University Applications
Learn about all the key steps that are involved in applying to a university — from when to apply, completing your application, and what to do after you're finished applying.
University Application Filing Periods
Stay on top of key application deadlines with this list of filing periods. *Please note: Not all campuses or programs are open for winter and/or spring terms. In addition, some campuses and/or majors may be open for fall term only.
After You Apply
Congratulations! You have completed the first step in reaching your transfer goals! Some questions may arise regarding the steps you should take after you have successfully submitted your application. Please read the following information for answers.
You've confirmed your UC eligibility, written your personal insight questions, submitted your UC application, paid your application fees. Now what? You still have a few more items to cross off your list.
For more information go to the UC Admissions After You Apply Info.
- You will receive an application acknowledgment from the campus to which you applied. Read it carefully and follow any instructions about when to send in documents (i.e. official transcripts) or when to take placement tests.
- You will receive notification of your admission status. Each CSU campus has its own timeline and process for advising students regarding their admissions status. Most CSU campuses will send you an email with information about how to logon to their student portal website so you can track your application status. This is important because any messages with requests for more documents will be communicated through these websites. We strongly recommend that you check your email often and be sure emails do not get lost in your SPAM folder.
- When you are admitted to the campus, you will receive information about orientation, registration, and other activities for new students. To view the status of your submitted application, please refer to the relevant CSU campus(es) website(s). The following link is a map of all the CSU campuses. View the campuses.
Don't Forget Your To-Do List
Apply for Financial Aid: (October 1 - March 2)
Apply Early! Fill out the FAFSA application online at FAFSA or the CA Dream Act application at California Dream Act (AB540 students only) by the March 2 deadline. Make sure to list all UC, CSU and Private/Out-of-State institutions for which you are planning to apply.
Apply for University Housing:
Be sure to check the Housing application deadlines for each applied to university. Some universities may encourage students to apply for housing even before learning of acceptance, since housing availability may be limited. Visit the relevant Housing information pages of each university you are considering to become familiar with the application process for housing.
CSU GE/IGETC Certification:
If you will complete either your CSU General Education or IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) be sure to have it certified (officially checked) after completion of the appropriate courses. The certification will be sent along with your final transcripts, which can be requested through the Records window at El Camino College. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to determine eligibility of IGETC or CSU General Education certification prior to requesting certification.
Associate Degree for Transfer Applicants:
Transfer students who intend to earn an AA-T/AS-T degree should obtain an Intent to Graduate petition (yellow form) from counselor and submit signed form to the ECC Admissions & Records Office by the published deadline.