Cal State Admissions

With 23 campuses and nearly 450,000 students, Cal State Universities offer one of the largest and most affordable university systems in the country. For those high school sophomores and juniors who are beginning to think about college applications, the following gives a general overview of what these schools look for in applicants. Admission offices at the 23 campuses use three factors to determine eligibility.

Eligibility

Eligibility is determined by a combination of factors, including the receipt of a high school diploma, specific high school courses, and grades in specific courses and test scores.

CSU requires a minimum 15-unit pattern of courses (called a-g courses). Each unit is equal to one year of study in a subject. Applicants must receive a grade of C or higher for each course used to meet the subject requirement.

The a-g Courses

History and Social Science - 2 Years, English - 4 Years, Math - 3-4 Years (4 recommended), Laboratory Science - 2 Years (1 biological, 1 physical), Language Other than English - 2 Years, Visual and Performing Arts - 1 Year, College Preparatory Elective - 1 Year

The GPA

Student GPAs are calculated using grades in all a-g classes completed starting in 10th grade.

SAT and ACT Test Results

Cal State will accept either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT.

The SAT Reasoning Test (or SAT-1) consists of three sections: Critical Thinking, Math, and Writing. Scores from Critical Thinking and Math are added and used for admission to the CSU. Scores from the Writing section will not be used for admission purposes to the CSU for the 2008-09 admissions cycles.

The ACT test covers four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The sum of the scores for the English, math, reading, and science scores is the sum score for the ACT that is used for admission to the CSU. The ACT also offers an optional Writing Test. The CSU does not require the score from the Writing Test for admission purposes.

The Cal State Eligibility Index

The eligibility index combines high school grade point average with scores on either the SAT or ACT tests. Test scores are required for those with a grade point average below 3.0 or who are not California residents. However, even those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher may want to take either an SAT or ACT test because the score may exempt students from taking English and math placement tests before enrolling. Please note that some CSU campuses have higher standards for particular majors and a few campuses with large number of applicants may have supplementary admission criteria.

Cal State Admissions Website

For more information about Cal State admissions, including a High School Planner to help students plan and track progress in meeting CSU subject requirements, go to their website: www.csumentor.edu.

More questions? Need Help with College Applications? We can help!

Call us at:
408-876-0577 in Santa Clara County.
415-307-8017 in San Mateo and Marin Counties and San Francisco.
510-868-2620 in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.

You can also send us an mail.

Read more about our Free Tutoring Consultation