How Do I Apply?

Step 1. Complete application on Cal State Apply and indicate your interest in EOP.

For priority consideration, you must submit your EOP application by December 15, 2026.

Step 2. Review  EOP Application

Complete and submit the EOP application by the deadline. If you chose, complete later, you must go back and submit it.

Step 3. Submit EOP Recommendation Forms

Once you add in your EOP Recommenders names and email addresses into the EOP application and submit the Cal State Apply application, they will be emailed with a request to complete the recommendation by the deadline. It is your responsibility to ensure that two recommendations are submitted by the deadline. You can check the status of the recommendations on your Cal State Apply application by using the Check Status tab.

Step 4. Submit partial transcripts

Partial transcripts are required by the EOP program to check final grades from the fall term before making or finalizing admission decisions. Freshmen EOP applicants may submit unofficial partial transcripts and Transfer EOP applicants must submit official partial transcripts only. 

Step 5. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application

Your gateway to accessing this financial aid is applying through either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA), depending on your eligibility. 

Visit FAFSA

Visit CADAA

Step 6. File a certified grade-point-average (GPA) form with the California Student Aid Commission for Cal Grants.

The Cal Grant GPA Verification Form is used to report your high school GPA to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) only if your school has not submitted your GPA and cannot do so electronically. Renewal Cal Grant Recipients do not need to submit this form.

Step 7. Submit official final transcripts

All campuses require submission of a final high school transcript showing date of graduation. In the absence of final high school transcripts, which indicate the date of graduation, offers of admission, schedules of classes, financial aid awards, and/or housing contracts may be subject to cancellation.