California State University (CSU)

Some CSU's are still accepting applications! If you missed the November 30th deadline, some campuses are taking late applications. Go to CSU Mentor to apply.

There are 23 CSU campuses in California. CSU schools are 4-year universities that offer degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels.  They have programs offering professional degrees in areas such as education and engineering.  Visit the CSU Website.

Explore majors offered at the 23 CSU campuses.

Admission requirements include successful completion of the A-G Requirements with a C or better in all classes, the SAT Reasoning (Critical Reading and Math) or the ACT, and at least a 2.0 GPA.

For students with a 2.0-2.99, GPA, see the CSU Eligibility Index.  Please note that some CSU schools, such as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Pomona, San Diego State University, CSU Fullerton, & CSU Long Beach require higher GPA's and SAT/ACT scores to be admitted.

The CSU Application for Fall admission is due November 30th.

A-G Requirements

(A)  2 Years of Social Studies (World History, U.S. History, Government)

(B)  4 Years of English

(C)  3 Years of Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)

(D)  2 Years of Lab Science (Biology, Chemistry)

(E)  2 Years of Foreign Language

(F)  1 Year of Visual/Performing Art

(G)  1 Year of Electives from any category (A-F)

Please Note:  Competitive CSU's recommend and/or require that students complete above and beyond the minimum requirements.

It's important to start planning for college early!  To begin keeping track of the A-G requirements as they are completed, students can go to www.csumentor.edu or  www.californiacolleges.edu.

CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP)

The CSU uses a portion of the 11th Grade California STAR Test to determine if students are prepared for college level math and English through the Early Assessment Program (EAP). The score is listed on the back, lower left corner of the STAR test results.  Those who are eligible to take college level math and English through EAP do not have to take any placement tests upon acceptance to any CSU.  The EAP results are not considered for admission to any CSU.

Students can view their EAP Results Online.

Learn more about the the EPT.  Other ways of meeting the English Placement Test (EPT) Requirement:

• SAT I -- 550 or higher on the Critical Reading Section
• ACT -- 24 or higher on the English Test
• AP Test -- 3 or higher on AP Language & Composition or Literature & Composition

Learn more about the ELM.  Other ways of meeting the Entry Level Math (ELM) Requirement:

• SAT I -- 550 or higher on the Mathematics Section
• ACT -- 23 or higher on the Math Test
• AP Test -- 3 or higher on the AP Calculus or AP Statistics test

CSU Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

All California State University campuses (except Cal Maritime) have EOP Programs in which students who are considered educationally disadvantaged have access to services to help them succeed in college.  Services include:

• Assistance with the admissions and financial aid application process
• Full-service academic and personal support program
• Free tutorial services
• Summer Bridge Program
• Career guidance

Through EOP, CSU admission opportunities become available for students who may not have met all the requirements (A-G Requirements and/or the SAT/ACT Eligibility Index) for regular admission to a CSU. 

For more information about the CSU EOP program, view the CSU Educational Opportunity Program Information and Application Forms Booklet.  To apply, students can fill out the CSU EOP Application Online in addition to the regular CSU application.

Applying to a CSU

CSU applications are available online beginning October 1st; the CSU application filing dates are October 1st - November 30th.

Students who already have an account on www.csumentor.edu can transfer their information into their application.

Seniors must take the SAT/ACT no later than December 2009

UC's and CSU's will not accept any SAT/ACT tests taken any later than December 2009.  Students planning to apply to UC schools must also take 2 SAT Subject Tests in 2 different disciplines.  Taking the SAT Reasoning and 2 SAT Subject Tests requires 2 separate testing dates, so plan ahead!

Application Fee Waivers

Students applying to UC or CSU do not need to fill out a fee waiver form.  They can do this directly on the application when it is completed on line.