College Admissions

February 11, 2021

Why the University of California is seeing a massive surge in freshman applications

College access experts attribute the massive spike in applications partially to the elimination of the SAT and ACT in admissions.

Michael Burke

December 29, 2020

Proposition 16 lost. Now what? Ideas to boost diversity at California universities

Experts suggest reforms in admissions, financial aid and transfer policies to legally increase diversity among students and faculty.

Larry Gordon

November 19, 2020

Struggling with your college essay? Beware of these common pitfalls

Knowing how to write effectively is a necessary skill for a student’s success.

Meredith Joelle Charlson

November 3, 2020

California school districts revert to A-F grades this fall — with more flexibility for some students

California school districts have for the most part resumed A-F grading for the 2020-2021 school year, despite students learning from home.

Ali Tadayon

October 12, 2020

College recruiting of California students turns virtual during pandemic

Access may be improved as college fairs and visits to high schools go online. But some zoom-fatigued students skip sessions.

Larry Gordon

April 28, 2020

Even if California college campuses reopen, will most students still come?

Worried about finances and health, some high school seniors are deciding to stay closer to home for college.

Larry Gordon

April 20, 2020

University of California faculty leaders want admissions tests restored after health crisis

Requirements for SAT or ACT are suspended for a year and UC faculty votes to keep the exams in the future. Regents will have the final say.

Larry Gordon

April 1, 2020

University of California suspends SAT/ACT requirements for 2021 applicants

UC's one-year pause in testing does not mean a permanent end to SAT/ACT for admissions. CSU may follow. Neither university will require letter grades for high school courses this spring.

Larry Gordon

April 1, 2020

Eight California State University campuses extend freshman enrollment deadlines to June 1

Accepted applicants are given an extra month, until June 1, to make deposits. Other CSU campuses may follow. UC is sticking with a May 1 deadline.

Larry Gordon

March 27, 2020

Coronavirus crisis spurs high school seniors’ anxieties about college plans

The health crisis has high school seniors worried about college enrollment deadlines. Other concerns rise about grades and financial aid. Colleges promise some flexibility.

Larry Gordon

March 18, 2020

UC Regents should consider impact of college admissions tests on public schools

UC admissions requirements should align closely with California's K-12 curriculum standards.

Michael Kirst and Saul Geiser

February 11, 2020

College costs, teacher shortage still top concerns in poll of California voters

Annual PACE/USC Rossier poll also finds support for increasing teacher pay, requiring ethnic studies and taking action to prevent gun violence.

John Fensterwald

December 19, 2019

College admissions tests are a poor indicator of college readiness

Removing tests from admissions process would allow UC to recruit and educate California’s best and brightest from all backgrounds.

Mo Hyman

December 10, 2019

Lawsuits seek to end University of California's SAT or ACT test requirement for freshman admission

Lawsuits challenge freshman admissions process for the University of California which requires students to take the SAT or ACT standardized test

Larry Gordon

October 24, 2019

How to make room for 100,000 more college students in California without major construction

The Central Valley and Inland Empire especially need to accommodate more students, a report finds.

Larry Gordon