University applications are open for the fall 2025 semester and application deadlines are approaching.

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 in addition to more than a hundred community colleges that can provide pathways to other campuses and associate degrees. Some also offer bachelor’s degrees.

Here are the basics on how and when to apply.

When will university applications be made?

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

There is no specific deadline for admission to public universities, but it is generally better to apply early. Private colleges and universities have their own application deadlines, and most are in mid-January.

Who can apply to California colleges?

To apply for the UC systemAssistant students must earn at least a C in the AG requirements below and maintain a GPA above 3.0 in these courses during their sophomore and junior years.

• Four English lessons
• Three math courses, but four courses are recommended
• Two science courses, but three courses are recommended
• Two history lessons
• Two courses in a world language, but three courses are recommended
• A class in visual or performing arts
• A university preparatory elective course

Eligibility for California residents to apply to CSU is similar in terms of AG requirements, and applicants must have a GPA above 2.50. Students who do not meet the GPA threshold but earn a grade above 2.0 may be considered for admission, with other additional factors taken into account.

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

Individual campuses have their own supplementary materials and can be found. Here.

Standardized testing is not required for UC or CSU systems.

How many applications do you need to complete?

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

There is one application for all UC campuses and a separate application for all CSU campuses, so you do not need to apply to each university separately.

But 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 include?

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

Applying to Cal State is much simpler, and the main factor considered in the admissions process is the grades the student received in the college preparatory class after ninth grade.

In general, the CSU system does not require essay writing.

For private campuses, essays are often required as well as letters of recommendation.

Are early action and early decision good options?

Early action and early decision give students the opportunity to apply to a college or university early and make their decisions months in advance.

These are 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 show a special interest on campus.

The main disadvantage of early decision is that if your child is accepted, they will have to enroll in that university and turn down other admission offers.

Early action, on the other hand, is generally not binding. So they can get accepted early and still decide to go to another university.

How much does it cost to apply to universities?

There is a single application for the UC system and costs $80 for each selected campus. Meanwhile, the CSU system charges $70 per campus, and public university applications are free for U.S. residents.

Private campuses vary but generally charge between $50 and $100.

But what if you can’t afford the application fees?

The UC system will waive application fees for up to four campuses if students cannot apply without financial aid.

Fees may be waived for students who qualify for AB540 benefits and for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

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

The CSU system also provides students with application fee waivers; and students automatically find out if they are eligible after completing the application.

Suitability CSU waivers It includes the same criteria as the UC system; however, students must also have been a California resident for at least one year.

Like the UC system, the CSU exemption can be applied to up to four campuses.

Some private colleges and universities also provide fee waivers for students in need.

How to apply for financial aid?

For federal assistance with financial aid, it is important to fill out the form below: Free Application for Federal Student Aidor FAFSA. In California, students must aim to submit the form, which was revised last year to make it simpler, by March 2025.

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

California Dream Act at the same time updated at the beginning of this year and extended also serving students who are U.S. citizens but whose parents do not have a Social Security number.

When should you expect to hear from universities?

Students generally hear back from the universities they applied to in March, unless they apply for early action or early decision.