Dates & Deadlines
When applications open for all UCs
What is August 1st?
Completing this online form is the first step in applying for financial aid. All colleges require students who'd like to be considered for financial aid to complete this every year.
What is FAFSA?
The final result of a college education. It’s awarded when a student earns a certain number of qualifying credit hours.
What is a degree?
Monetary awards given to students based on academic achievement, athletic ability, or other criteria. They do not require repayment.
What are scholarships?
Exams at the end of a semester or quarter that test a student’s knowledge on everything covered in a course. Sometimes instead of an exam, this will take the form of a paper or big project.
What is a Final?
When applications (typically) open for the FAFSA
What is October 1?
This program allows undocumented students and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to receive certain types of financial aid.
What is the California Dream Act (CDA)?
A 4-year degree, usually in the form of either a ______ of Arts (in a liberal arts program) or _______ of Science (in an applied learning program such as engineering).
What is a Bachelor's?
Refers to students who are the first in their families to attend college or whose parents didn’t complete a college degree.
What is First Generation?
A year-long break between high school and college, or a semester or year taken off at some point along the way to earning a college degree.
What is a Gap Year?
When applications are due for all UCs and Cal States
What is November 30?
A federal program which gives colleges and universities funding to hire students for part-time jobs. Instead of receiving money outright, it comes in the form of employment and students may use their income to cover any expenses they want.
What is Work Study?
The highest degree you can earn in an academic field or profession. On average, it takes between four and seven years to earn an this degree. That lengthy timeline often has to do with the dissertation phase, which requires extensive original research.
What is a doctorates?
A secondary focus of study, typically earned in tandem with a major.
What is a Minor?
A course a student must complete before taking another specific course.
What is a Pre-requisite?
When applications and submission are open for Cal State Universities (CSUs)
What is October 1?
A program that offers eligible current and former foster youth support and services that could include help with books and supplies, transportation, tutoring, food and emergency housing.
What is NextUp?
A degree you can earn in 2–3 years, typically from online or community colleges. The credits earned from this degree can usually be transferred to a 4-year degree.
What is an Associates degree?
A general summary of a course handed out to students at the beginning of the term. It includes required textbooks and other study materials along with dates of assignments, papers and exams. The professor's contact information and office hours will also be listed.
What is a Syllabus?
A college admissions process where students apply to a single institution early in their senior year and, if accepted, are bound to attend that school.
What is Early Decision?
The priority deadline to submit the FAFSA
What is March 2?
A program that helps students disadvantaged by social, economic, educational or linguistic barriers get the resources they need to enroll and succeed.
What is EOPS?
A degree received in graduate school, post-undergrad. These degrees usually take two years to complete.
What is a Master's degree?
A process where students apply to colleges early and receive an early response, but they are not obligated to enroll if they are accepted to the school.
What is Early Action?
A mandatory step in the UC application process. These questions are about getting to know you better — your life experience, interests, ambitions and inspirations. Think of it as your interview with the admissions office.
What are PIQs (Personal Insight Questions)?