Skip to main content

Paso Robles High School

Bearcat PRIDE

Schools

Popular Links

College

College

Choosing the right college or university is an exciting journey that can shape your future in remarkable ways. It’s a decision filled with possibilities, and while it may seem daunting at first, remember that this is your opportunity to find a place where you can grow academically, socially, and personally. Here’s some guidance to help you make an informed choice.

Before diving into the sea of options, take a moment to reflect on your goals and interests.

By understanding what you value most, you can begin to narrow down your options.

Start researching schools that align with your interests. Consider the following:

  • Academic programs: Does the institution offer the major or programs you're interested in?
  • Extracurricular opportunities: Are there clubs, sports, or other activities that you're passionate about?
  • Location: Are you looking to stay close to home, or are you eager to explore a new city or region?
  • Campus culture: What type of social environment do you thrive in? Are you looking for a bustling campus life or a more intimate setting?
  • Cost of Living: Consider the cost of living in the area surrounding the college.
  • Cost and Financial Aid: Consider your budget and the availability of scholarships and financial aid to help manage expenses. Investigate the financial aid packages and scholarship opportunities each school offers. Remember, many schools are committed to helping students overcome financial barriers.

Take advantage of virtual tours, college fairs, and open houses to get a feel for each institution.

Trust your instincts and embrace the journey
While research and rational thinking are essential, don't underestimate the power of your intuition. Often, your gut feeling can guide you in the right direction. Trust yourself to make the decision that feels right for you, and embrace the exciting adventure that lies ahead.

Discover more about various universities and colleges in California, along with their locations, below.

College Options
Universities
of California 		California State Universities Common App
Universities 		Cuesta
College 		California Community Colleges
UC Campus Map CSU Campus Map Common App Cuesta College Logo Community Colleges
UC Apply CSU Apply Common App CCC Apply CCC Apply

 What's the difference between these schools?

  • UC schools focus on research and graduate education and are generally more selective, academically rigorous, and prestigious. For information about Campus Costs of Attendance click here.
  • CSU schools focus on practical, career-oriented education for the workforce. CSUs are more affordable and serve a broader segment of California's population with job-focused programs and a more hands-on approach.
    For information about Campus Costs of Attendence click here.
    View the 2026-27 preliminary ​​Cost of Attendance (PDF​) for all CSU campuses.
  • Common App schools
    Over 1,000 public and private colleges and universities, including all eight Ivy League schools, are part of the Common App, a centralized online application platform that allows students to apply to multiple institutions with a single application.
  • Cuesta College is a Community College. The Cuesta College Promise provides two years of free attendance for San Luis Obispo County high school graduates, including undocumented students, who enroll immediately after graduation. This benefit covers two consecutive Fall, Summer, and Spring semesters. For information about Campus Costs of Attendance for Cuesta College without Cuesta Promise click here: 
  • The California Community Colleges system comprises 116 colleges and various campus centers throughout the state. Community colleges offer 2-year associate degrees, transfer degrees and vocational certificates. They serve as a more affordable, accessible entry point to higher education.

    Requirements are determined by the individual institution, not a single "a-g" requirement list.
    To meet the requirements for community college, you need to graduate high school and apply to a specific campus, as they have varying enrollment criteria. 

Transferring from a Community College to a Four-Year University

If you are planning to transfer from a community college, such as Cuesta College, to a four-year university, keep the following important points in mind:

  • Pursue an Associate Degree for Transfer
    To initiate the transfer process, you need to pursue an Associate Degree for Transfer. 
  • Complete 60 credits/units.
    You must earn a total of 60 credits/units. For reference, a full-time student typically takes 12 units/credits per semester. However, to reach the 60 units/credits needed for transfer within two years, you should aim for 15 units/credits per semester. In addition, you also need to meet major specific requirements. 
  • Verify Transferable Credits/Units
    It is crucial to determine which of your credits/units will be accepted by the university you wish to transfer to. Contact your prospective university! Each institution has different policies regarding transferable credits. Reach out to the university's admissions or transfer office to confirm which of your completed credits/units will be accepted.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother transition from a community college to a four-year university.

A comparison chart outlines operational differences between nonprofit and for-profit online colleges.

Source: Franklin University

In the news:

  • Senior Timeline
  • Senior College Application Help_Support 2025_26
  • UC admission first year requirements
  • UC Freshman Application Guide

    UC's minimum admission requirements represent the minimum academic standards students must attain to be considered for admission as a freshman

  • CSU admission first year requirements
  • CSU Freshman Application Guide

    Many CSU campuses have higher standards for particular majors or for students who live outside their local admission area. Because of the number of students who apply, several campuses have higher standards (supplementary admission criteria) for all applicants. Cal Poly's are part of the CSU system. They distinguish themself through their signature "Learn by Doing" philosophy, which emphasizes hands-on, real-world experience which is integrated across all their programs.

  • Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

    The original "Cal Poly". It is a comprehensive polytechnic university with a strong reputation. It is highly ranked in their engineering, agriculture, and architecture programs.

  • Cal Poly Pomona

    The university is home to nationally recognized programs in engineering, business administration, hospitality management, agriculture and apparel merchandising.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt

    Formerly Humboldt State University, it became the third polytechnic institution in the CSU system in 2022. Building on its natural resource strengths, it is focused on STEM and liberal arts education, with a vision of creating solutions for a more sustainable and equitable world.

  • Cuesta Promise

    Direct link to Cuesta Promise steps

  • College Simply
  • College Raptor
  • College Search - Big Future

    Find the best college for you using College Simply, College Raptor or College Search - Big Future.

  • The College Tour

    Take an inside look into college campuses around the world.