Types of Colleges and Universities

There are a total of nine undergraduate UC campuses throughout California.  They have colleges (or schools) within it. For example, a university might have a separate College of Business and a College of Arts and Sciences on its campus. The size of the undergraduate population can range from small (UC Merced) to large (UC San Diego). There are many different majors and areas of study available which are divided into different colleges. Graduate study and research opportunities are frequent hallmarks of an university education.

UC require student to have a 3.0 or higher UC GPA, A-G course requirements, SAT or ACT plus Writing + Subject Tests (varies by major) and use a college essay and activity list for admissions.

Successful students are self advocates who are at ease with asking questions and navigating a large campus setting. Such students are comfortable around large numbers of people and appreciate more anonymity among faculty. Class discussions will be more limited. Resources will be significant; universities typically have features like museums, numerous libraries and impressive athletic facilities.

There are a total of twenty three undergraduate CSU campuses throughout California.  It is one of the largest, most diverse and one of the most affordable universities in the nation. They have colleges (or schools) within it. For example, a university might have a separate College of Business and a College of Arts and Sciences on its campus. The size of the undergraduate population can range from small (CSU Maritime) to large (San Diego State University). There are many different majors and areas of study available which are divided into different colleges.  The CSU system focuses their curriculum with "hands on experience" more than theory.

The CSU system looks at a few key elements for admission:  A-G course requirements, eligibility index for local area campuses or non impacted campuses' index score [combination of a CSU GPA and the SAT (Critical Reading and Math) and ACT test scores].

Note:

Impacted CSU campuses and majors will have higher selectivity requirements using CSU GPA and SAT or ACT scores.

More holistic review of academics:  cumulative GPA, courses, testing (ACT plus Writing/ SAT & Subject Tests), activities, recommendations, essay, supplementals and other documents and demographic information.

A traditional, classical undergraduate college experience that emphasizes the humanities and sciences. The size of the undergraduate population is typically small to medium, and there are usually no graduate programs on campus. Class sizes tend to be small and faculty are interested in engaging students in the learning process. They typically know students well.

A collection of liberal arts colleges in close geographic range with established articulation agreements. Students may take advantage of a wide range of resources available at each campus including cross registration for classes, library access and expanded social horizons. In many ways this is like having the benefits of the University experience in a Liberal Arts college environment.

Examples Include:

• The Five College Consortium: Mt. Holyoke, Smith, Hampshire, University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Amherst.
• The Claremont Colleges: Pomona, Claremont McKenna, Scripps, Harvey Mudd and Pitzer.

Successful students are the same as those found in any liberal arts college. The difference is that this student would also enjoy taking advantage of opportunities at other campuses while enjoying the benefits of the community at the college of attendance.

Determined by each individual college. Check for out of state residents requirements. Course requirements are similar to UC/CSU eligibility requirement

Students can apply to different military academies:  Coast Guard, Army, Air Force, Navy or Merchant Marines.  These highly selective academies seek students who have strong leadership, teamwork skills, community serice, fitness and academic success.  Tuition is free but graduated students are expected to serve in the military branch for a minimum of 5 years post graduation & 3 years of inactive reserve duty.

U.S. Military Acade Degrees are offered in a wide range of majors: Communications, Business, Engineering & other applied sciences, to name a few. 

A school that specializes in music, fine arts, and performing arts. Generally, two-thirds of course work is dedicated to studio classes and one-third to academic courses. Many schools of this type require an audition (performance based majors) or a portfolio (art based majors) as part of the admission process.
Successful students are typically focused on a specific program within the arts. Another form of professional school, conservatory or art colleges will also allow students to delve deeply into the medium of their choice. There may be the opportunity to explore within the realm of fine arts but students should be sure to research the options offered by each college considered.

Accredited college or university outside of the US. Some American universities have schools in a foreign country (such as the American College of Paris & London and St. Louis University in Spain).

Many students who would like the experience of an international education but not a four year commitment, may also opt to enroll in college here in the United
States and choose to take a semester or full year study abroad before graduation (these programs are also offer at community colleges).

Successful students typically enjoy immersing themselves in change including geography, culture, and people.

Students can take courses at a community college to earn a certificate, associate's degree and/or transfer to 4 year university.