Application Process

Step 1) Learn About the Program

Please view the scheduled dates for our Informational Sessions and sign up for one on our webpage. 

Please note: CLP will begin to accept transfer students beginning Fall 2026.

Step 2) Apply to CAL STATE EAST BAY

For more information on how to apply to Cal State East Bay, please see the Prospective Student Services and the Office of Admissions websites. If you have questions about a special admissions process, please contact Accessibility Services.

Students typically apply to Cal State East Bay in October of their Senior Year of High School.

Step 3) Apply to the College Link Program

Students usually receive offers of acceptance to Cal State East Bay between November and April 1st. If you are denied acceptance to Cal State East Bay but plan to appeal that decision, you may still apply to CLP. Please do not apply to CLP until you've recieved an offer of acceptance, or plan to appeal a denial, to the university.

To apply to CLP, please complete the Welcome Meeting Request form with Accessibility Services.

If you are a prospective, or incoming student, you can find this form in the Future Pioneers Portal. Please note: Depending on where you are in the application process, the Accessibility Services section may be located at the top or middle of this page.

If you are currently enrolled, you can find this form in MyCompass under the AS Portal tab.

When completing the CLP application, be prepared to provide one or both of the following documents:

  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  • Assessment related to Autism Diagnoses (Ex: Psychology Evaluation, Speech and Language Evaluation, etc.)

*You may also include, but are not required to, a referral letter from your high school or community college teacher(s) or school counselor(s).

CLP Applications for 2027- 2028 school year will open November 1st.

Step 4) CLP Interview Process

After reviewing your application, CLP will contact you to schedule an interview. The purpose of the interview is for CLP to get to know the applicant better and for the applicant to have a full understanding of CLP and the expectations in place for participating students.

  • The interview will take place on the Hayward campus.
  • Please be prepared to allocate three (3) hours for the interview. It is expected that at least one guardian is present as part of the interview process.
  • Please note interviews are typically held at the begining of April.
  • We strive to notify applicants of their acceptance by May 1st.