Applying to College

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

University of California Application

The UC Application opens on August 1st for both freshman and transfer applicants. The deadline to apply is November 30th. Click to be taken to the application.

California State University Application

The CSU Application opens on October 1st for both freshman and transfer applicants. The deadline to apply is November 30th. Click to be taken to the application.

CSU Educational Opportunity Program

The CSU’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides admission, academic, and financial support services to historically underserved students throughout California. Learn more and apply here.

California Community College Application

Apply online to most of the California Community Colleges with this link.

Common App

The Common Application portal is used to apply to many private and independent higher education institutions.

Common Black College App

Students can complete the Common Black College Application (CBCA) and apply to any number of their Member Institutions, at the same time. The CBCA creates the potential opportunity for students to receive acceptance letters, financial aid packages and scholarship offers from several different colleges. Different schools have different application deadlines.

CommonApp HBCUs

Click here for a list of Historically Black Colleges and Universities that you can apply to through the CommonApp.

Western Undergraduate Exchange

Students who are residents of WICHE states are eligible to request a reduced tuition rate of 150% of resident tuition at participating two- and four-year college programs outside of their home state.

Early Decision/Early Action

Early decision (ED) and early action (EA) plans can be beneficial to students who have thought through their college options carefully and have a clear preference for one institution. Learn more here.

QuestBridge

Match Scholarship Recipients are granted early admission to one of QuestBridge's college partners with a full four-year scholarship, worth over $200,000. Learn more here.

Posse

The Posse Foundation identifies, recruits and trains individuals with extraordinary leadership potential. Posse Scholars receive full-tuition leadership scholarships from Posse’s partner colleges and universities.

COLLEGE ESSAY REQUIERMENTS

UC Personal Insight Questions

On the UC applications, students must respond to a series of Personal Essay questions known as Personal Insights Questions (PIQs). This resource shares the essay questions and requirements for the Freshman UC Application. 

UC PIQ Guide

A guide to starting the writing process for the UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) on the UC Application for freshman.

CEP UC PIQ Writing Tool

This tool will assist you in writing your Personal Insight Questions for the UC application. Its a great tool to brainstorm during the different stages of the writing process.

Common App Essay Prompts

On the Common App, students must respond to a series of essays. This resource shares the first-year essay questions and requirements.

CEP Common Essay & Supplemental Writing Tool

This tool will assist you in writing your essays for the Common App. Its a great tool to brainstorm during the different stages of the writing process.

COLLEGE APPLICATION TOOLS & RESOURCES

CEP College App Account Info Sheet

Keeping track of your college accounts can be messy. This sheet houses all IDs and passwords for college applications and other college related accounts. To edit use this document, click "File" in the top left corner , then click "Make a copy."

CEP College Application Prep Form

This preparation form will house student and parent/guardian information so that students have easy access to it when it's time to fill out applications and forms. To edit use this document, click "File" in the top left corner , then click "Make a copy."

CEP Brag Sheet

Colleges want to know what you do with your time outside of the classroom. Whether you support your family, play sports, or volunteer, this document will help you keep track of your extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities are key to becoming more competitive for college.

NACAC Fee Waiver

Need a fee waiver for the SAT or ACT or a college application? Fill out this application and talk to your counselor for next steps.

College Board Fee Waiver

Every income-eligible student who takes the SAT with a fee waiver or as part of a district or state program while in high school can choose from over 2,000 participating colleges and apply for free. Learn more here.

Naviance-College Board Match

Does your school use Naviance? Learn how to match your Common App and Naviance accounts for a smoother application process.

UC Application Tips

Use these tips provided by the University of California to help you fill out the UC application.

CSU Application Tips

Use these tips provided by the California State University to help you fill out the CSU application.

CommonApp Application Tips

Use these tips provided by Common App to help you fill out the applications for Common App schools.

-