounts are usually contingent on application deadline, gpa and sometimes major. Be sure to confirm that a WUE school is “friendly” with California, as some colleges who participate in the program with other states, do not participate with California. http://www.wiche.edu/wue


Over the past 20 years, I’ve made the observation that while seniors in November are not ready to move away from home to attend college; something magical happens to them by June. Students often become more mature, focused and the idea of living independently appeals to them on many levels by spring. I strongly encourage students to submit an application now, even if they are nervous about going out in the world. There is no penalty for not accepting an offer of admission, and students who are looking at the future today with a bit of trepidation, may be thrilled to have options to take bold steps toward college by graduation.