The college application process for the Class of 2026 has officially started. Seniors are juggling transcripts, essays, and deadlines, as UC and CSU applications are now open, and community colleges and private universities begin their own admissions procedures.

Applications for California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC) both opened on Oct.  1 and will close Dec. 1. You should use California colleges.edu to submit these applications. GPA, coursework, and answers to the Personal Insight Questions are just a few of the 13 comprehensive criteria that UC admissions officers consider when evaluating applicants. Students who are on track to fulfill A-G requirements, however, are eligible for direct admission to CSU institutions. Although impacted schools like Cal Poly Luis Obispo, San Diego State, San Jose State, Long Beach State, and Fullerton have extra requirements like GPA in particular subjects or the number of A-G courses completed, 17 CSU campuses are part of this guaranteed admission program.

Sean Kim, a freshman at Cal Poly, shared advice for seniors navigating this process.

“The hardest part was managing deadlines and essays while keeping up with senior year classes,” said Kim. “But you’ll be fine. I had a 3.5 GPA throughout high school and got accepted into the schools I wanted.”

For Cal Grant eligibility, the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and the FAFSA both open on Oct. 1 and must be submitted by March 2. State graduation requirements include completing one of these financial aid applications. Since both academic and athletic scholarships require a FAFSA or CADAA on file, students should apply regardless of their family’s income. ERHS will also soon release the local scholarship packet in mid-November, with applications due in February 2026. Last year, over $35,000 in scholarships were awarded to ERHS students, so seniors are encouraged to apply.

Andrew Lee, a freshman at California State University, Long Beach, emphasized the importance of applying early.

“I didn’t expect FAFSA to help me as much as it did, but I ended up qualifying for more money than I expected,” shared Lee. “I definitely recommend filling it out as soon as it opens.”

Seniors don’t have to face the overwhelming task of applying to colleges alone. Students can successfully navigate application season and get ready for the next phase of their education by using the resources offered, staying on top of deadlines, and double-checking transcripts.

For more details, check out the Senior Newsletter here.