Mountainside Middle College High School - Private and out-of-state

Looking at colleges beyond the UC and CSU systems? Private and out-of-state schools can be a great fit, and many offer generous financial aid. This page explains how their applications work, what the different application plans mean, and what to plan ahead for, like recommendation letters and the CSS Profile. Students and families are welcome here. If anything is unclear, I'm happy to help you figure out your next steps.

KEY DATES

Typical Fall 2027 Application Dates

Oct 1

FAFSA, Dream Act, and CSS Profile open

Nov 1 & 15

Most Early Decision and Early Action deadlines

Mid-December

Most early decisions are released

Jan 1 – 15

Most Regular Decision deadlines

March 2

Cal Grant priority deadline (applies to CA private colleges too)

May 1

National College Decision Day

Every college sets its own deadlines, and Regular Decision results usually arrive in late March or April. Please ask me and your teachers for letters of recommendation at least 3–4 weeks before your first deadline.

Search Colleges on Common App

IN PLAIN LANGUAGE

Good to Know

Most schools use the Common App

One application works for over 1,000 colleges. You'll write one personal essay of up to 650 words, and many schools add their own short supplemental essays. Application fees vary by school. If you qualify for a fee waiver, I can approve it for you in the Common App.

Plan ahead for transcripts and letters

Unlike UC and CSU, most private and out-of-state schools ask for your official transcript, a recommendation and school report from me, and often one or two teacher letters. Many also want your Folsom Lake College transcript. Add me to your Common App and ask for letters at least 3–4 weeks before your deadline.

Know your application plan

Many schools let you choose when and how to apply:

Early Decision (ED): Binding. If you're admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw your other applications. You can apply ED to only one school.

Early Action (EA): Not binding. You apply early and hear back sooner, but you still have until May 1 to decide.

Restrictive Early Action (REA): Not binding, but it limits where else you can apply early. Check each school's rules.

Regular Decision (RD): Not binding. This is the standard timeline, and it lets you compare every offer before you decide.

Thinking about Early Decision? Because ED is binding, you won't be able to compare financial aid offers. Talk with your family about cost first, and come see me before you apply. I also need to sign your ED agreement.

Testing policies vary

UC and CSU don't use SAT or ACT scores, but some private and out-of-state schools do. Some require scores, many are test-optional, and a few are test-blind. Check each school's policy early so you have time to test if you need to.

Don't let the sticker price scare you

Many private colleges offer generous financial aid, so what you actually pay can be far less than the listed price. Try each school's Net Price Calculator for an estimate. Many private schools also require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA or Dream Act Application. Your Cal Grant can be used at California private colleges too.

HELPFUL TOOLS

Private & Out-of-State Resources

Common App

Start your application and explore over 1,000 colleges that accept it.

Go to Common App

CSS Profile

The financial aid form many private colleges require in addition to the FAFSA.

Start the CSS Profile

Western Undergraduate Exchange

Reduced out-of-state tuition at participating colleges in western states.

Explore WUE

College Scorecard