Getting In: A College Coach Conversation The Cal State Application; University of California PIQ's; Federal & Private Education Loans: Credit Underwriting Differences
Oct 23, 2025
Steve Fernandez-Brennan, a seasoned college counselor and former admissions officer, shares essential tips for the Cal State application process, highlighting its key differences from UC applications. Cesar Contreras, a former UCLA admissions officer, dives into the University of California's Personal Insight Questions, stressing their importance in showcasing resilience. Meanwhile, Jennifer Wilcox, a higher-education finance expert, explains the nuances of federal versus private education loans, including recent policy changes affecting borrowing strategies. This discussion is packed with invaluable insights for prospective students!
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Have Transcript Ready And Accurate
- Have your transcript beside you when filling the Cal State application to ensure exact course titles, grades, and capitalization match your record.
- Be meticulous because mistakes can cause backend processing denials.
Cal State App Is Form-Focused, Not Essay-Driven
- The Cal State application differs from the Common App and UC by having no essay or letters of recommendation for most programs.
- That makes it more form-driven and focused on accurate academic reporting rather than narrative supplements.
Allocate Time For A‑to‑G Matching
- Expect the academic history section to take the longest because you must enter courses and perform A‑to‑G matching exactly as shown on your transcript.
- Do not submit the application until all A‑to‑G requirements are correctly matched.