UC & CSU Application Kick-Off is Almost Here!
by Jennifer L.
On August 1, 2023, the application platforms for both the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems will open for the 2023-2024 application cycle. At this time, students can open their own application portals and begin applying!
With nine UC campuses and 23 CSU campuses to choose from, there are plenty of college opportunities to consider.
The UC Application
Students can apply to all UC campuses using the same application. Once you decide which of the nine UC undergraduate campuses you would like to apply to, you will designate your application to be sent to those campuses. Each institution will request the applicant to select a major, and in some cases, a second major for consideration. A $70 application fee will be required for each campus.
Beyond a student’s academic history, the UC application also requires applicants to include a detailed list of their extracurricular activities and educational opportunities. Students are also asked to answer four 350-word personal insight questions which help admissions reviewers know the students as individuals. These are important components of the application and should be carefully thought out.
The CSU Application
Applying to a CSU campus is the same process as the UCs, but utilizes a different application portal. A student will create a CSU application and designate each CSU institution they would like to apply. Each campus designation will also require a $70 application fee.
Differing from the UC application, the CSU application does not require an activities list or any essays.
A Few Additional Considerations
- The UC and CSU applications do not require letters of recommendation or standardized test scores.
- To be considered for admission into any of the campuses in the UC system, students must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better. For the CSU system, students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or better. Keep in mind that your GPA is calculated using grades earned in your college preparatory “a-g” classes (courses that fall into specific academic categories) completed after the 9th
- Students will want to double-check their application details for accuracy. All information that is self-reported will be verified.
Most importantly, apply on time! The submission deadline is November 30, 2023 for both the UC and CSU systems. Don’t delay and keep to a timeline that works for you!
Avoid any last-minute possible technical issues and plan to submit your application a week before the deadline. Look forward to a restful Thanksgiving holiday knowing your UC and CSU applications have safely made it to their destinations!
