College applications are open for fall 2025, and deadlines are looming.

California’s two public university systems—the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU)—offer the state’s students 32 campuses to choose from.

This is on top of over a hundred community colleges that can offer transfer pathways to other campuses and associate degrees. Some also offer undergraduate degrees.

Here are the basics on how and when to apply.

When are college applications submitted?

It depends on the college or university. The UC and CSU deadline for fall 2025 admission to all undergraduate campuses is December 2, 2024.

Community college admissions do not have a specific deadline, but it is generally better to apply early. Private colleges and universities have their own deadlines, most of which are in mid-January.

Who is eligible to apply to California colleges?

To apply to the UC systemstudents who are residents must earn at least a C in the following so-called AG requirements – and maintain a GPA in those courses above 3.0 during their sophomore and junior years.

• Four English courses
• Three math classes, although four are recommended
• Two science classes, although three are recommended
• Two history courses
• Two courses in a world language, although three are recommended
• A visual or performing arts class
• An optional college preparatory class

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

These additional factors can range from a specific math and science GPA to household income to extracurricular activities.

Individual campuses have their own additional materials that can be found Here.

Standardized tests are not required for the UC or CSU systems.

How many applications do you need to complete?

That depends on the colleges or universities a student attends — and whether they’re public or private.

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

However, many private colleges and universities rely on 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 entail?

In addition to student grades, the UC application also requires students to answer four personal perspective questions — or short essays under 350 words. There are eight prompts to choose from. UC also has applicants expand on their high school experiences, including a list of extracurricular activities and accomplishments.

Cal State’s application 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.

In general, 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 early to a college or university—and also receive their decisions months earlier.

They’re more common options at private colleges and universities — and can be good options if your child is ahead of the game, ready to click “send,” and wants to express a special interest in the campus.

Here’s the main downside to applying early decision: If your child is accepted, they’ll have to commit to that university and turn down any other offers of admission.

Early action, on the other hand, is generally not mandatory. So they may be accepted early and still decide to attend another university.

How much does college enrollment cost?

There is only one application for the UC system and it costs $80 for each selected campus. Meanwhile, the CSU system charges $70 per campus, and community college applications are free for US residents.

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

What if you can’t afford the application fees?

The UC System will waive the application fee for up to four campuses in cases where students would not be able to apply without financial assistance.

Fees may be waived for students who are eligible for AB540 benefits and for US citizens and permanent residents.

The application itself will let students know if they’re eligible once they add their income and family size in the “About You” section.

The CSU system also offers students application fee waivers; and, students automatically find out if they are eligible once they complete the application.

Eligibility for CSU exemptions involves the same criteria as the UC system – but also requires students to have been a resident of California for at least one year.

Like the UC system, the CSU waiver can apply to a maximum of four campuses.

Several private colleges and universities also offer fee waivers for students in need.

How do you 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 revamped last year to make it simpler — by March 2025.

Here’s another one EdSource Quick Guide focused specifically on the FAFSA.

The California Dream Act was also updated at the beginning of this year and EXTENDED to also serve students who are US citizens but have a parent without a social security number.

When should you expect to hear back from universities?

Students typically hear back from the colleges they applied to in March—unless they request early action or early decision.