CAVA College Planning Newsletter

The college admission season is upon us and we would like to provide you with some information and resources to begin this process. We hope the information below will be helpful in getting started.

* Don't forget to reach out to your Guidance Counselor if you have questions!

• Make a list of colleges you are interested in
• Narrow your list to those you would like to apply to
• Consider a variety of schools including CSU, UC, private, and out-of-state to which you will apply Consider applying to a variety of schools: CSU, UC, private, out of state
• Consider the major you are pursuing and make sure the school offers this area of study
• Know the application requirements and deadlines
• Do not limit yourself - apply broadly to give yourself options
• Schedule in-person or virtual campus tours

Big Future

One stop shop for exploring college & career exploration and planning

California Colleges.edu

Step by step guides to helping you understand how to navigate life after high school with the tools to make it happen

Understand the entrance requirements:

If you are planning to apply to UC or CSU campuses, please make sure you are on track to meet a-g requirements. Check that you have passed these classes with a C or higher. For private or out-of-state schools be sure to understand their specific admission requirements. Please contact your guidance counselor right away if you have questions.

University of California

Fall 2027 general admission application filing period is October 1st - November 30

The UC system has 9 undergraduate campuses! Visit the admissions website for everything you need to know about the applying to a UC including first-year admissions, applying for financial aid, campus resources, and much more.

Start your UC application here: UC freshman application

California State University

Fall 2027 admission application filing period is October 1st - November 30

The CSU system includes 23 unique campus experiences where each year they welcome tens of thousands of freshman to begin their college journey. Use this freshman application checklist to make sure you are prepared!

Check individual campus dates/deadlines for possible extensions to the application deadline!

Start your CSU application here: CSU freshman application

Private and out-of-state schools - Deadlines vary

If you are exploring out-of-state or private colleges or universities, it is important to research their admissions page for specific dates and deadlines. Applications will typically be completed through one of the following online sites. The benefit of using these websites is you will only need to complete your information one time and then select the schools you want your application sent to.

• Common App
• Explore common app step by step videos on Common App Media.
• Coalition for College

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) - WUE offers eligible students the opportunity to choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs outside of their home state and receive a significantly reduced tuition rate compared to typical non-resident tuition rates.

For more information on WUE, please visit the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education

College Entrance Exams

Many universities have changed their testing policy related to College Entrance Exams. Below are the links for the SAT and ACT websites for your reference.

• SAT
• ACT

Please note: University of California and California State University systems are not currently requiring SAT/ACT as an admission requirement for Fall 2027 admissions. However, UC is in discussions about this topic. Please visit Cal Matters to read more about this topic.

https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2026/07/uc-sat-california/

SAT Fee Waivers- Please go to the link below to see if you qualify for a fee waiver.

https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration/fee-waivers

*For private and out-of-state schools, please refer to their admissions page for testing policies and admission requirements.

Have these items ready:

• Transcripts - Please be sure to enter all schools attended, grades, and credits earned accurately
• CAVA School CEEB (College Entrance Exam Board) code - CEEB codes
• Senior class size and rank - You may be asked to provide this for some applicaitons. Please email your counselor in October if you need this information.
• For UC applications you will need to include personal essay - Begin thinking and planning for this part of your application. UC Personal Insight Questions are linked here. For private colleges, check the school website for information about personal essay questions.
• Guide to the UC Application - video
• Guide to the CSU Application - video
• Get organized - Put important dates/deadlines on a calendar, create a schedule, carve out time to explore campuses, study if you are planning to take SAT or ACT!
• Don't forget to take care of yourself!

Figuring out how to pay for college is an important part of the application process!

The 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA)

Key Dates for 2027-2028 applications:

Form Open Date: October 1, 2026

Corrections Deadline: September 12, 2028 (11:59 p.m. CT)

Federal Deadline: June 30, 2028

Federal Deadline

Cal Grant

For application information on the Cal Grant please visit the California Student Aid Commission website.

Check out the University of California Virtual Campus Tours

Explore your favorite CSU campus websites

Don't forget we are always here to help!

Reach out to your counselor if you have questions!