4 Year College or University
Imagine a place where you get to learn about things you actually choose—like video games, animals, medicine, engineering, art, business, or even space 🚀. That’s what a 4-year college or university is all about!
What is a 4-Year College or University?
4-year colleges and universities are schools you can attend after high school to continue your education. As the name suggests, this path usually takes about 4–5 years to complete. Some students may finish sooner if they take advanced classes like AP or IB in high school.
At a 4-year college, you choose a major, which is the main subject you want to focus on. Most students earn a bachelor’s degree, and some programs even allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree together.
One of the exciting parts of college is having more choice. While there are some required classes, students also get to choose many of their own classes, including general education courses and classes connected to their interests.
Degrees
Colleges offer different Bachelor's & graduate/professional degrees (Master's, Ph. D., law, & medical degrees).
Tuition
Costs vary by campus ($6,000-$60,000 a year), and whether you live in the dorms. Click here to find out how you can afford college!
Class Size
Beginner courses can have 50-400 students. Other advanced or major classes could be smaller and more discussion-focused.
A college "major" is your field of study- like Engineering, Business, Art.
Applying for 4-Year Institutions in California:
University of California (UC)
You can apply to all 9 UC campuses with one application (UC Apply). The application usually opens October 1 and closes December 1, for admission for the following academic year.
The application fee is $80 per campus, but you could qualify for a fee waiver (covering the cost of four campus application fees).
California State University (CSU)
You can apply to all 22 CSU campuses with one application (CSU Apply). The application usually opens October 1 and closes December 1, for admission for the following academic year.
The application fee is $70 per campus, but you could qualify for a fee waiver (covering the cost of four campus application fees).
Private Institutions
The Common App represents more than 1,100 diverse institutions across all 50 U.S. states and 18 countries. Applications typically open on August 1 and close on January 1, for admission for the following academic year.
Application fees vary per institution, often $30-$75+, but many offer waivers or don't charge at all.
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How to get to a 4-Year College or University:
Rigurous Curriculum
Have you heard of A-G courses? They are a group of classes that students in California need to take (from various subjects). These classes count both towards your high school graduation (and for 4-year colleges when you get a C or better).
GPA (C+ Grades)
Aim to earn as many A’s and B’s as possible. If there are any D or F grades, the college or
university may rescind your conditional acceptance. Scholarship eligibility may also depend on income and your grades!
Standardized Test Scores
Although some colleges do not consider SAT/ACT scores for admissions anymore, the scores might be considered for English/Math placement indicators. If you take the SAT, you can use the college application fee waiver for your UC applications.
Essay
Some universities may require a personal essay or PIQs. This is your chance to show who you are as a person and help the university learn about what you care about, what challenges you've faced, what motivates you, and how you think and grow.
It is okay to not know yet! Start exploring colleges and majors, and remember to ask questions to your school counselor and staff!
After you've been accepted:
Student Intent to Register
Submit your SIR (Student Intent to Register)/Intent to Enroll and pay the Deposit for the school you will be attending. Most colleges’ SIR/Intent to Enroll deadline is May 1st. Income eligible students may qualify for their SIR Deposit to be waived or deferred.
Submit Documentation
Send official test scores (SAT, ACT, AP), request your high school (and/or college) to send official final transcripts to your college by July 1 (UCs) and July 15 (CSUs), apply for housing and complete your immunizations and TB clearance requirements.
Attend Orientation
Sign up for a new student orientation, where you'll be registering for classes, receive an introduction to your campus, resources, advising services, student life, and policies and procedures, among other important information.
Register for Classes
You've applied, you've been accepted, you've paid your enrollment deposit, you are very close to being the ready for the first day of classes! You will receive a date/time where registration will be open for you so you can pick your classes/schedule.