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Community College Application
Community college is a great option if you want to earn a certificate, complete an associate degree, save money, or transfer to a four-year university later.
In California, most students apply to community college through CCCApply Home. You can apply year-round, but it is better to apply early so you have more time to complete the next steps and register for classes.
Is there a deadline?
Most California community colleges accept applications year-round, but you should apply early. Applying early gives you more time to set up your student portal, complete orientation, meet with a counselor, apply for financial aid, and register for classes before they fill up.
Deadlines can vary by college, semester, and program, so always check your college’s official website and student portal.
Before You Apply
Have this information ready:
- Personal information
- Email address you check often
- Home address
- High school information
- Intended major or area of interest
- Citizenship or residency information
- Parent or guardian information, if needed
How to Apply
1.Choose the community college you want to attend.
2. Create or sign in to your OpenCCC account.
3. Complete the CCCApply application.
4. Submit your application.
5. Check your email for your student ID and college portal instructions.
After You Apply
Submitting the application is only the first step. After applying, make sure you:
- Set up your student portal
- Apply for FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application
- Complete orientation
- Complete placement or assessment steps
- Meet with a counselor
- Create an education plan
- Register for classes
First-Gen Tip
Do not stop after submitting the application. Check your email and student portal often because colleges may send important next steps, forms, deadlines, or registration information there.
Transfer Reminder
If your goal is to transfer to a UC, CSU, or another four-year university, meet with a community college counselor early. Ask about transfer requirements, major preparation, and programs like TAG.
CSU Application
The California State University application is completed through Cal State Apply | Applicant Login Page Section. This application is used for CSU campuses like Cal State LA, Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Northridge, San Diego State, Cal Poly Pomona, and more.
Deadline
For students applying for Fall 2027, students can begin working on the application on August 1, 2026. Application submission opens on October 1, 2026. The priority application deadline is November 30, 2026.
Deadlines can change, so always check the official CSU website and the campus you are applying to
Before You Apply
Have this information ready:
- A personal email you check often
- Unofficial high school transcript
- Any college transcripts, if applicable
- Social Security number, if you have one
- Citizenship or residency information
- Parent or student income information
- List of classes you are taking senior year
- Extracurricular activities, work, or college prep programs
- Payment method or fee waiver information
How to Apply
- Go to Cal State Apply.
- Choose the correct application term.
- Create your account.
- Add the CSU campuses and majors you want to apply to.
- Enter your personal information.
- Enter your academic history and A-G courses.
- Complete supporting information.
- Review everything carefully.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
After You Apply
Submitting the application is not the final step. After applying, make sure you:
- Check your email often
- Create your campus student portal
- Check each campus for extra steps
- Submit any requested documents
- Apply for FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application
- Watch for admission decisions from each campus
First-Gen Tip
Use a personal email, not only your school email. After you graduate, you may lose access to your high school email. Also, check your email and portals often because CSU campuses may contact you directly about missing documents, deadlines, or admission decisions.
UC Application
The University of California application/UC application is used to apply to UC campuses like UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Merced.
Deadline
For fall admission, the UC application usually opens on August 1, and the filing period is usually October 1 through December 1.
Do not wait until the deadline. Start early so you have time to choose campuses, answer the Personal Insight Questions, review your grades, and ask for help if needed.
Before You Apply
Have this information ready:
- A personal email you check often
- Unofficial high school transcript
- List of senior year classes
- Activities, awards, jobs, volunteer work, or programs
- Parent or guardian information, if needed
- Citizenship or residency information
- Payment method or fee waiver information
- Personal Insight Question drafts
How to Apply
- Create a UC application account.
- Select the term you are applying for.
- Choose your UC campuses and majors.
- Enter your personal and family information.
- Enter your academic history using your transcript.
- Add activities and awards.
- Answer 4 out of 8 Personal Insight Questions.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
After You Apply
Submitting the application is not the final step. After applying, make sure you:
- Save your UC Application ID number
- Check your email often
- Create your UC campus portals
- Watch for admission decisions
- Apply for FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application
- Submit your Statement of Intent to Register if admitted
- Send official transcripts and AP or IB scores if you decide to attend
First-Gen Tip
Use a personal email, not only your school email. UC campuses send important and time-sensitive information by email, and you may lose access to your high school email after graduation.
Also, do not enter classes or grades from memory. Use your transcript so your academic history matches your official records.