College application season is officially here, and seniors are getting ready to submit their UC and CSU applications. If you are a senior planning to apply, it is time to get started.
The application window opened October 1, and the final deadline to submit is December 1, 2025. Mrs. Natalia Vazquez, our College and Career Advisor gave information about what you need to know and how to stay on track.
Who can apply? Everyone. To apply for a University of California (UC) students need a 3.0 GPA or higher, completed A-G course requirements, and C grades or better. To apply for a California State University (CSU) students need a 2.5 GPA or higher, also completed A-G requirements, and C’s or better in classes. If students have been passing classes and keeping up with their academic counselor, students are most likely ready to apply.
For UCs students could have started by creating their account as early as August 1, 2025, but applications opened for submissions on October 1, 2025. CSUs applications officially opened on October 1, 2025 for both creating an account and submitting applications. The deadline for both is December 1, 2025. Do not wait until the last minute, especially with the UC applications, which take much more time and details.
Mrs. Vazquez recommends starting at CaliforniaColleges.edu, a helpful website that links directly to each college’s application page. Students will need to log in with your school email. Students could also go directly to apply.universityofcalifornia.edu for UCs and for CSUs calstate.edu/apply.
“The UC application is super long,” said Mrs. Vazquez. “They ask about awards, clubs, community service, sports, so it is important to give yourself enough time to include everything.”
CSU applications are much quicker, but it does not mean you should wait. Schools begin reviewing applications as soon as they receive them, so applying early could make a difference.
The academic counselors have been working with you since freshman year to make sure you’re on track with your A-G courses. Mrs. Vazquez helps with the actual application process, answering questions, checking eligibility, and giving presentations in classes and during pride time to guide students through the steps.
Before students start applying, make sure students have a personal email address, do not use the school email address, social security number, family income information, personal and demographic info, and lastly your transcript.
“I already started my applications. Mrs. Vazquez helped me. I applied to CSUs last week and I’m applying to UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, Fresno State, Stanislaus State, Cal Poly SLO, and San Diego State. It’s a long process but it’ll be worth it in the end,” said Samantha Carter (12).
Applying to college can feel stressful, but this is what we’ve been working toward since our first year of high school. Start early, stay organized, and ask for help if you need it. Whether you’re applying to a UC, a CSU, or both, make sure you do it in time.
