California Higher Institutions

California is home to a world-renowned system of college and universities. By comparing the various systems you can find which fits best for you and your academic goals.

• California Community Colleges
• California State Universities
• Independent/Private Colleges and Universities
• University of California

College Entrance Exams

Many colleges require incoming freshmen to take the SAT or ACT tests. The following links will provide you with more information on the tests and help on how to take the tests.

• ACT
• College Board
• Number2- Free Online College Test Prep Help

College Preparation Tools

Many colleges have requirements that need to be met before you qualify for admission. Visit the following websites that will help you meet these requirements.

• California Colleges
• CSU Mentor
• Mapping Your Future

Financial Aid

Many students both need and qualify for financial aid. The following websites will help guide you in your search for financial aid information. 

• FAFSA Online (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• California Student Aid Commission (Financial aid to California students pursuing higher education in California – Cal Grants)
• Fastweb (Free scholarship search)
• Federal Student Aid (Overview of aid programs)
• Financial Aid (General information about different types of aid)

General Resources for Parents and Educators

These links help both parents and educators prepare students for their college education.

• Especially for Parents (from the US Dept. of Education)
• Think College
• The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid

Local Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way offset the cost of college. Please review the requirements for the following local scholarships.

• Grotefend Scholarship (for Shasta County students)
• The Ford Scholars Program, California (for Siskiyou County students)
• Community Foundation of the North State
• McConnell Scholarships

Services for College Students

The following websites seek to assist students who are already enrolled in college.

• Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (California Community College academic and financial support program)
• California State University Educational Opportunity Program (CSU admissions, academic and financial support program)
• University of California Educational Opportunity Program (UC admissions, academic and financial support program)
• TRIO: Student Support Services (National academic and financial support program)

Tips on Writing the UC Personal Statement

• UC Personal Insight Questions web page
• Additional UC Video on UC’s Personal Insight Questions