Ive seen that most Cal states don’t have essays in addition to the application, but Im still a little confused about the process. After applying on Calstate Apply, is there also a personal statement question that I can answer to give more insight about me? If not, how do people with a low GPA get into here if some challenges and accomplishments can’t be explained through an essay?
Your posting history indicates that you have a hearing loss and a cochlear implant, correct?
Your first point of contact, to any of these universities should be to their Offices with Student disability services. They will guide you on your application and how to apply through their services.
You have to establish yourself with them, so that they advocate for you to the university. Which means that you will be providing some of your health history to them, and things like your audiogram and surgery history. They know that your GPA might be low because of physical issues out of your control. Establish your file there. They can help to answer your questions.
Good luck!
Great advice from @auntbea - one thing to add, be sure to get an assessment from them about your odds for admission - they will be straight with you. It is a pretty selective school (admission around 35%) and, by charter they need to prefer local applicants - so it may not work out. Don’t know your stats but, apply broadly, includes some of the less selective CSUs. - with all of the gap years and change in ACT/SAT, this year is going to be very unpredictable.
Good luck