Private Colleges and Universities

The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) provides a list of private colleges and universities throughout California.  Admission requirements vary between schools, so it is important to go to each web site directly to find out information. 
 

Students can visit the AICCU Online Guidebook to find college applications,
financial aid information, virtual campus tours, and much more!

Many private schools in California will use the Common Application.  This makes it easy for students to apply to more than one school using only one application.  It is important for students to pay attention to specific application deadlines for each college or university.

Out of State Colleges and Universities

Out of state colleges and universities have different admission requirements. It is best to go directly to the school's website or contact a representative from that school to acquire information.  Many of these colleges hold informational meetings locally.  Check the College Information Link for an updated list of events.

Many colleges use the Common Application.  When in doubt, go to the college's website directly.  These colleges will often require a Secondary School Reports (SSR's) along with letters of recommendations from teachers and counselors.  Requests must be made at least 2 weeks in advance for SSR's to be completed in a timely manner.  Please plan ahead!

For schools that require secondary school reports and letters of recommendation, review the Secondary School Report Instructions, fill out a Brag Sheet, and have teachers fill out a Student Information Sheet.

Download Applications and Forms for schools who use the Common Application. 

Application Fee Waivers

Students who qualify for testing fee waivers may also qualify to apply to colleges and universities for free.  This applies to UC's, CSU's, and some private/out of state colleges. Check the 2008-2009 Directory of Colleges Cooperating with the SAT Fee-Waiver Service to see if a school offers a fee waiver to apply.

Students applying to UC or CSU do not need to fill out a fee waiver form.  They can do this directly on the application when it is completed on line. 

Beware of Proprietary (For Profit) Colleges, Universities, & Trade Schools!

There are many colleges and trade schools exist while their primary purpose is to make a profit:

ITT, Devry, Brooks, Westwood, UTI (Phillips Junior College), AIU, Bryman, Everett, University of Phoenix

These schools claim to provide high quality education, when in fact, they are inconsistent with what they advertise.  Community colleges offer many vocational and occupational certificate programs similar to what these for-profit proprietary colleges and trade schools claim to offer.  Community colleges are significantly lower in cost than for-profit schools.  Also, community colleges provide more options for students, such as AA/AS degrees as well as transfer options to four-year colleges and universities. 

In your college search, be sure that the college or university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) or the equivalent regional association for other parts of the nation.