First-Time Freshman Admissions Criteria
Application Periods
To view application periods, visit Admissions Calendars.
Eligibility Requirements
First-Time Freshmen must:
-->Be a high school graduate or equivalent
-->Have completed, with grades of C or better, each of the courses in the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory subject requirements
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 3 years. Algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra
- Social Science/History: 2 years, including 1 year U.S. history or U.S. history and government
- Science: 2 years. 1 biological and 1 physical with both labs.
- Foreign Language: 2 years in the same language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence)
- Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year. Art, dance, drama/theater, or music
- Electives: 1 year. Selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science/history, science, foreign language, visual and performing arts, and agriculture
-->Earn a qualifiable eligibility index
The eligibility index is a weighted combination of high school grade point average during the final three years of high school and a score on either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). All grades earned in a-g courses taken in 10th through 12th grades are used to calculate the grade point average (GPA).
- For California residents a minimum index of 2900 using the SAT or 694 using the ACT is required. See resident eligibility index table.
- For nonresident a minimum index of 3502 using the SAT or 842 using the ACT is required. See non-resident eligibility index table.
The eligibility index is calculated by using either the SAT or ACT as follows:
- SAT (scores in mathematics and critical reading) + (800 x high school grade point average)
- (10 x ACT composite score with out the writing score) + (200 x high school grade point average)
How to Apply
Submit an online application through CSU Mentor
Two steps will simplify the admissions process. You should:
- gather the proper information (grades, test scores, transcripts), and
- submit them within the initial application period.
For additional information and planning, go to CSU Mentor and select Plan for College.