The Application Process
Students can begin filling out the application form in October in order to submit it during the month of November (deadline is 11/30). Here are the liks
UC application (https://admissions.universityofcalifornia.edu/applicant/login.htm),
CSU application (http://www.csumentor.edu/AdmissionApp/).
For UC’s students are asked to write a personal statement that consists of two parts. Begin brainstorming ideas for your personal statement early on so that you can have a strong, succinct response to the questions (responses to both prompts cannot exceed 1,000 words). Here are the two prompts:
i. Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?
ii. What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had in the field — such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities — and what you have gained from your involvement.
While your GPA is a significant review factor, participation in honors courses or programs is highly viewed by admissions committees. Furthermore, do not forget to make yourself stand out in your application, whether it is through extracurricular activities, achievements, talents, interests, or leadership. Depending on your comfort level, it might help to include some information about your life circumstances so that the committee could better understand your achievements within the context of your life experiences.
Each UC application costs $70.00 ($80.00 for international non-immigrant applicants), each CSU application costs $55.00 however, fee waivers are offered based on family income.
Funding Your Education
Funding your college education may seem like a daunting process, but don’t get discouraged because there are multiple forms of financial aid such as grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. First thing you need to do is submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will determine your level of need based on the information you provide. The deadline to submit the FAFSA is March 2nd (www.fafsa.ed.gov).
• Grants are awarded on a need-based basis and do not have to be repaid.
• Scholarships are mostly awarded to students who have displayed academic excellence and may require an application, statement or recommendation letters.
• Work-study provides the option to work part-time on campus.
• Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents have access to loans. Loans must be paid back and repayment typically begins after graduation.