When should I start preparing for college admission?

You should start preparing in freshman year of high school. This includes focusing on grades, exploring extracurricular activities, and beginning to think about your interests and potential career paths.

What are the most important college admission deadlines?

Key deadlines include: Early Decision/Early Action (November 1-15), Regular Decision (January 1-15), FAFSA opens (October 1), and CSS Profile deadline (varies by school). Our timeline tracker helps you never miss a deadline.

How many college admission tasks are there?

There are 374+ tasks across all four years of high school, including academic preparation, standardized testing, extracurricular activities, college research, applications, and financial aid.

What is included in the admission timeline?

The timeline includes tasks for: A-G requirements tracking, standardized test prep (SAT/ACT/AP), college research and visits, application essays, letters of recommendation, financial aid (FAFSA/CSS), and scholarship applications.

CSU decisions released - Senior Year College Admission

Overview

CSU admissions are rolling; most decisions by end of March. Impacted majors notify later.

Where to Check

Decision Types

Admitted: Full admission
Admitted but not to first-choice major: Common at impacted majors
Denied: Not admitted for this cycle

Impaction

Each CSU campus has "impacted" majors with higher requirements:

Some offer alternative majors
"Undeclared" available at many campuses
Major changes possible after enrollment with prerequisite completion

After Admission

Review financial aid (2-4 weeks)
Attend Admitted Student Day
Compare CSU offers
Commit by May 1 via Cal State Apply

Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)

If denied as freshman, CC + ADT path guarantees transfer admission.

Financial Aid

Cal Grant covers tuition for eligible students
Pell Grant adds additional aid
Many students pay $0 tuition with full aid

Housing

CSU housing is limited. Housing deposits often due soon after admission.

SIR Deadline

Statement of Intent to Register due May 1.

Overview

CSU admissions are rolling; most decisions by end of March. Impacted majors notify later.

Where to Check

Decision Types

Admitted: Full admission
Admitted but not to first-choice major: Common at impacted majors
Denied: Not admitted for this cycle

Impaction

Each CSU campus has "impacted" majors with higher requirements:

Some offer alternative majors
"Undeclared" available at many campuses
Major changes possible after enrollment with prerequisite completion

After Admission

Review financial aid (2-4 weeks)
Attend Admitted Student Day
Compare CSU offers
Commit by May 1 via Cal State Apply

Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)

If denied as freshman, CC + ADT path guarantees transfer admission.

Financial Aid

Cal Grant covers tuition for eligible students
Pell Grant adds additional aid
Many students pay $0 tuition with full aid

Housing

CSU housing is limited. Housing deposits often due soon after admission.

SIR Deadline

Statement of Intent to Register due May 1.

CSU decisions released

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Where to Check

Decision Types

Impaction

After Admission

Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)

Financial Aid

Housing

SIR Deadline

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

CSU decisions released

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Where to Check

Decision Types

Impaction

After Admission

Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)

Financial Aid

Housing

SIR Deadline

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks