College Planning (UC, CSU, Community College, FAFSA)
California Community Colleges (CCC)
The California Community Colleges system consists of 116 colleges, with a large number of additional campus centers and classrooms throughout the state. Each college offers a diverse array of educational programs, with specializations that reflect the unique character of the local region. For eligible California residents, the California Community Colleges Promise Grant permits enrollment fees to be waived. (Assistance for the purchase of books and supplies must be applied for separately.)
Enrollment- Start from CaliforniaColleges.edu, launch the California Community Colleges Application, and create a new CCCApply account.
- After you enroll, The community college you apply to will contact you to help with the next steps.


Please visit the following information pages to learn more about the California Community Colleges and what they offer:
California State University (CSU)
- The application opens on October 1.
- Start from CaliforniaColleges.edu, launch the California State University Application, and sign into your existing Cal State Apply account or create a new one.
- Your application is due no later than November 30. To determine the exact deadline for your desired program, please visit the Application Dates & Deadlines page.
- High School Guidance - First-time and First-Year Students.
- First-time Freshman FAQs
- CSU Coronavirus Updates.
- Contact your CSU for resources and information specific to your campus.
University of California (UC)
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- The application opens on August 1.
- Start from CaliforniaColleges.edu, launch the University of California Application, and create a new UC application account.
- You can link it to an existing UC application account by logging in to your UC application through CaliforniaColleges.edu at any point. You’ll see a pop-up message asking you to link your accounts.
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- Click Confirm.
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- Your application is due no later than November 30.
Resources
- Freshman Requirements
- UC’s response on admissions to COVID-19.
- Contact your UC for resources and information specific to your campus.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CA Dream Act Application
Free money includes: Grants, Fee Waivers, Scholarships, and Work-Study Programs
- You can apply as early as October 1. Finish your application as soon as you can. You might get more money if you submit early!
- Start from CaliforniaColleges.edu, launch the FAFSA/CADAA, and sign into your existing account or create a new one.
- Be sure to submit with all your schools no later than March 2.
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- US Citizen
- Students in mix-status homes: Meaning the student is a US Citizen and parents are undocumented
- U.S. permanent resident, with a Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as an Alien Registration Receipt Card or "Green Card")
- Conditional permanent resident (I-551C)
- Other eligible noncitizens with an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security
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- Undocumented students
- DACA students
Earning College Credits While Enrolled in High School.


Standardized Tests (SAT / ACT / ASVAB)
What do the ACT and the SAT Tests Measure?
The ACT test measures what a student already knows. It covers material that the student should have learned during high school.
The SAT test is used more as a predictor of what a student is capable of learning. It deals with material that the student may NOT have learned in high school.
Register early to get a preferred test date and avoid late registration fees. Find test dates, locations, and other information using the links listed below. When registering for tests use Escalon High School’s code: 050870.
Other College Resources
Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU)
Admission Updates
- In general, AICCU campuses aren’t changing their admissions deadlines. Contact your campus if you need an extension.
- AICCU campuses will be as flexible as possible about admission requirements.
- Some examples of flexibility include:
- Counting Pass/No Pass or Credit/No Credit courses toward admission requirements.
- Changing how Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses and exams factor into admissions decisions.
- Not requiring the ACT or SAT.
- Changes to admissions requirements will be different at each campus. Look for the latest updates on your campus website.
Resources
- AICCU Institution Activities to Serve high School Juniors and Seniors.
- AICCU COVID-19 Resources.
- Contact your college for resources and information specific to your campus.