Planning for Your Future
One of the most important things you can do your sophomore year is research your options about your future. Below you will find some great resources on 4-year colleges as well as vocational schools and community colleges like Cabrillo.
4-Year College Universities in California
There are three primary types of 4-year colleges or universities in California, each of which has different admission requirements, levels of difficulty in being accepted, costs, and programs.
1. Private or Independent Universities
There is a wide range of different types of private colleges. Some include the most prestigious schools in the country like Stanford, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and University of Southern California. Others are not nearly as competitive to get into.
So what are the major differences between private or independent universities and the CSU and UC's?
So what are the major differences between private or independent universities and the CSU and UC's?
While private colleges are more expensive than schools in the CSU or UC system, most have significant financial aid that can offset the cost of tuition so don't let that stop you from applying. Private colleges also tend to be smaller resulting in a much stronger tight knit community. Class sizes tend to be smaller too.
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Another major difference is that private colleges typically offer a smaller range of majors or have a particular academic focus. For example, some private colleges might emphasize engineering and computer science while others focus on the performing arts like dance and theater.
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3. The UC's
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Community Colleges
Community colleges like Cabrillo offer students the opportunity to attend two years earning credits towards a degree and then transfer to a 4-year university where you finish the rest of your course work. Community colleges also offer a variety of vocational programs that allow you to earn a two-year degree called an AA or Associate of Arts degree) you can use to enter the workforce.
Who Can Attend a Community College?
Anyone who has earned a high school diploma can attend a community college. There is an application process, but unlike 4-year universities, admission is not based on the classes you have taken and the grades you have earned. Keep in mind though that schools like Cabrillo are colleges. It is important you take rigorous academic coursework in high school and earn high grades so that you are prepared for the COLLEGE level coursework you are required to take (and pass with C's or higher) to earn a 2-year degree. There are also placement exams you need to pass to enroll in the higher level REQUIRED courses. Students who do not pass are required to take lower level coursework first. This means more classes, money and time for you as a student.
A Complete List of
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Local Community Colleges
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Cabrillo College Learning Communities
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Cabrillo College, like many other community colleges, has numerous specialized programs you can also enroll in. If you are thinking about Cabrillo, explore the different types of opportunities offered that will best fit your needs.
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Transferring from a Community College
to a 4-year institution
Before signing up for courses, meet with a community college counselor to create a plan or contract to ensure the classes you take will count towards your transfer.
- If you know you want to transfer to a CSU, consider an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT).
- If you know you want to transfer to a UC, look into the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program.
Vocational Programs, Technical Institutes and Trade Schools
There are numerous careers in a wide range of fields that do not require a 4-year college degree but instead, training through a vocational program, technical institute or trade school. Find out about the different career opportunities, wages, locations of these schools, and more.