Hearing that you have been accepted into college is a momentous occasion for all, so imagine getting accepted before even hitting the “submit” button. This is the revolutionary idea behind California’s new CSU Direct Admissions Program, which is designed to automatically admit eligible high school seniors based on their grades and completed A-G courses.

Aiming to both simplify the college admissions process and expand access to higher education for millions of students across the state, the program will be implemented in the 2026-27 school year, including for those currently at Granite Bay High School. Students, parents, and counselors navigating these changes will now be able to expect to reshape their college planning to meet this transition.

By opening doors for students who are often underrepresented in the search for further education, offering early admissions and removing application barriers will provide more opportunities for students who maybe have not considered college before—and now they can.

College applications are often very pricey, with UCs costing $80 and CSUs costing $70. This can make deciding on where to apply very limited for some students, which is exactly what the bill is created to change.

“I know that the bill is going to help a lot of families that aren’t in a high economic status and it’s going to help them go to colleges without all the fees and the hurdles of applications,” Marek Benes, a junior at GBHS, said.

Many students and their families find themselves worrying about paying for college, often looking into financial aid with the federal student loan system and Cal Grants in California during applications.

“I’m probably most worried about not being able to afford it,” Dhaksha Alagesan, a junior at GBHS, said. “I think working hard on an application, working hard throughout high school, and then just realizing, ‘Oh, this is not going to be a possibility simply because I can’t afford it,’ is a really tough thing—especially given that college is getting so expensive.”

Those who meet the minimum CSU requirements, such as a minimum 2.5 GPA and the completion of A-G courses, will now be automatically admitted into certain colleges within the CSU system. More people are being provided opportunities, often reaching students who may not have otherwise applied.

“[The bill] is trying to make sure that our CSU system is being used and it’s trying to get more people an education. I think the benefits from that are going to be a more educated society,” Alagesan said.

Since college is the focus for a majority of students at GBHS, and an expectation for most in this community, getting support in any way they can is greatly helpful during the application process.

“We have a very high percentage of students that attend a four year college out of high school,” Jeff Dietrich, assistant principal at GBHS, said. “It will be important to make sure we look at the different groups on campus that may not be accessing a four year and inform them of this bill and how it might help them.”

With education becoming more attainable, many students feel as though direct admissions will only improve their futures and their perspectives on learning.

“I think that the more educated a group is, the more good decisions they make. You can only make a decision based on what you know, so the more knowledge you have, the more decision making skills you have,” Alagesan said.

The bill was proposed to ensure access to higher education by reducing application limits for students and increasing the enrollment at CSU campuses, especially at those with lower enrollment in past years. Due to some CSUs already battling higher enrollment, some

of them will not be participating in the bill. Among those are San Jose State, San Diego State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Long Beach.

With Governor Gavin Newsom signing Senate Bill 640 into effect on Oct. 6, he set the stage for lawmakers to have a more active role in shaping and influencing the next generation of students in California, beginning with the class of 2027.

“I think it’s good that the government is working in the right way. It’s good to have funding, help and support,” Benes said.

Many are now recognizing this change, with lawmakers introducing this academic turning point within the education system, strengthening the bond between legislators and students.

“I think this is a good example of a bill where lawmakers are putting themselves in the shoes of their constituents and being very actionable. It is a very tangible change that will bring a lot of positive effects for students,” Alagesan said.

The Roseville Joint Union High School District and its administrators will also feel the impact of a legislative role in education, as they will be able to work with students in reaching their goals, now with the help of the CSU direct admissions program.

“Our district helps guide us in that relationship between state legislation and local school sites,” Dietrich said. “We rely on our directors and the education services department to help guide us through those changes.”

While the policy is currently on trial as a pilot program in certain districts, it will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, meaning the seniors of 2027 will become the first class to be eligible for this new project.

Although RJUHSD has yet to speak about the upcoming changes that may occur with the introduction of this policy, students can be sure to receive support from the district and each school’s individual college and career centers.

“Our role in preparing our families and our students for policy changes is to be informed and have a good plan to market and make sure people are understanding and are aware of the pathways that are available here,” Dietrich said.

Some people prioritize prestige in their college search, but having a few backup schools as a safety measure just in case is also another use of the direct admissions program. This system allows students to focus on their applications for their target schools and still have a new array of colleges to choose from that they didn’t spend tedious time applying to, while also expanding options for others.

“You still want to set yourself up for being eligible and having a good, competitive resume for your college applications,” said Dietrich. “I think this pathway will open doors and make things hopefully more accessible for all to enter the state university system. We just need to work together and find the right pathway for each student.”