Good Common App schools in California?

Hey all! I'm looking into applying to some colleges in California using the Common App, but I'm kind of overwhelmed by the choices. Could you guys recommend some good options offering a variety of majors? Looking for both public and private institutions. Thanks!

Hey there! It's great that you're exploring colleges in California. There are indeed numerous options available, but I'll try to give you a few notable public and private institutions that accept the Common App to help narrow down your search.

For private institutions, some popular options in California are:

1. Stanford University - A highly prestigious institution offering a wide range of majors and renowned for its academics, research, and campus facilities.

2. University of Southern California (USC) - Located in Los Angeles, USC offers a broad selection of majors, along with strong athletics programs and vibrant on-campus life.

3. Claremont Colleges (Pomona, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Scripps, and Pitzer) - These five liberal arts colleges share resources and allow students to cross-register for classes. They each have their own distinct strengths and emphases, giving you a variety of options.

4. Pepperdine University - A private Christian university situated in scenic Malibu, providing a range of majors in liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional programs.

5. Loyola Marymount University (LMU) - Located in Los Angeles, LMU focuses on Jesuit and Marymount traditions with a strong liberal arts foundation and numerous majors.

For public institutions, keep in mind that the University of California (UC) system and California State Universities (CSU) do not use the Common App. However, you can still find good public options that accept the Common App:

1. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) - Caltech is a highly reputed research institution in Pasadena, specialized in science and engineering programs.

2. San Francisco State University (SFSU) - Part of the CSU system but accepts the Common App, SFSU offers a diverse array of majors in the heart of San Francisco.

When exploring colleges, consider factors such as location, student population, campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, and financial aid policies. Make sure to research each institution's specific strengths to find the best fit for your academic interests and career aspirations. Good luck with your college search!