This document summarizes the four systems of higher education in California: California State University (CSU), University of California (UC), and Private and Independent Colleges and Universities. It provides key details about each system, including the number of campuses, admissions requirements, application deadlines, and websites for further information. The CSU system targets the top 33% of students and has 23 campuses across California. The UC system is more selective, targeting the top 12% and having 10 campuses (9 for undergraduates). Private colleges have varying admissions standards and requirements.

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The Four Systems of
Higher Education in California

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California State University
 23 Campuses in CA
 Target upper 33% of graduating
high school seniors
 Minimum GPA is 2.0
 Eligibility is based upon :
 A‐G course GPA
 SAT reasoning exam score or ACT
exam score
 Applications are accepted from
October 1st to November 30th
 Priority admission for community
college transfer students
 CSU offers quality education in
the liberal arts and sciences and
specialized training for a variety
of career fields
 www.csumentor.edu

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UC Campuses

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University of California
 10 campuses in CA – only 9 open for
undergraduates
 Target upper 12% of high school
students
 Minimum GPA is 3.0
 Application criteria is based upon:
 A‐G Courses and GPA
 SAT Reasoning or ACT with Writing
 SAT Subject Tests
 Extracurricular Activities and
Involvement
 Personal Statement
 Applications are due senior year from
November 1st to November 30th
 Admit upper division transfers only;
Priority transfer admission for
community college students
 www.universityofcalifornia.edu

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Private and Independent
Colleges

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Private and Independent Colleges
and Universities
 77 Campuses throughout
California
 Target students who are of good
academic standing and in line
with school mission
 Minimum GPA will VARY
 Requirements and Deadlines will
VARY
 Most require A‐G Track Pattern w/
specific course requests
 Most will request SAT Reasoning
or ACT Exam Scores
 www.aiccumentor.edu