California State University:

The California State University system selects from the top 33% of high school graduates and offers numerous undergraduate degree programs. There are 23 CSU campuses state wide for students to select from ranging in size, setting and geographic location.

Explore the Cal State System

20-21 CSU Updates - how to apply 

CSU Virtual Tours

CSU Preparation and Placement Presentation (October 2020)

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 higher is required for each course you use to meet any subject requirement.

Area A : History and Social Science

2 Years required:
1 year U.S. History or 1 semester of U.S. History & 1 semester Civics(U.S. Government)
1 year World History, World Cultures & or Geography

Area B: English

4 Years Required:
College preparatory English that includes frequent & regular writing and reading of classic and modern literature

Area C : Mathematics

3 Years Required
Algebra I, Geometry, & Intermediate Algebra (Alg. II) that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced Algebra; Two and Three Dimensional Geometry.

2 Years Required,
1 Biological Science and 1 Physical Science

2 Years Required of the same language other than English
Waiver of "Language Other Than English" Requirement: If you can demonstrate competency in a language other than English that is equivalent or higher than that expected of students who have completed two years of language other than English study, you may be allowed a waiver to the foreign language requirement. Contact specific CSU campus of interest to which you are applying for more information about obtaining a waiver.

1 Year Required
Courses in this area consist of instruction in Dance, Drama/Theater, Music, and Visual Art
Courses should enable students to understand and appreciate artistic expression and where appropriate, speak and write with discrimination about the artistic materials studied.
Courses devoted to artistic performance and developing creative artistic ability should have prerequisites: 1 year of introductory course work or experience approved by the instructor. They should also assume proficiency beyond the introductory level.
Courses on average, the equivalent of a five period class per week.
Work outside of class must be required: For example, portfolio/performance preparation, reading, writing or critical listening/viewing.
Dance courses offered for P.E. credit or under any other departmental arrangement are acceptable if their content satisfies the above criteria. Courses that are primarily for recreation, athletics or body conditioning are not acceptable as Visual & Performing Arts Electives

 

 Admissions

The grades you earn in high school are the most important factor in CSU admission decisions. Your high school grade point average is calculated using your grades in all your college prep a-g classes completed after 9th grade.

Test scores are required unless you have a grade point average above 3.0 and are a resident of California. The CSU uses a calculation called an eligibility index that combines your high school grade point average with the score you earn on either the SAT or ACT tests. Even if you have a GPA above 3.0, it is useful to take either an SAT or ACT as the score may indicate if you do not need to take English and math placement tests after you are admitted and before you enroll at the CSU. The eligibility index for out-of-state students is higher and admission requirements for international students are somewhat different.

If you have your high school GPA and the results of your SAT or ACT test, then you can calculate your eligibility index. From there you can quickly see whether you meet the minimum admission standards. Remember, some campuses have higher standards for particular majors or those students who live outside the local campus area.

Which Test Should I Take?

California State University campuses use either the ACT or the SAT in the calculation of your eligibility index. The fact that you can submit either test may surprise you since you may have only heard about one test or the other.

We cannot easily advise you about which test to take, but here are some differences between the ACT and SAT. Talk with your high school counselor to determine which test would be a better measure of your strengths.