In a straightforward, easy-to-read style, this book provides authoritative, up-to-date specifics on what it takes to plan for and go to college in California and how to pay for it. Get the inside track with a Calendar of steps to follow for grades 8 through 12 activities choosing a college, choosing a major, visiting college campuses; Completing admission applications, entrance tests, important deadlines writing the essay, successful interviews, getting recommendations. Freshman and transfer admission requirements special admission opportunities, programs for educationally disadvantaged students/minority students/disabled students majors, housing, transferring study abroad, athletics, international student requirements, California residency qualifications. Admission selection criteria of . . . the University of California by campus/major California State University for impacted campuses/majors, independent colleges, College costs, financial aid application procedures and deadlines, calculating financial need grants/ scholarships/loans/work-study. Over 240 public and independent California colleges universities. Includes Action Plans, Checklists and Worksheets.