College Admissions

Pathways to College.

The most common is the high school to four-year university pathway. However, there are other routes to consider and the best route is the one that best aligns with your goals. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each route and how to get into college.

High School Pathways

Learn about the options you have for college as a High School Student.

High School to Four-Year University

Completing the A-G requirements throughout four years of high school with academic excellence, earning SAT/ACT scores, and participating in well-rounded extracurricular opportunities is the widely recognized method of getting into a  four-year university.

High School to Community College

Two-year colleges that provide open-enrollment and affordable postsecondary education as a pathway to a four-year degree. Community colleges also grant certificates, diplomas, and associate’s degrees. There are 115 California community colleges.

High School Proficiency Exam

California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) is an early high school exit testing program for students 16+ years or have completed the 10th grade. Students who pass the CHSPE receive a legal diploma equivalent entitled Certificate of Proficiency.

 Community College Student Pathways

Learn about the options you have to transfer to a four-year school as a Community College Student.

Transfer to a CSU

A California public university commonly referred to as “Cal State”, “CSU”, or “State University”. There are 23 campuses throughout the state of California and it is the largest public four-year university system.

Transfer to a UC

A California public university is commonly referred to as a “UC”. There are 9 UC campuses throughout the state of California and a UC is recognized as one of the best public university systems in the nation.

Transfer to a Private School

A private university is not funded or operated by the government. Need-based federal financial aid is available and every state in the US has private universities or colleges.