Private and Out of State Colleges

Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities

AICCU is comprised of 78 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, which make up the Independent California Colleges and Universities (ICCU) sector. AICCU institutions are located throughout the state with 25 main campuses located in Northern California and 53 main campuses located in Southern California.  

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

WUE (pronounced “woo-wee”) is the Western Undergraduate Exchange, and it is coordinated by WICHE. WUE is a regional tuition-reciprocity agreement that enables students from WICHE states to enroll in more than 150 participating two- and four-year public institutions at 150 percent of the enrolling institution’s resident tuition. WUE is the largest program of its kind in the nation, and has been in operation since 1987! WUE is not a short term exchange—it is meant to be used for a full degree.

Minimum Requirements

The CSU/UC "A-G" requirements are a good baseline for most other states (must have a “C” or better).
A. History/Social Science, 2 years required
B. English, 4 years required
C. Mathematics, 3 years required
D. Laboratory Science, 2 years required
E. Language other than English, 2 years required
F. Visual and Performing Arts, 1 year required
G. College Preparatory Elective, 1 year required

SAT and/or ACT

You should begin taking these exams in the spring of your junior year. All testing must be concluded by November of your senior year.

• SAT                     SAT Dates and Registration Deadlines                     SAT Subject Test Dates

• ACT

• SAT-ACT Score Comparison Chart

• Which test should I take?  SAT or ACT

Application Process

Most California privates and out of state colleges use the Common App process for applications. Check with each school’s website as to their application process.

Letters of Recommendations

Some colleges and scholarships ask for two or three recommendation letters from people who know you well. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments and personality.

After You Have Been Accepted

All admission decisions are conditional on the successful completion of your senior year. Colleges may rescind admission to students who earn low grades in college preparatory classes during their senior year. Make sure you arrange to have your final transcript sent to the university you have chosen.