A student is working on completing her college applications as the deadlines for fall 2025 admissions approach. The applications for California’s two public university systems, the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU), are now open, offering students a choice of 32 campuses. In addition to these options, there are over a hundred community colleges in the state that provide pathways for transferring to other campuses and obtaining associate degrees, with some even offering bachelor’s degrees.
The deadlines for fall 2025 admissions to all undergraduate campuses in the UC and CSU systems are set for December 2, 2024. While community college admissions do not have a specific deadline, it is recommended to apply early. Private colleges and universities have varying deadlines, with most falling in mid-January.
To be eligible to apply to the UC system, California residents must have earned at least a C in the required A-G courses and maintained a GPA above 3.0 during their sophomore and junior years. The A-G requirements include completing four English classes, three math classes, two science classes, two history classes, two world language classes, one visual or performing arts class, and one college preparatory elective class. CSU eligibility is similar in terms of the A-G requirements, with applicants needing a GPA above 2.50. However, students with a GPA higher than 2.0 may still be considered for admission with additional factors taken into account.
The UC application requires students to respond to four personal insight questions and provide details on their high school experiences, extracurricular activities, and achievements. The CSU application primarily focuses on a student’s grades in college preparatory classes taken after ninth grade. While standardized tests are not required for the UC or CSU systems, private colleges may have their own requirements, including essays and letters of recommendation.
Application fees vary depending on the institution. The UC system charges $80 for every campus selected, while the CSU system charges $70 per campus. Community college applications are free for U.S. residents, and private colleges typically charge between $50 and $100. Fee waivers are available for students who demonstrate financial need.
For federal financial aid assistance, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 2025. The California Dream Act has also been expanded to include students who are U.S. citizens but have a parent without a Social Security number. Students can expect to hear back from the colleges they’ve applied to in March, unless they have applied for early action or early decision.