CSU enrollment to end soon

Amid an unprecedented rise in submissions, the California State University will conclude its priority application period on Nov. 30. As of Monday, CSUMentor.edu, the university system's admissions portal, has received 391,151 applications-30 percent more than the start of the final week of the priority period last year.

As a result of the rising demand for a CSU education-combined with a drastic reduction in state funding-at least 14 campuses will stop accepting fall 2010 first-time freshmen applications on Nov. 30. 

Additional CSU campuses may end their application period any time after Nov. 30. CSU officials are reminding all prospective students to apply early, have a backup plan, and consider applying to their local Cal State campus.

Many of the patterns seen throughout this year's application period are continuing. Applications among upper division transfer students (at 120,825) are nearly double last year's totals. Similarly, first-time freshmen applications (at 268,570) are holding a strong gain of 14 percent from the prior year.

The "apply early" message is resonating with communities throughout California. As of Nov. 18, applications from Asian American, Latino and Native American prospective students rose by more than 40 percent from the prior year. Applications from African American prospective students rose by 35 percent.

The final week of the fall priority application period is often the busiest time of the year for CSUMentor.edu, the site which allows prospective students to explore the 23 CSU campuses, research financial aid and submit applications.

With the coming holiday, it is especially important for students to be aware of help resources available. Some campus admission offices will be open Monday, Nov. 23, through Wednesday, Nov. 25. All campuses will close Thursday, Nov. 26 and 27, most reopening Monday, Nov. 30.

Technical assistance for CSUMentor.edu will be provided throughout the week by the help desk at (800) 468-6927 or support@CSUMentor.edu. Help is available in English and Spanish. Holiday hours for the help desk/line on CSUMentor are: