The deadlines for submitting college applications are approaching. What you need to know

College applications are open for the fall 2025 semester, and the deadlines are fast approaching.

California’s two public university systems – the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) – provide California students with 32 campuses to choose from.

This is in addition to over a hundred local community colleges that can provide pathways to transfer to other campuses and pursue degrees. Some also offer bachelor’s degrees.

Here’s the basics on how and when to apply.

When should you apply to college?

It depends on the college or university. The fall 2025 admissions deadline for UC and CSU undergraduate programs is December 2, 2024.

There is no specific deadline for community college admissions, but it is generally better to apply early. Private colleges and universities have their own deadlines, most of them fall in mid-January.

Who can apply to colleges in California?

To apply to the UC systemResident students must earn at least a grade of C in the following so-called AG requirements and maintain a grade point average in these courses above 3.0 in their sophomore and junior years.

• Four English classes
• Three math classes, although four is recommended
• Two science classes, although three is recommended
• Two history lessons
• Two world language courses, although three are recommended
• One class in visual or performing arts
• One college preparatory elective class

Eligibility for California residents to apply to CSU is similar to AG requirements, and applicants must have a GPA above 2.50. Students who do not meet the GPA threshold but have a GPA higher than 2.0 may still be considered for admission after other additional factors are considered.

These additional factors may include math and science GPA, household income, or extracurricular activities.

Individual campuses have their own supplemental materials that you can find Here.

Standardized testing is not required for UC and CSU systems.

How many applications do you need to complete?

It depends on the universities to which the student is applying and whether they are public or private.

There is one application for all University of California campuses and another for all CSU campuses, so there is no need to apply to each university separately.

However, many private colleges and universities use the Common Application, which has its own universal essay prompts and allows campuses to customize additional requirements, including essays, short-answer questions, and letters of recommendation.

What does the application include?

In addition to student grades, the UC application requires students to answer four questions about personal observations — or short essays under 350 words. There are eight hints to choose from. At the University of California, applicants also expand on their high school experiences, including a list of extracurricular activities and achievements.

The application at Cal State is much simpler, and the main factor considered in the admissions process is a student’s grades in college preparatory classes taken after ninth grade.

Generally, the CSU system does not require essay writing.

For private campuses, essays are often required along with letters of recommendation.

Are early action and early decision good options?

Early Action and Early Decision gives students the opportunity to apply to college or university early and receive a decision months in advance.

These are more popular options at private colleges and universities – and may be a good option if your child is ahead of the curve, ready to click “send” and wants to express particular interest in the campus.

Here’s the main disadvantage of using Early Decision: If your child is accepted, he or she will have to enroll at that college and decline any other offers of admission.

On the other hand, early action is generally non-binding. They can therefore be admitted earlier and still decide to study at another university.

How much does it cost to apply to universities?

There is one application for the UC system that costs $80 for each campus you select. Meanwhile, the CSU system charges a $70 per campus fee and college applications are free for U.S. residents.

Private campuses vary, but often charge between $50 and $100.

What if you can’t afford the application fees?

The University of California System will waive the application fee for up to four campuses in cases where students are unable to apply without financial aid.

Students eligible for AB540 benefits and U.S. citizens and permanent residents may have their fees waived.

The app itself will notify students if they are eligible once they add their income and family size in the “About You” section.

The CSU system also allows students to have their application fees waived; and students automatically find out if they qualify once they complete the application.

Qualification for Dismissals from the CSU covers the same criteria as the UC system, but students must also have lived in California for at least one year.

Similar to the UC system, the CSU exemption can apply to up to four campuses.

Several private colleges and universities also provide fee waivers to students who need it.

How to apply for financial aid?

For federal financial aid assistance, it is important to complete Free Application for Federal Student Aidor FAFSA. In California, students should aim to submit the form – which was improved last year to make it simpler – by March 2025.

Here’s another one EdSource Quick Guide particular focus was on the FAFSA.

California Dream Act was also updated earlier this year and expanded to also serve students who are U.S. citizens but whose parent does not have a Social Security number.

When should I expect a response from universities?

Students usually hear back from the colleges they applied to in March unless they are applying Early Action or Early Decision.