Learn about the 23 CSU options and their requirements, as well as the application process and Educational Opportunity Program.
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Application Deadline: October 1st- November 30th
Minimum Admission Requirements
- 2.0 GPA
- ACT or SAT
- C or better in all A-G Courses
HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
The CSU requires a minimum 15-unit pattern of courses for admission as a first-time freshman. Each unit is equal to a year of study in a subject area. A grade of C or better is required for each course you use to meet any subject requirement.
| Area | Subject | Years |
|---|---|---|
| a. | History and Social Science (including 1 year of U.S. history or 1 semester of U.S. history and 1 semester of civics or American government AND 1 year of social science) | 2 |
| b. | English (4 years of college preparatory English composition and literature) | 4 |
| c. | Math (4 years recommended) including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or higher mathematics (take one each year) | 3 |
| d. | Laboratory Science (including 1 biological science and 1 physical science) | 2 |
| e. | Language Other than English (2 years of the same language; American Sign Language is applicable – See below about a possible waiver of this requirement) | 2 |
| f. | Visual and Performing Arts (dance, drama or theater, music, or visual art) | 1 |
| g. | College Preparatory Elective (additional year chosen from theUniversity of California “a-g” list) | 1 |
| Total Required Courses | 15 | |
There are career and technical education (CTE) courses that can be used to meet any of the subject area requirements listed above. Please refer to https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist#/list/search/all for the entire listing of approved courses.
WAIVER OF “LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH” REQUIREMENT
If you can demonstrate competency in a language other than English that is equivalent to or higher than that expected of students who have completed two years of language other than English study, you may be allowed a waiver for this language requirement. For further information, contact the CSU campuses to which you are applying.
HOW TO MAKE UP MISSING COURSES
If you didn’t take all the required high school courses or earned D grades in some of them, you have several options to make up these courses and qualify for CSU admission. You can complete appropriate high school courses with a grade of C or better either in summer school or in adult school. Courses in this category must be those found on the high school or adult school UC “a-g” course lists. Some adult schools may not have a-g course lists.
You may also complete college courses with a grade of C or better in the missing subject areas. Finally, you can earn an acceptable score on examinations such as the SAT subject examinations, Advanced Placement examinations, or International Baccalaureate examinations.
If you are unable or do not choose to make up your subject deficiency, you may earn at least 60 units, including 30 semester units of general education from a California Community College or other college and transfer as an upper-division transfer student, where only your college performance is considered for admission.
SUBJECT REQUIREMENT SUBSTITUTION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
All freshman applicants are encouraged to complete 15 units of college preparatory subjects. If you are otherwise qualified, but unable to complete certain subjects because of your disability, you should contact the director of Services to Students with Disabilities at the CSU campus you wish to attend to receive further information.
Pay special attention to the CSU Eligibility index. This shows you what test scores and GPA you need to be eligible. (link to index on this page- https://secure.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/eligibility_index.asp)
Where Should I Apply?
Apply smartly, by applying broadly. You should be applying to a range of schools. There are a few things you should consider…
-Applications are typically $55. Most of our students qualify for a fee waiver which gives you 4 FREE APPLICATIONS. The fee waiver is applied for as part of the application.
-You should apply to a range of schools of varying levels
“safety” schools (maybe some sort of graphic for these?) – schools you feel confident
you will be accepted to
“target” schools – middle range schools for which you meet the requirements. You
should be fairly confident about your chances of getting in
“reach” schools- highly competitive schools that are often difficult for anyone to get into,
but you might just have a shot. Maybe you fall short in one area but exceed other
requirements
-Consider which schools are impacted, and therefore harder to get into as well as if your specific major is impacted at a campus. (see csu worksheet)
-Consider which schools are not impacted, and therefore easier to get into. Also consider which schools offer our students local priority (see csu worksheet)