College application deadlines are approaching. What you need to know

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 in addition to the more than a hundred community colleges that offer opportunities to transfer to other campuses and associate degree programs. Some also offer bachelor’s degrees.

Here are the basics of how and when to sign up.

When are university applications due?

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

Admission to a community college does 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?

Applicable to the UC systemresident students 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 lessons
• Three math lessons, although four are recommended
• Two science lessons, although three are recommended
• Two history lessons
• Two courses in a world language, although three are recommended
• One lesson in the visual or performing arts
• One preparatory elective for university

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

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

Individual campuses have their own additional materials, which you can find here.

The UC or CSU systems do not require standardized testing.

How many applications do you need to complete?

That depends on the colleges or universities to which a student applies – and whether they are public or private.

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

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 respond to four personal insight questions – or short essays of less than 350 words. There are eight clues to choose from. The UC also lets applicants expand on their high school experiences, including a list of extracurricular activities and achievements.

The Cal State application is much simpler, and the most important 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.

Private campuses often require essays along with letters of recommendation.

Are early action and early decision making good options?

Early action and early decision making give students the opportunity to apply to a college or university early – and receive their decisions months earlier.

They are more common options at private colleges and universities – and can be good options if your child is ahead of the curve, ready to hit “send” and wants to take a special interest in the campus.

This is the main disadvantage of applying early decision: if your child is accepted, he or she will have to commit to that university and reject all other offers of admission.

Early action, on the other hand, is generally non-binding. So they can be accepted early and still decide to go to another university.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply to Colleges?

There is a single 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 U.S. residents.

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

What if you cannot afford the application fee?

The UC system is waiving application fees for up to four campuses in cases where students would not be able to apply without financial aid.

Waivers may be granted for students who qualify for AB540 benefits and for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

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

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

Eligibility for CSU Waivers uses the same criteria as the UC system, but students must also live in California for at least one year.

Like the UC system, the CSU waiver can apply to up to four campuses.

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

How do you apply for financial aid?

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

Here’s another one EdSource Quick Guide specifically aimed at the FAFSA.

The California Dream Act was too updated earlier this year and extensive to also serve students who are U.S. citizens but have a parent without a Social Security number.

When can you expect something from universities?

Students usually hear from the colleges they applied to in March unless they apply for Early Action or Early Decision.