College Options

Explore the different pathways available after high school — find the one that fits your goals, interests, and plans.
California Community Colleges (CCC)
California’s community college system includes 116 campuses statewide, providing affordable and accessible education for a variety of academic and career goals.
- 2-year colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways.
- Ideal for students who want to save money before transferring or quickly gain job skills.
- Benefits: Open admission, low tuition, transfer agreements (TAG) with UC/CSU.
- Application Deadlines: Check each college’s website for specific deadlines.
- Application: CCCApply
University of California (UC)
- 9 undergraduate research campuses, including UCLA and Berkeley.
- UC Campuses Locations
- Focus on academics, research, and leadership.
- Requirements: A–G coursework, 3.0+ GPA, holistic review.
- Application Deadlines:
- Application window is November 1–30 for Fall admission.
- Early preparation recommended for essays and transcripts.
- UC Application Website
California State University (CSU)
- 23 campuses focused on career-ready degrees.
- CSU Campuses Map
- Hands-on learning in many fields.
- Requirements: A–G coursework, minimum 2.5 GPA
- Application Deadlines:
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- Application window is October 1–November 30 for Fall admission.
- Some impacted majors/campuses have earlier deadlines; check specifics.
- Cal State Apply Website

- Focused on skill-building for careers like welding, cosmetology, and medical assisting.
- Programs range from months to 2 years.
- Application Deadlines:
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- Varies widely by school and program — many accept applications year-round.
- Contact specific schools for details.
- Tip: Verify accreditation and job placement rates.

- Independent schools with specialized programs and financial aid options.
- May require: essays, letter of recommendations, interviews, SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular activities
- Program specific requirements: audition, portfolios etc.
- Application Deadlines:
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- Typically use Common App
- Early Action/Early Decision deadlines: usually November 1–15.
- Regular Decision deadlines: usually January 1–15.
- Verify deadlines on each college’s admissions website.
- Common App Website