Are dual enrollment classes worth it? Absolutely. The benefits of dual enrollment classes for high school students are huge! I took advantage of dual enrollment in high school and it not only gave me an academic advantage as I began college, but I was more confident and prepared for college on a personal level. Here are some of the many benefits of dual enrollment classes for high school students.

Benefits of Dual Enrollment Classes for High School Students

Increased success rates

If you are concerned at all about your child’s success in college, this is the top reason to encourage him/her to take a dual enrollment course. A 2017 study by the Community College Research Center found that “88 percent of community college dual enrollment students continued in college after high school and most earned a degree or transferred.”

My experience as a dual enrollment instructor confirms this research. Our students in dual enrollment classes are more successful as full-time students and persist to earn their degrees. Dual enrollment courses are a great transition because of the support students receive from both the college and the high school.

Earn credit twice for work completed once

That’s right. One of the top perks of dual enrollment courses is students complete one course and get credit at both their high school and a college (either community college or university, depending on the institution the high school has partnered with). Who doesn’t love a two-for-one deal?

Reduced cost per credit

Dual enrollment courses typically aren’t free, but they are a fraction of the price of taking the same course as a full-time college student. To find out the exact tuition expense per unit, it is best to contact the high school’s guidance office; however, you can usually plan to spend a few hundred dollars per course. There are scholarships, grants, and initiatives that can result in reduced or free tuition though, so also be on the lookout for those opportunities!

Increased student support

Special systems and supports are put in place for dual enrollment classes and students. You can expect to have a point person at the high school as well as a contact at the college (in addition to the professor) who can answer questions and is also working behind the scenes to collect data, improve programs, and, ultimately, ensure student success.

Experience meeting collegiate level expectations

I speak with a lot of parents who are concerned about their students rising to the rigor of college after having parental support and accountability during high school. And, I understand that concern! A great way to help students make that transition is to take advantage of dual enrollment courses!

As a parent, you can still be there to help your child through his/her first course. If your child struggles with time management, you can work alongside him/her to develop a study plan and provide accountability.

Major and career exploration

As a college instructor and career planning expert, one of my favorite benefits of dual enrollment courses is the opportunity for students to try a major or program. If your child is interested in a career in business, have him or her take an Introduction to Business course. Lower-level major-related coursework is frequently offered for dual enrollment. And, if it isn’t, start with another dual enrollment course (such as Math, English, or Art Appreciation) and consider taking an introductory level course during the summer session! Students no longer have to wait until their high school diploma is in hand to enroll in a few college courses.

Personal growth and increased self-awareness

Enrolling in a college success or student development course is an excellent way for students to develop and grow personally. They will learn about their preferred learning styles, the best ways to study, and the resources that are available to help them succeed academically once they are full-time students.

Early graduation potential

Finally, one of the biggest benefits of dual enrollment courses is the possibility of early graduation. For parents, that means fewer semesters of high tuition and housing expenses. Alternatively, a student could use that extra semester to study abroad, complete an extended internship, or build in a gap experience!

Dual Enrollment Classes Provide Big Growth in a Low-Stakes, Low-Cost Environment

The bottom line is dual enrollment courses are exceptional learning opportunities for students in a low-stakes, low-cost environment. If you are concerned about your child being successful at college in any capacity (academically, socially, or emotionally), dual enrollment opportunities are a great way to help your child transition successfully.

Are You Navigating College and Career Planning? I can help!

Hi. My name is Loren Kelly and I have spent 10 years instructing in higher education after beginning my career as a high school teacher. I am passionate about helping young people identify a fulfilling career path and plan the academic and vocational training needed to accomplish that goal. I offer free consultations to students and parents who are interested in talking about college and career planning. Now is the best time to start planning for the future!

Benefits of Dual Enrollment Classes
Loren Kelly

Summer break is almost here and, it’s a matter of time before your teen is ready to get out of the house! How can you use this time in summer to help your high school student plan for the future? Start with researching summer programs for high school students! I’m sharing a few of my favorite ways to find summer programs for high school students that will give them great exposure to college and career options as well as help them build a resume for college, scholarship, and job applications!

Summer Programs for High School Students

1. University camps for high school students

Summer programs for high school students at local universities is first on my list! Attending a university summer camp is one of my favorite career planning activities for summer vacation because students are exposed to career paths and academics as well! Summer camps and programs at universities vary in length; however, most are one week-long and focus on specific career fields or areas of interest. For example, Wichita State University in Wichita, KS, hosts a variety of week-long engineering camps for students entering 4th through 12th grades. Similarly, the University of Alabama has various programs, including week-long camps in Forensic Science for high school and middle school students. Likewise, the University of California Los Angeles offers summer camps for students interested in digital filmmaking or game design, as well as many other career areas and interests!

University summer camps are often very hands-on and engaging for participants. These experiences also look great on scholarship and college admissions applications. Are you sold on summer camps as career planning activities for summer vacation? A quick search online will allow you and your student to quickly identify camps in your area or nationwide camps related to his/her interests.

2. National Parks Service Summer Programs for Youth

There are so many different summer programs for high school students available through the National Parks Service! It doesn’t matter if your teen has one week or two months, there are programs of all lengths and across a multitude of areas of interest! There is so much potential for a student to learn and grow through these experiences. And, after a long period of social isolation, what better environment to be in than the great outdoors! To learn more about their long and short-term programs, internships, volunteer experience, and more, visit their “Work with Us” page.

3. Take Dual-Enrollment classes at a local college

Great summer programs for high school students can be dual-enrollment courses at a local college! It is an added bonus if you have a community college nearby as these colleges often have existing agreements with local high schools and make dual-enrollment coursework very affordable (if not free in some states!). I am a big advocate for dual-enrollment coursework for high school students, and I have written an article about the Benefits of Dual Enrollment Classes to help parents and students understand what this means and to help determine if it is the right opportunity for them!

4. Find a volunteer experience

If your child already has a tentative plan for a future career field, why not encourage some volunteer experience this summer? Volunteering two or three afternoons per week can give your child a first-hand perspective on a career field. For example, if your student is interested in a career in the medical field, almost every hospital offers volunteer positions. Do you have a child that loves hands-on activities and building things? How about volunteering with the local Habitat for Humanity team? Not only are volunteer experiences great career planning activities for summer vacation, but they also look great on scholarship and college admission applications as well as a future resume! To find volunteer opportunities, start by entering your zip code on the search page provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service!

Additional resources for helping your child plan for the future!

I am passionate about helping students create a plan that empowers them to pursue the future with confidence! If you are in the midst of college and career planning conversations with your student, check out some of my additional resources:

1. Free College and Career Planning Guide – This five-step guide is designed to help parents and teenagers navigate the college and career planning process. Many people think the starting point of preparing for the future is choosing a college. In this guide, I introduce the idea of career planning first and then a more tailored college or training school search. Don’t miss this resource!
2. Motivating Your Child to Plan for the Future – Is your teen reluctant to begin the process? This free guide will help you ease into conversations with regard to the future. This doesn’t have to be a daunting process where you are tugging your child along fighting eye rolls and a lack of motivation. Ditch the frustration and make the process enjoyable!
3. College and Career Planning Coaching – Some students have huge amounts of anxiety about the future. Am I making the right decision? What career will be fulfilling for me? How can I find a major that I enjoy? If your student is struggling with these questions, I can help! My eight-week coaching package takes a student from uncertain and anxious to confident and excited!
4. Job/Internship Search Coaching – gone are the days of a college degree ensuring gainful employment following graduation. Employers want relevant work experience and successful internships to prove the graduate is ready for the workforce. I help students and recent graduates navigate the job search, prepare for interviews, and negotiate their compensation. Let’s get your student’s future career started on the best note!
5. Resume Help – Writing a resume is daunting. You have 10 seconds (or less) to showcase yourself on paper and capture the reader’s attention before they move on to the next document. It takes strategy and experience to really make your document stand out! This mini package will take your resume from common to exceptional!

If your child is beginning to plan for the future but struggling to identify a fulfilling path, I can help! I offer one-on-one college and career planning help as well as a free college and career planning guide for parents. In addition, you can set-up a free 30-minute chat to get your questions answered by choosing a convenient time in my online calendar! I look forward to supporting you and your child in this important time of growth. Let’s get your child on the path to confidence and long-term fulfillment. Message me today to get started or chat!

Let’s chat about your plans for the future!

Hello there! Thanks for visiting my site. My name is Loren, and I am a Career Coaching for Students! I am passionate about helping students identify a fulfilling career path and then executing the steps it takes (college included) to be successful. Let’s chat about your future in a no-strings-attached free consultation!

Summer Programs for High School Students
Loren Kelly

I talk with students daily and many of them want to know, do employers care about GPA? Is a 3.4 GPA good? Or, can I get a job with a 2.6 GPA? A big emphasis is placed on your grade point average in high school and college. Scholarships, financial aid, accolades like Dean’s List and President’s List, car insurance, and more. It makes sense that students ask this question.

Do Employers Care About GPA? Answers to Your Questions

I’m here to set the record straight about employment and GPA.

• Do employers care about GPA? Yes, to some extent.
• Does it stop students from getting hired? Sometimes.
• Is it one of the most important factors in hiring? No.

In fact, here is what is more important to employers when hiring.

A Good Personality Fit

Employers have told me time and time again that they want the right person for the job. A student who is willing to learn, work hard, and fits well with their team is, without a doubt, the most important qualification they look for when hiring.

What it comes down to is the right person can be taught the skills and knowledge needed to do a job. What is impossible is to change a personality and personal values to fit a company or position.

Relevant Work Experience

After assessing how a candidate’s personality might fit the position and team, next, companies look for relevant work experience. This is why I so strongly stress the importance of gaining experience during your education and training. Summer jobs, part-time work, and internships are highly valued by employers.

Employers state they prefer to hire interns for full-time positions over graduates who have not worked for their company. Why? They already know an intern’s personality, work ethic, and attitude. As early and often as possible, gain relevant work experience.

Credible Education and Training

After a company has assessed the personality fit and a candidate’s work experience, then the hiring committee will often look at education and training. A reputable and well-known program can earn a candidate immediate recognition and credibility.

When looking at a candidate’s education and training, do employers care about GPA? Having a 3.5 or higher is definitely a selling point. If you have a good GPA, you should definitely include it on your resume. If you do not, however, don’t worry. Simply leave it off of your resume. Chances are, interview time will be spent on the topics above and GPA may never come up in conversation.

When will employers ask about GPA?

If you are applying for internships, you will find some job descriptions that list GPA requirements. Competitive internships have minimum requirements so the most promising students are considered. Is a 3.4 GPA good? Yes, it is a competitive GPA in most majors of study. Is a 2.6 GPA good? It’s pretty average. But, have I seen the student with a 2.6 hired over a student with a 3.4? Yes, many times.

If you are applying to internships, you’ll likely see some that have a GPA requirement of a 3.0 or higher. If you find an internship that you really want and it has a GPA requirement you don’t meet, ask if you can submit your major-specific GPA.

As for recent college graduates, employers sometimes ask for a transcript when an offer is made. At that point, you’ve already impressed them with the interview and it is unlikely an offer will be revoked due to GPA. The request for a transcript is usually to verify a degree.

Are you looking for a job or internship?

You’ve come to the right place. I’m passionate about helping people find a job they are truly passionate about and a company that is the best fit. Regardless of where you in the job search journey, I can help. Resume reviews and interview preparation are two of my specialties! Book a free consultation and I’ll happily share some tips with you!

Book a free consultation today!

Do employers care about GPA? Answers to Your Questions!
Loren Kelly

In college, what is a passing grade?
CarysB

Choosing The Right College
CarysB

The high school years are so busy. And in the midst of activities and academics, we also need to engage in college in career planning. There are so many things to do and so many conflicting pieces of advice! I’m here to help answer the common question, “When should high school students visit colleges?”

When should high school students visit colleges?
5 Things to Consider

Understanding the College & Career Planning Process

First, it is important to note that visiting colleges is going to be of little use if you (or your child) have not already determined your future career path. It is important to spend time visiting colleges that have great programs for the career path you are wishing to pursue. By taking this approach, you will save yourself a lot of time and you’ll feel less overwhelmed when it comes to narrowing down your choices.

When should high school students visit colleges?

Is sophomore year too early to visit colleges?

If you (or your child) has determined a career plan with a good amount of confidence (80-90 percent sure), you are likely ready to begin visiting colleges as a sophomore. The benefit of starting early is you’ll have more time to thoroughly think through the decision, evaluate financial aid, and compare and contrast programs. Additionally, you’ll also be able to send college entrance testing results to the colleges of interest!

Is junior year too early to visit colleges?

Junior year is not too early to visit colleges. In fact, I think it is a perfect time. A student’s senior year is usually very busy. And many college applications are due in the fall of a student’s senior year. Students feel less stressed when they have a career and a first-choice college chosen when they begin their senior year. This allows for more intentional planning and less panicking!

What time of year is best to visit colleges?

It is best to visit colleges during the fall or spring semesters. Each college posts its academic calendar online. Make sure you are visiting when classes are in session and students are on campus. This will give you the best feel for the campus culture and you can request to sit in on a class in your program/major! This is a great way to maximize your time on a college visit.

What questions should you ask on a college visit?

I’m glad you are asking this question as it is a very important one! I have outlined my favorite questions to ask as well as steps to planning a great college visit in this guide! Don’t miss these free resources as they are excellent guides that will save you loads of time.

In summary, when should high school students visit colleges?

As early as possible after determining a career path. Earlier is better. It gives you more time to prepare for great visits and evaluate your options. Informed decisions are always best, so download the “Questions to Ask on College Visits” guide to make the most of your time and visits!

Hello, and welcome to my blog!

I’m Loren and I help students and parents with college and career planning!

As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one and assist them as they articulate their goals and develop a plan to achieve them! The path to success is not straightforward. My mission is to help you experience true career fulfillment through proactive coaching and career planning.

Book a free consultation today!

When Should High School Students Start Visiting Colleges?
Loren Kelly

How to Write a Student Athlete Resume

I have to admit, I have a soft spot for college and student athletes. Having been one myself, and having many student athlete friends, I understand the challenges one faces when it comes to career planning or writing a student athlete resume.

All of a student athlete’s time outside of class is devoted to his or her sport leaving little time to think about or plan for the future. Then, before they know it, the college days are over. Many are left wondering how to write a student athlete resume that will appeal to an employer in the job search. If you are wondering, “Do you put college athlete on resume?” I’ll answer this question and more!

Gaps that Often Exist on a College Athlete Resume

It can be a bit harder to help assist in the writing process with a student athlete resume. Why? Because these individuals’ schedules are so consumed by their sports that they typically have little time for other activities. As a result, many athletes struggle to think of relevant content for a resume.

Here are some common issues athletes face when writing a resume.

1. Lack of Experience – An athlete’s schedule is so consumed with class, practice, weights, and games that little time usually remains for career planning and/or part-time work. It is not uncommon for an athlete to reach graduation without much work experience because their sport has been like a job for so many years.
2. Uncertainty about a Career Path – Being a successful student athlete requires a tremendous amount of dedication and focus. While other students have the time and space to engage in career exploration, an athlete often does not. I have worked with a number of student athletes in my career who are nearing graduation and have uncertainty about their career path. Their focus has been required elsewhere. If this is something you can relate with, I would love to chat with you about career planning!
3. Emphasis on Achievements – Many student athletes begin by listing a plethora of athletic achievements on their resume. Is this wrong? Not necessarily; however, many employers will not understand what that achievement means or be able to directly relate it to their organization, business, or available role.

Now that the common gaps have been identified, let’s look at what we can do to fill them on a student athlete resume.

Skills & Attributes to Highlight on a Student Athlete Resume

I have some great tips for content on a student athlete resume. By implementing the items below, you can take your resume from generic and athletic-focused to industry-relevant.

1. Emphasize your education – if you can relate with the lack of job and internship experience noted above, simply spend more time and space emphasizing your education on your resume. You can do this by including a list of relevant coursework that would be appealing to the job for which you are applying or emphasizing large projects (such as a capstone project).
2. Highlight your soft skills – when employers hire new grads, they seek the right fit in terms of work ethic, personality, and innate characteristics. Rather than listing out your athletic achievements, translate those to skills you demonstrated so it is relevant for the employer. For example, instead of listing “Team Captain” on your resume, elaborate and emphasize a skill set. “Developed leadership skills and demonstrated the ability to calmly make decisions under pressure as Team Captain.”
3. Include strong references – If you still feel like your student athlete resume is lacking an industry focus or has white space remaining, consider adding three, strong references at the bottom. References should only be used if extra space remains (don’t exclude other content just to provide reference information). Strong references, especially professors, people you know in the industry, etc. can help increase your credibility and provide connections that can help you acquire the interview.

College Athlete Resume Help

Implementing the three items above on your resume can definitely help student athletes stand out in a sea of other applicants! If you want professional help writing a student athlete resume, you can book a free consultation to learn more about my resume writing and revision services. I also offer assistance to student athletes throughout their job search!

Don’t let starting your career intimidate you! As a student athlete, you have so much to offer a company. Let’s work together to get your career started and continue your success! Are you interested in professional help? Send your resume to me and I’ll provide a list of revisions and examples to help you strengthen your professional resume! Get expert eyes on your resume to ensure you get the interview!

More Helpful Guides for Student Athletes

• How to Write a LinkedIn Profile for Student Athletes
• Writing a Standout Cover Letter as a Student Athlete
• Case Study Examples of Student-Athlete Resumes
• The Key to Communicating Athletic Experience in a Job Interview

Want help with your resume or job search?

I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one with their career endeavors! Whether you want tailored resume help or assistance finding and landing your dream job, I can help!

Book a free consultation today!

Winning Strategies for Writing a Student Athlete Resume
Loren Kelly

A lot of students begin college with an undeclared major or go through a period when they question whether or not they have chosen the right path. While this can be a normal part of the journey, we want to minimize the time spent in limbo. What concerns me most is when a student with an undeclared major tells me that they are taking general education courses to figure out their career path. There are two major issues with this train of thought:

1. General ed courses are full of English, math, history, fine arts, etc. and very little, if any, exposure to career-relevant topics or courses.
2. While it sounds good to take general education courses and figure out what they want to do, many students fail to take actions during this time period that help them make that decision.

Simply put, general education courses are important but do not help students in the career planning process. So what can a student do instead? This was a question posed to me recently…

What steps can students with an undeclared major take while fulfilling general education course requirements?

There are many different things a student could do, but the main point I want to drive home is JUST TAKE ACTION! Any action is better than no action and the list of possibilities is virtually endless. I have some low-commitment, easy steps a student can take.

Need Help Choosing a Major?

Three Actions to Help Undeclared Majors Find Clarity:

1. Conduct an informational interview – An informational interview is one of my favorite suggestions for students. The perspective gained from having a conversation with someone who is working in a field of interest is invaluable. It is a low time commitment activity that can yield big results for students. The key to this action is properly planning the informational interview to ensure helpful information is gathered. Get my FREE Informational Interview Guide to help!
2. Join a career-relevant student organization – Every major on a campus usually has a student organization available to students. Membership is usually little to no cost to students and the time commitment is also very low. Attending a monthly meeting can be helpful for a student and allow them not only gain information about a career field but develop networking skills at the same time!
3. Attend Young Professional networking events – Cities across the nation and around the world have young professional networking groups! Some are sponsored by local chamber organizations while some are completely independently organized. A quick google search of “Young Professionals Networking [insert city name]” will typically yield a list of opportunities. Students can take a friend and enjoy casual conversations that will bring big perspective!

If you know a student who could benefit from career perspective or is taking classes without a real plan for his/her career, encourage them to take one of the steps above! Equally important as taking action is evaluating each experience. We learn and gain clarity through evaluated experiences!

How to Evaluate Experiences:

Reflection is a very powerful tool. Many students don’t engage in enough reflection after experiences and, thus, don’t get the clarity they are seeking after each one. Here are some questions that students to answer to help them evaluate each experience.

1. Name an aspect of the experience that you like most. What made that so enjoyable?
2. What was something unexpected about the experience?
3. How did you feel when [insert response from the first question] happened?
4. Did this experience make you more or less excited to learn more about [insert industry]? Why?

These four questions will spur deeper thought. From here, one can drill down further and begin to figure out the pros and cons of their top options for their future. This is such an important step and one that should not be skipped or rushed!

Remember, taking action is crucial. Then, evaluating those actions and experiences are what will bring clarity to students with undecided majors!

How can I help?

As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one and assist them as they articulate their goals and develop a plan to achieve them! The path to success is not straightforward. My mission is to help you experience true career fulfillment through proactive coaching and career planning.

Book a free consultation today!

Undeclared Major: Three Actions to Take
Loren Kelly

I work with high school students frequently. I get one question a lot, is college harder than high school? College is a big transition, there is no doubt about it. I remember sitting in my dorm room my freshman year feeling like I was doing something wrong because I wasn’t in class all day every day. Here’s what you need to know…

Is College Harder than High School?

In some ways, yes…

Instructor Expectations

You can plan on your teachers expecting more out of you with less daily help. You will be asked to do more with less guidance; however, many college students enjoy this aspect of college once they adjust!

What to do…

To help with understand expectations and meet them, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of your instructor’s office hours. These will be listed on the syllabus the first day of class and posted outside your instructor’s door.

Time Management

When asked, is college harder than high school, I usually respond with a question back to the student. How good are you at managing your time effectively? A large part of being successful in college is being disciplined and using your time wisely. You will have a lot of freedom and students who struggle are the ones that procrastinate or do not devote enough time to their courses and studying.

What to do…

Form a weekly routine that has blocks of time for studying and homework. Designate specific times for each course. You’ll know in the first two weeks of the semester which courses are going to require the most time and attention. I also recommend building in time for exercise and eight hours of sleep at night. These two self-care items are essential for success and your health. All too often, exercise and efficient sleep are compromised for students.

In some ways, no…

Freedom of academic schedule

If you have spent your high school years craving autonomy, you will love the transition to college and will find the ability to control your schedule both natural and easy. Personally, I loved having freedom over my schedule and was happy to ditch the traditional 8-3:30 day of high school. I find myself more focused and efficient when I can take small micro-breaks during the day to work out, do something enjoyable, etc. Breaking up my classes and homework how I see fit allowed me to be more efficient when I sat down to work or study.

Freedom of social schedule

Are you the super involved high school student? If you are in multiple clubs, sports, or serve on several committees, you might really enjoy the new freedom in your schedule that involves fewer social commitments. You can certainly still be involved at college, but the average student spends fewer hours involved in extracurricular commitments at college compared to high school. Additionally, many college students choose one or two activities (a sorority and an academic club, for example) rather than playing a different sport each season while also being involved in multiple clubs and the yearbook.

Is College Harder than High School? The Bottom Line

In some ways, yes, college harder than high school. But, like every new experience in life, you will learn, grow, and adapt. Middle school was different than elementary, and high school was different than middle school. Just like those transitions, you will find your way. The key thing to remember is to learn from each experience and give yourself some grace along the way!

Here are a few articles that will help you with this transition:

• Five Ways to Build Confidence
• Advice from an upperclassman
• Benefits of joining a sorority/fraternity
• What classes to take in college freshman year
• Overcoming a lack of motivation

As you begin your college and career planning journey, remember that there are people who can help you! The most successful people are those who are not afraid to ask for help. Use the resources available to you and go out and achieve your dreams!

Are You Navigating College and Career Planning? I can help!

My name is Loren, and I am a College Instructor and coach for students. I get fulfillment by helping students find the best fit for them! We are all different, and college is not a one-size-fits-all decision. If you aren’t sure what college is a good fit or how you even want to use the degree when you get it, let’s chat. Book a free consultation, no strings attached, so I can hear what you are thinking and chat about getting you unstuck.

Is College Harder than High School?
Loren Kelly

The competition is stiff, especially in California. If you’re wondering what the easiest colleges to get into in California are, I can share some insight from my eight-plus years working in the state’s higher education system.

The Easiest Colleges to Get into in California

Please note that I limited this list only to include colleges with good reputations and campus life. It is not exhaustive, but it will give you a great place to begin your search!

Consider the Excellent Community Colleges

I must begin with a plug for the California Community College system. I have worked in higher education in several states, and California does it extremely well. At only $46 per unit for in-state students, you will not find a more affordable option. In addition, they have virtually no admission requirements. You can even take classes without a high school diploma.

If you are looking for the easiest colleges to get into in California because of a low GPA, you want to avoid the SAT or ACT, or the application process seems daunting, community college is an excellent option for you. If you’re curious about the difference between community college and university, I have a great article to help you compare.

There are over 200 community colleges throughout the state of California. Additionally, Calbright, the state’s online community college, offers flexible coursework to students at an affordable rate. Use the Find a College website to locate community colleges in California.

Easiest CSU Colleges to Get into in California

The CSU (California State University) system has a few excellent options for students looking at the easiest colleges to get into California. While the admission requirements won’t be as easy as attending a community college, you can still find great schools with high admission rates.

Humboldt State University – Consider going to college amongst the Redwoods! Humboldt is located in a beautiful area of Northern California. The acceptance rate in 2020 was 92 percent, and, lucky for you, you can complete an application for the CSU system and submit it to multiple schools.

Sonoma State University – Located just an hour north of San Francisco, Sonoma State is a great option for your college education. The area is beautiful, and the college has a 92 percent acceptance rate.

Sacramento State University – Sacramento has it all! The capital city is beautiful and full of life. And, when you want to escape the city, Lake Tahoe is only a few hours away, as are the beautiful National Parks of Central and Northern California. The acceptance rate at Sacramento State is 82 percent.

California State University, Dominguez Hills – If you are looking for a Southern California School that isn’t impossible to get into, check out CSU Dominguez Hills. You can still head to Long Beach or Manhattan Beach often, but you won’t see the terrible acceptance rates of other SoCal schools. The acceptance rate for 2020 was 77 percent.

CSU Monterey Bay – If you haven’t considered CSU Monterey Bay, add it to your list. Monterey is the perfect location for an outdoor lover. Beaches, mountains, Big Sur, it will all be at your fingertips. The acceptance rate last year was 75 percent!

Easiest UC Colleges to Get into in California

Putting “easy” and “UC” in the same sentence doesn’t feel right. But, there are some University of California schools that are easier to get into than others.

UC Merced – The tenth and newest UC campus is the University of California Merced. Established in 2005, it still has the shiny, new feeling! The acceptance rate in 2020 was 72 percent.

UC Riverside – Nestled in the San Bernardino Valley, UC Riverside is a great option for students who want a UC school with a higher acceptance rate. In 2020, UC Riverside’s acceptance rate was 56 percent.

UC Santa Cruz – If you are looking for a coastal town with it all, including a great education, Santa Cruz has it. I love this city, and it would be an exceptional place to spend four years (or two if you are transferring). With an acceptance rate of 51 percent, you might have a good chance of becoming a Banana Slug!

Easiest Colleges to Get into in California in the Private Sector

There are some amazing private schools in California. Some of them have dismal acceptance rates, like Stanford’s 4 percent or the University of Southern California’s 11 percent. However, there are excellent private schools with great reputations and campus cultures that have higher acceptance rates. Here are a few to consider.

California Baptist University – Not far from UC Riverside, you’ll find a great private university called California Baptist. Students love the campus environment and student experience. If you are interested in private education, it is worth a visit. The acceptance rate is 78 percent.

Point Loma Nazarene University – Try finding a campus that has prettier views. The oceanfront campus in San Diego is gorgeous, and the student life is great. With an acceptance rate of almost 74 percent in 2020, you have a high likelihood of admittance.

Azusa Pacific University – Finally, add Azusa Pacific to the list of private schools you might consider. It is the most competitive of the three I am highlighting with a 67 percent acceptance rate. But, again, students rave about the experience, and the school is well respected.

Considering Community College and Transferring to a University

If you are looking for the easiest colleges to get into in California, consider the opportunity to attend community college and then transfer to a university to finish your bachelor’s degree, especially if you are concerned about your GPA or ACT/SAT scores.

Community college can give you a great academic foundation while allowing you to establish your post-secondary GPA. Additionally, success rates of students transferring from a community college to a California university are higher than students who enter university straight after high school. It can be a win-win combination for students!

Are You Navigating College and Career Planning? I can help!

My name is Loren, and I am a College Instructor and coach for students. I get fulfillment by helping students find the best fit for them! We are all different, and college is not a one-size-fits-all decision. If you aren’t sure what college is a good fit or how you even want to use the degree when you get it, let’s chat. Book a free consultation, no strings attached, so I can hear what you are thinking and chat about getting you unstuck.

What are the Easiest Colleges to Get into in California?
Loren Kelly