If you find yourself questioning whether a college education is worth all the time and money, consider this:
College is for you because in life you will always be a student! California's four major college systems are: Community Colleges, California State Universities, University of California, and Independent/Private Colleges.
There are over 100 community colleges in California that offer a two-year associate degrees and certificate programs. Many students attend a community college first to take their prerequisites and then transfer to receive a bachelors. Students at a community college have the opportunity to meet with an advisor for a Transfer Course Agreement, or an Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC). IGETC is a series of courses transfer students take at a community college to satisfy the lower division general education requirements for both UC and CSU. It is best to consult with an admissions representative at the campus you wish to attend.
For more information, visit ASSIST which describes more in detail the Transfer Course Agreements and the IGETC. You can also look at UC Answers for Transfers. Learn more about community college transfers to UC Davis
The CSU system is considered to be the nation's largest system of higher education with 22 campuses. Degrees available are bachelor's and master's degrees; but unlike UC, CSU does not offer programs at the doctorate level. Emphasis is on teaching and undergraduate studies.
A great resource is the CSU Mentor web page which provides an excellent overview of all CSU and the degrees/majors available for students. You can also create a personal email account. This email account allows you to email university advisors about anything you wish to know. Before registering for fall quarter or semester classes as CSU you must take the English and math placement tests, known as the EPT/ELM exams. Students who applied and are admitted to a CSU should receive information in the mail about these exams.
English Placement Test assesses the reading and writing levels of entering students to place them in the appropriate classes. You will be exempt from the EPT if you fulfill any one of the following requirements:
Entry Level Mathematics Test must also be taken before students register for classes; students may not enroll in any required GE or math course if they do not pass the ELM test. You will be exempt from the ELM test if you fulfill any one of the following requirements:
Exemptions may vary for each institution, so you should check with each testing office at the university. You must take either the SAT I or the ACT exam, but you are not required to take the SAT II exam for admission to CSU. However, if you plan to apply to both CSU and UC, you must take the SAT II to be eligible for UC admission.
Considered to be one of the nation's most prestigious systems of higher education, the UC system offers bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees. Undergraduate education, graduate work and cutting-edge research are all emphasized. There are currently nine general campuses (Berkeley, Davis, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, Irvine, Riverside, Merced, and San Diego) and one which only offers professional programs in health science (UC San Francisco).
If you are admitted to the UC system, you must fulfill the Subject A requirement to graduate. You can satisfy the Subject A requirement by passing the Subject A exam, administered annually at locations throughout the state, or by meeting one of the following criteria:
The exam costs $55 (non-refundable); if you have received a fee waiver for you application for admission, your Subject A exam fee will automatically be waived.
Independent Colleges, known as private colleges, are very popular among many students for several reasons. Their smaller student population may mean that classes are smaller and more intimate so that you can get to know your professor. Second, although independent universities may cost more to attend, they may offer a very good financial aid package for students who cannot pay for all their college expenses.
California's independent universities offer tremendous diversity and specialized support for students. To find out more about a specific independent university, contact the office of admissions about application deadlines, how to obtain an application, and fee waiver information.
With all these opportunities to attain a post-secondary education, you should really consider the value of an education for life.