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Applying to a Cal-State School? Here’s What You Need to Know About the CSU System/Process

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Even among large state university systems in the U.S., the California State University system (referred to as Cal State or CSU, although there are other CSUs in the U.S.) is a behemoth. With a population of over half a million students, staff, and faculty members across its roughly two dozen branches, it plays a huge role in educating the state of California, and also attracts students from outside the state.

If you’re used to thinking of colleges as distinct, singular entities, you may find the mechanics of applying to a large state college system like Cal State to be somewhat confusing. If you’re from outside of California, you may also have questions about how your residency affects your application requirements and chance of being accepted.

Never fear, CollegeVine is here! In this post, you’ll find an outline of the Cal State system of colleges, their application processes and requirements, and the factors you’ll need to consider if you’re thinking about applying. Read on for our advice on making wise choices about the Cal State system.

A Brief Introduction to the Cal State System

The Cal State system as it operates today was created by the California Master Plan for Education of 1960 , but the colleges it consists of have existed for much longer under various names and groupings. Originally intended primarily to educate teachers, these colleges now offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in a full range of fields.

Today, the Cal State system consists of 23 distinct campuses, some of which maintain additional “off-campus” branches that extend their reach to a larger number of students. You can find a full list of these campuses and detailed information on each campus on the Cal State website. Cal State also owns a number of other research and laboratory facilities throughout the state, including an observatory and a ship for training future mariners.

Like most state colleges, the Cal State schools were originally created to serve residents of that state. California residents still enjoy preferential treatment in admissions and a lower in-state tuition rate at the Cal State schools. However, students from other states and even other countries are also eligible to apply.

Currently, nearly 479,000 students attend Cal State each year, and the system lays claim to the title of largest (by population) 4-year state college system in the nation. It’s responsible for half the bachelor’s degrees awarded in California every year, and it awards more bachelor’s degrees each year than any other university system in the U.S.

It’s important to keep in mind that the California State University system is not the same as the University of California (UC) system. Both are systems of public universities in California, but each has its own policies, campus choices, and admissions procedures, and the UC schools are generally more selective and more expensive. To learn more about the UC system and its application requirements, visit the CollegeVine blog post How to Write the University of California Essay Prompts 2017-2018.

Applying to the Cal State System

To be eligible for admission to any of the Cal State schools, you must have successfully completed certain college preparatory courses while you were in high school. If you’ve completed these requirements, your high school GPA and your SAT or ACT scores are plugged into an established equation to produce the single number known as your Eligibility Index (EI).

Your EI is the main factor that determines admission to most of the Cal State schools and majors. Each school and major has its own EI cutoff for admission. This threshold may also depend upon where you live; students who come from the immediate area of the college and, more generally, the state of California receive preference in the form of lower EI cutoffs.

Applying to one or more schools in the Cal State system is different from applying to most other colleges in some significant ways. If you’re hoping to get admitted to a Cal State school, particularly one of the more popular campuses, you’ll need to follow the instructions carefully.

First of all, instead of the Common Application, Coalition Application, or another shared application system, the Cal State schools use their own application system, Cal State Apply. You must use this system to apply to any of the Cal State schools, and you can specify multiple Cal State schools on it if you’d like.

If you take a look at the Cal State admissions website , you’ll see that it lists a “priority application filing period” that lasts from October 1 to November 31 for admission in the next fall semester. The term “priority” is a bit of a misnomer here; at some of the more popular campuses, all the available first-year spaces may be taken during this time period.

In order to have the best possible chance at getting admitted to the Cal State college you’re interested in, you should always plan to submit your initial Cal State application during the priority application filing period. Some colleges in the system may continue to accept applications after November 31, space permitting, but this is not guaranteed.

In certain circumstances, you may have to provide additional information as part of your Cal State application. What this might require of you depends on the school and the situation. (We’ll discuss these circumstances in greater detail below.)

If you’re a first-year applicant (not a transfer applicant), you should not submit any additional documents with your initial application. After you submit your initial application, you’ll be contacted directly with instructions if and when more information becomes necessary. Don’t submit anything extra during the basic application process unless you’re specifically told to do so.

Impacted Campuses and Majors

One special piece of terminology that you’ll find used in the Cal State system is “impacted.” If a Cal State college, or a specific major at a Cal State college, is described as impacted, this means that demand for admission to this college or major exceeds the available space, making admission to this college or major much more competitive.

Whether a particular school or major is impacted can vary from year to year, but some campuses, like Cal State Fullerton , are already known to be impacted for the 2017-2018 application season. Impacted Cal State colleges generally require a higher EI for admission than the others, and impacted majors may require a higher EI than other majors at that college.

Impacted schools and majors may also base their admissions decision on additional information, requiring you to submit supplemental documents. Again, if these documents become necessary, the college will inform you and provide instructions for submission. Don’t submit any additional documents during the initial application process.

Admission for Non-California Residents

As we’ve mentioned, the Cal State system was established specifically to provide educational opportunities to students from California. For this reason, preference in admission is given to California residents, especially those living in the local area of a particular college, and to transfer students from the California community college system.

If you’re not from California, you’re still welcome to apply to the Cal State system. However, you should be aware that you’ll be subject to higher admissions standards. The EI threshold for out-of-state applicants is typically higher, meaning you’ll need higher grades and test scores to get in, and you may also need to submit supplemental documents if the college requests them.

As with most state universities and colleges, it’s also more expensive to attend schools in the Cal State system if you’re from out of state. California residents enjoy lower in-state tuition.

Choosing a Cal State Campus

With so many campus options scattered across the entire state of California, you might find it hard to decide which Cal State schools to apply to. While the schools in this system have a lot in common, and are run by the same chancellor and group of administrators, each campus also has a distinct character of its own.

Some of the Cal State schools are located in major cities like Los Angeles, while others are set in suburbs or small towns. Each school offers its own set of majors, and some of the schools are extra-specialized — Cal Maritime, for instance, is a small Cal State school that only offers a few majors related to maritime science.

Fortunately, the Cal State system’s website provides tools that you can use to help make this decision. Along with information on each college and the academic and other programs they offer, this website offers a Campus Match Tool that allows you to search among the 23 different Cal State schools by factors like size, location, and athletic offerings.

For more details about each campus, it’s a good idea to explore the individual websites of the Cal State colleges you’re interested in, and even to visit and speak to current students to get a more personal perspective. You can find links to each of the Cal State colleges on the Cal State website.  

When you submit your initial Cal State application through the Cal State Apply system, you’ll be instructed to specify your campus(es) of choice. If any of the Cal State colleges you choose requires additional information from you in order to make a decision, the individual school(s) will contact you directly and provide more instructions for what to submit and how.

Considering the Cal State system may be a little overwhelming due to its breadth, but within that wide variety of programs, you may very well find one that’s perfect for you. Especially given the early deadlines of the priority application period, if you think any of the Cal State colleges might be a good fit for your less, it’s worth getting to know their process, checking whether you meet their requirements, and putting in your research in advance.

Curious about your chances of acceptance to your dream school? Our free chancing engine takes into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and other data to predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!

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California State University, Sacramento

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First-year student admission process, applying to sacramento state as a first-year student.

Apply for the Fall 2024 semester beginning October 1 through May 1

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The deadline to submit the application fee waiver is January 8. Please email the completed Application Fee Waiver Form to: [email protected]

Application Fee Waiver Appeal Form

Requirements for First-Year Applicants

Students who have successfully completed the A-G curriculum outlined below and who have a qualifying A-G admission index will be considered for admission. The California State University (CSU) no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses. If accepted to a CSU campus, ACT or SAT test scores can be used as one of the measures to place students in the proper mathematics and written communication courses.

• Must be a high school graduate
• Have a qualifying Admission Index
• Complete the fifteen-unit comprehensive “A-G” course pattern of college preparatory subject requirements with grades of C or better.

CSU Requirements Guide

Admission Index

To calculate the admission index, we will use the formula: (A-G GPA) X (1,000) = Admission Index. Applicants in the following categories and students who meet the required Admission Index will be considered for admission.

Category 1 - California Applicants (2,500) Category 2 - Out-of-State Applicants (3,000)

Multi-Factor Admission Criteria

Students who do not meet the initial Admission Index may be considered based on additional factors if they have a minimum Admission Index of a 2,000 for category 1 and 2 students or 2,500 for Category 3 students. Students may be considered based on available space with the following additional factors:

• Completion of A-G courses beyond the minimum
• Low-income background
• First-generation college status
• Work experience
• Participation in college advocacy programs
• Extracurricular participation and leadership

Local Admission Area

A student who has graduated from a high school in one of the following counties is considered in our local admission area: Sacramento, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, San Joaquin, Sierra, Solano or Yolo County.

Before Applying To Sacramento State

All applicants must have all of the following items below:

• A copy of your unofficial transcripts ready before filling out the application. Students will be asked to enter all the courses that have been completed on the CSU application; those that are currently in progress; and any courses you plan to take. Transcripts will be requested by campuses as needed.
• Test scores (SAT, ACT, AP or IB), any updated test results, and any future test dates.
• Estimated number of hours spent per week at work, student activities and leadership activities.
• Applicant's Social Security number, if applicable
• Applicant's citizenship status. ( Citizenship status for the student or parents does not dismiss or qualify a student for admission to Sacramento State.)
• A method of payment (can be paid by credit card)
• The annual income of applicant's parents’ if they are a dependent; your income if you are independent
• Applicant’s parents’ employment background and two letters of recommendation (Note: This only applies if you’re applying to EOP)
• California statewide student ID (optional); every K-12 student in a California public school is assigned an ID number. The number should be printed on your transcript.

After You Have Applied for Admission

Once you have applied to Sacramento State, there are further actions you must take to ensure that you remain eligible for the university.

After Admission Decisions Are Made

• Accept/Decline your admission by completing your Intent to Enroll (ITE) through My Sac State Student Center as soon as you know you will be attending Sac State and no later than the deadline, June 1st. Note: Failure to complete your ITE by the deadline will result in your application being cancelled. Intent to Enroll (ITE) Guide Watch How to Submit Your Intent to Enroll
• Check your To-Do list on My Sac State Student Student Center
• Download your First-Year Student Admission Checklist
• Complete ALEKS PPL if required by your chosen major
• Complete Directed Self-Placement from March - June
• Course registration and academic advising take place during the mandatory New Student Orientation. Visit the New Student Orientation website for more details.
• Complete Smart Start prior to the Fall semester beginning, students will be notified June – July via email if Smart Start is required.
• Apply to Disability Access Center (DAC) if you need any special accommodations
• Submit the CSU immunization requirement
• Submit all required admission documents including final transcripts and official transcripts and official test scores (AP, IB, and CLEP) – Due by July 15 (Note: All admission decisions are considered “conditional” until final transcripts are received, reviewed, and certified)

Learn more about “Conditional Admission”

How To Deliver Official Transcripts

Electronic Transcripts Sacramento State accepts and prefers official electronic transcripts (e-transcripts) from other institutions. Official e-transcripts must be sent directly from your high school/college to our campus via email at [email protected] . (Faxes are not permitted) Mail official sealed hard copy transcripts Sacramento State Admissions & Outreach 6000 J Street MS 6048 Sacramento, CA 95819 Drop off official sealed hard copy transcripts Student Service Center Document Drop Box Lassen Hall, Outside Room #1000 Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

The Welcome Center Next to Parking Structure 5 Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm

Admission Appeal

If you have been notified that you were not admitted, please take a moment to review CSU admission requirements. Please submit an appeal within 15 days of the notice of non-admission .

Admission Appeal Process

Admission Deferment Request

An admitted student who has cleared all admission conditions and has submitted all official transcripts may request a deferment of their admissions one time per academic year. The request must be for extenuating circumstances. Students may not defer admissions to attend another college. After deferment has been approved, students may not change to a different term, even within an academic term. Deferred students must maintain admission eligibility and meet all applicable deadlines.

• The deadline for Fall admitted students to defer to the Spring term is August 15.
• The deadline for Spring admitted students to defer to the Fall term is January 15.

Deferment Request Form

Application Guide for First-Year

We have compiled this information to guide you through each section of the  Cal State Apply  application.  Within the application, you can also navigate to the blue question circle in the upper right corner for more detailed instructions.  Additional resources are also available directly through Cal State Apply.

Getting Started

Gather materials.

• Transcript(s) from all high schools and colleges (if applicable) that you've attended.
• 12th grade fall and spring course schedules to include in-progress and planned course work. Do not include planned summer courses. They will not be considered on your application.
• Do not send official transcripts unless we request them.

Browser Preferences

Use Google Chrome or Firefox to complete your application. Internet Explorer or Safari are not recommended for Cal State Apply. You must disable your pop-up blocker.

Creating Your Account

• Sign in or create an account. Please do not use a school-based email address under Contact Information .
• In Complete Your Profile , choose “First Bachelor’s Degree,” and then “graduating high school senior or equivalent.” Next, indicate whether or not you have college course work to enter. From there, complete the remaining questions and click Save.
• Scroll down to find "Cal Poly Undergraduate."
• Search for "Cal Poly" (do not search for "San Luis Obispo").
• Click on Filter and choose Cal Poly San Luis Obispo under the Campus selection. 

Program Selection

• All Cal Poly applicants must select a major. Undeclared is not an option for our campus.
• You will be evaluated against other first-year applicants applying to the same major.
• You may select an alternate major, but very few applicants are offered admissions based on their alternate major selection.

Review Your Program Selections

Review your answers, then click on Continue to my Application .

Personal Information

Complete all sections using your full legal name as it will appear on your test scores, transcripts and government issued documents.

Academic History

High schools attended.

• Students whose California based high school is listed with CaliforniaColleges.edu , can import their high school information and course work data directly into the Cal State Apply Application. You must first create an account and register with CaliforniaColleges.edu . Once you have an account, click the “Connect” button and follow the prompts.
• Once your accounts are connected, click “Import” to bring over your data. Once imported, you will receive a success message on the screen. It will be your responsibility to double-check all of the course work and ensure that all grades are entered, all A-G designations are assigned, and accurate course categories are applied.
• If you do not use CaliforniaColleges.edu, you will need to enter all high schools attended manually. 
• Enter any online or distance education providers, if applicable.
• If you were home-schooled, navigate to the Home School tab to enter your curriculum provider.
• Double-check your selection for the diploma Date Received/Expected question to make sure you selected the correct year.
• If your school operates on two different term types such as semester and trimester, enter the school twice under each term type. This will ensure that you get the proper credit for your course work.

Seventh and/or Eighth Grade Course Work

• You can only enter one year of credit per course, even in your middle school split the course into two years (ex., Algebra 1A in seventh and Algebra 1B in eighth). In this case, enter the course work in either the seventh or eighth grade section. 
• Don't enter your middle school as an additional school attended. Instead, choose it as the first high school attended in ninth grade for that academic year. 

Ninth through 11th Grade Course Work

• Remember to list your courses and grades as they appear on your high school transcript and make sure you select the correct course type. If you are not sure which A-G area your course falls under, you can look it up on the UC Doorways A-G course list . If you have taken AP, IB, or Honors courses, select the appropriate option from the dropdown menu of course type. For all other courses, select “None.”

12th Grade Course Work

• Enter all 12th grade course work as either “In Progress” or “Planned” to get credit for those semesters. Dropping Spring course work you report on your application could have an impact on your admissions status.

Failing Grades/Repeating Classes

• Enter all failing grades for courses unless you have successfully repeated the same exact course at the same institution and your transcript reflects this accordingly. In this scenario, you will only report the passing grade. If you are currently retaking a failed course with an in-progress or planned course, you must report the failing grade.

Summer Classes with Two Grades

• Did you take an A–G course over the Summer? Click on "Add Summer Courses" and enter your coursework. If you received one grade, enter that grade in Summer 1 and enter "No Course" in Summer 2. 

Schools with Trimester Systems

• If your school operates on a true trimester system where you receive three grades per course, select trimester as your term type. If your school operates on a trimester system where you only get two grades per course, you will select semester as your term type.

Elective Requirements

• If you do not have two semesters of Electives, you may fulfill the one year requirement by entering one semester of US Government and one semester of Economics (if 4 semesters of Social Science have already been completed). If you do not have US Government and Economics, you may report a course entitled “Elective Credit” with two grades of Pass. Please call our office directly if you have questions or concerns about meeting the area G requirement.

College Course Entry

• If you are using college classes toward your A-G Course work, make sure you add the college to your application. You should enter the course into the College Coursework page. Do not add a second grade if you only took one semester. The system will know to give you one year's worth of credit as long as you enter it properly and assign the appropriate A-G designation on the A-G matching tile.
• Non A-G college courses can be entered on the college coursework page. Do not enter the course on both the High School Coursework and College Coursework pages, as this is considered double-reporting.

Test Scores

• The California State University (CSU) system has permanently suspended the use of ACT/SAT tests in the admissions process. Standardized test scores will only be used for Math and English placement purposes, if you are admitted. 
• College Board institution codes for Cal Poly SLO: (ACT: 0188) (SAT: 4038) (AP: 4038).

Supporting Information

This section covers work experience and extra-curricular activities, as well as the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).

Your work experience can be paid or not. You may also enter internships or volunteer programs in this section. There is no area on the application to give details regarding these activities. It is simply quantified into hours per week, with an indication of leadership roles and major relatedness. Cal Poly reserves the right to request additional documentation to verify your responses if needed.

The EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) provides admission, academic and financial support services to historically underserved students throughout California. Applicants to the program need to fill out all four sections by the EOP Application Deadline. Non-EOP applicants will need to decline the option on the first tile and click on Save to continue. Learn more about EOP .

Program Materials

After selecting your program, followed by the Questions tab:

• Read and click on the Licensure or Credential Acknowledgment. 
• Select "First-Year (Graduating High School)" as Applicant Level.
• Respond to the questions and acknowledgements displayed.
• Save and continue.

You must pay the campus application fee at the time you submit, unless you qualify for an application fee waiver. The application will notify you automatically whether or not you qualify for a fee waiver at the time of submittal. The limit is four fee waivers for California State Universities. After you have used your four fee waivers, you must pay the campus application fee. If you do not currently own a credit card, the system will accept a pre-paid credit card.

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First-Time, First-Year Student Application Process

As an entering first-time, first-year student (freshman) to CSULB, you will need to complete the following steps to successfully apply to CSULB and start as a first-time, first-year student if accepted to the university.

Explore and Choose a Major 

First-time, first-year applicants may either select a specific major or apply as undeclared. Since the major you select will impact the way in which you are considered for admission, we suggest that you review the majors offered at CSULB paying careful attention to the courses required to earn a degree. Check out the  University Catalog  for this information. CSULB makes admissions decisions based on intended majors only.

Apply Online 

Applicants must apply during the CSU initial filing period (October 1 – November 30 for fall admission). Refer to current application deadlines  to see if CSULB is open to applications for a specific term and the deadline to apply. To apply to CSULB, visit  Cal State Apply . Once submitted, we will send you a notification by email to acknowledge receipt of your application. Students may only be considered for one application per academic term. 

CSULB makes admission decisions based on self-reported information from the application , so it is extremely important that coursework (including grades and test scores) are entered accurately and completely. Admitted students who intend to enroll at CSULB will be required to submit official transcripts in order to verify eligibility and high school graduation. Admission decisions may be withdrawn for students who misreport academic information or who have not met the terms of the admission offer.

Submit Test Scores

Students are NOT required to take the SAT and/or ACT for admission. If you have already taken the SAT and/or ACT, we request that your score results be sent directly to one CSU from the testing agency and all CSU’s will receive them. You can use your results for English and math placement. Test scores must be received on or before January 12. 

• For the SAT , use the CSULB institution code of 4389 
• For the ACT , use the CSULB institution code of 0302.

Submit Documents Only When Requested

If your application information is complete, we may have sufficient information to determine your eligibility for admission. Once we review your application, we will notify you by email with instructions and deadlines if we need any additional documents, including transcripts.  Please do not send your high school transcript prior to your graduation unless we request it.

Additional documents may be required in certain circumstances:

• For purposes of determining California residency, some students may be required to submit additional documents. For additional information regarding the establishment of California residency for educational purposes, refer to Residency .
• Veterans of the United States armed forces should submit discharge papers (Form DD 214). This should include descriptions of the types of training you received while in the service. Such training, in some cases, may count as credit transferable to CSULB. Veterans and active-duty military personnel also must be sure to include any military transcripts (for example, AARTS and SMART) displaying additional coursework that may be transferable to CSULB.

Check Your Application Status

How do i check my application status.

CSULB uses email as the official means of communication. Applicants are required to maintain a current email address on file with the university and to check their email regularly. You may update your email address or check the status of your application for admission at any time by visiting  applicant self-service . Offers of admission are normally made in March for fall admission. All offers of admission will be provisional and subject to verification based on official transcripts. Admission offers may be withdrawn if the GPA, completed courses, or course grades are lower than what is reported or if you miss any admission deadlines. Please be sure to report accurate information on your application!

What if I am not offered admission to CSULB?

In addition to applying to CSULB, we hope you have considered applying to other colleges so that you will have alternatives in the event that you are not admitted to CSULB. If you are interested in pursuing another CSU as your backup, it may be in your best interest to file a separate application with that campus during the initial filing period, as many campuses have early filing deadlines.

Accept Your Admission Offer

Do i need to respond to an acceptance notification.

Absolutely! In addition to submitting documents to verify the admission decision, newly admitted first-time, first-year students are required to accept their admission offer and pay a nonrefundable enrollment deposit  by May 15  in order to reserve a spot in the upcoming fall class. The enrollment deposit may be waived for students receiving state or federal need-based grants or full financial assistance. The deposit will offset a portion of the student’s State University Fee.

How do I accept admission and pay the enrollment deposit?

To accept your offer of admission:

• Log in to  CSULB Single Sign-On  and select MyCSULB Student Center . Throughout your time as a student, you'll use MyCSULB Student Center to review your financial aid information, register for classes, check your account balance, and more.
• In the  Admissions  section, select “Accept/Decline.”
• Follow the instructions to  Accept/Decline Admission Offer .

When you accept your admission, you must pay the enrollment deposit, unless you qualify for a waiver. You can pay the enrollment deposit via credit card (MasterCard, American Express, Visa, and Discover are accepted) or electronic check. If you qualify for a waiver, the online process will automatically notify you. Once you accept your admission offer, you will receive an immediate confirmation that your acceptance and deposit have been accepted.

What is the enrollment deposit?

First-time, first-year and transfer students are required to pay a nonrefundable enrollment deposit to accept their admission. The enrollment deposit is required in order to reserve a space in our class. The admission acceptance and deposit must be received by the deadline. The deposit will offset a portion of your tuition for the first semester.

What are the conditions for receiving a waiver for the enrollment deposit?

The enrollment deposit will be waived for students receiving state or federal need-based grants or full financial assistance.  If you qualify for the waiver, you must still accept your admission by the deadline.  You qualify for the waiver if:

• You have received a Federal Student Aid Report with an Expected Family Contribution of $0.
• You are a candidate for an Athletic Scholarship.

When do I pay the enrollment deposit?

You must pay the enrollment deposit at the time you accept admission to our campus. The deadline to accept your admission offer for the fall semester is May 1.

Satisfy the Terms of Your Admission Offer

What is provisional admission.

Provisional admission indicates that admission requirements are in progress and must be successfully completed prior to enrollment at CSULB. Most first-time, first-year applicants are still attending high school at the time of application (October – November for the following fall), and admission decisions are normally made in March. Therefore, offers of admission made to first-time, first-year applicants are almost always provisional and remain provisional until the following admission requirements are met:

• Completion of all senior year courses with a grade of C or higher.
• Completion of all CSU A-G subject requirements with a grade of C or higher by the end of the Spring semester prior to enrollment.
• Graduate from High School by the end of the Spring semester prior to your enrollment.

Failure to meet these conditions will result in the rescission of the admission offer. If enrollment is desired in the future, a new application must be submitted for that term and applicants must meet all of the admission requirements in effect at that time.

How will I know if I have met all of the conditions of admission?

Your final official high school transcript showing the date of graduation must be submitted no later than July 15.   After receipt of the final transcript, the admission decision will be audited to ensure all conditions have been met. An email will be sent with the results of the review either confirming the admission offer or notification that the offer of admission has been rescinded.

Students are allowed to attend Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) and register for classes prior to the audit of their admission decision. Some students may be required to self-report their senior grades at check-in to ensure they are on track for completion of the admission requirements. If the admission offer is rescinded after orientation, the classes will be administratively dropped.

Can I appeal my admission decision?

Denials of admission are made only after an extensive review of academic qualifications and weighing those qualifications against the competitive nature of our applicant pool; therefore, these decisions are rarely overturned and appeals are considered only for extraordinary reasons beyond the control of the applicant. We review every application for maximum consideration. 

For an appeal to have merit, it must contain new, serious and compelling information that clearly shows you to be academically stronger than you had been earlier evidenced. Mistakes made on the application are not basis for an appeal or the reversal of a decision. Additionally, the prospect of a stronger academic performance in a current term is not sufficient basis for an appeal. 

Submit an Admissions Appeal

Guidelines:

• Complete the Admissions Appeal Process form requesting we reconsider your application. The form must come from you (the applicant) and be submitted no later 15 days after receipt of your original admissions decision. Appeals submitted via hard-copy letter, email or fax are not acceptable, and will not be considered.
• Your submission must clearly outline your reason for appealing the decision and the information you present should be new and compelling. 
• You must include supporting documentation.
• Letters of recommendation and personal statements or essays are not considered in the admissions process at CSULB and cannot be submitted as part of your appeal.
• You may not appeal the decision to be placed on the Wait List.

We will notify you by email within 4 to 6 weeks of our response to your appeal request. Only one appeal may be submitted for an academic term so your appeal packet must be clear and compelling when submitted. 

• Students appealing a residency decision should contact the Residency Specialist at  [email protected] .
• Students who have applied through the  Bob Murphy Access Center Special Admission Process  should contact Bob Murphy Access Center Services at 562.985.4430

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Updated: Sep 23, 2023

The California State University (CSU) is a public university system made up of 23 college campuses across the state of California​.

Whether your student is applying to one or four of the CSU colleges, they will still apply via the Cal State Apply Application .

Here’s what you need to know for the 2023-24 admissions cycle.

How do students apply to the CSUs?

The application opens Oct. 1 and has "phased deadlines," meaning some campuses will have earlier deadlines than other campuses. Eight campuses will close on November 30th, including Cal Poly San Louis Obispo and San Diego State University. You can verify deadline dates on each campus's website or look it up here.

What is admission based on?

Since 2022, the use of ACT/SAT scores in the admissions process has been suspended for all of the CSU campuses.

As a result, the 23 CSU campuses have implemented a multi-factor review to determine admission eligibility, which includes a combination of:

Completion of the 15-unit comprehensive “A-G” pattern of college prep courses with a qualifying GPA of 3.0 or higher for non-California residents

Supplemental factors

The GPA minimums and the weighting of supplemental information used may vary by campus.

Some CSU campuses are impacted or have programs that are impacted – meaning the number of applications received from qualified applicants is greater than the number of available spaces. These campuses may use a higher GPA minimum in their admissions process.

For example, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo gives extra consideration when students take beyond the minimum number of semesters required in some of the “A-G” subject areas, such as math, lab science, or language other than English. San Diego State University, in addition to considering all of the college-prep coursework students have taken during high school, also considers the performance and the number of units taken in courses most relevant to their intended major (see "Preparation Towards Indicated Area of Study").

The main section of the CSU application asks students to report the average number of hours they participated in extracurricular and/or leadership over the most recent 12 months, as well as the average number of hours they worked per week over the most recent 12 months. Note, students are not asked to list out the activities or work endeavors themselves, simply the amount of time spent engaged in them.

Insider Tip

Students applying to Cal Poly may also be given extra consideration if they indicate they have held a leadership position in any of their extra-curricular activities, or if 25% or more of their work experience is related to their chosen major.

Does CSU consider 9th-grade year grades?

The majority of the CSU campuses use a GPA derived from “A-G” coursework taken in 10th and 11th grades only. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo continues to be the only CSU campus that will also include 9th grade in their GPA calculation.

Will CSU consider test scores, if submitted?

The CSU has made it clear that “in no case will standardized test scores be utilized in making admissions decisions for applicants. There will still be a section on the application where students can submit SAT and ACT scores, alongside AP and IB scores, but the test results will be used only for college-level math and English course placement for admitted students.

Will CSU count “credit” or “pass” pass grades?

Yes! The CSU campuses will consider course grades of “credit” or “pass” as fulfilling “a-g” requirements for those courses completed from the spring 2020 term to the summer 2021 term. Grades of credit/pass or no credit/no pass will satisfy eligibility requirements, but they will not be included in the calculation of high school GPA.

Is an essay required?

Although the CSU campuses will be looking at coursework and non-academic variables such as the hours spent in extra-curricular activities, the CSU system does not require any essays or personal statements and remains as objective as possible in making admissions decisions.

Do I need to submit my transcript or Letters of Recommendation?

Students will self-report their courses and grades in the application and do not submit letters of recommendation.

Where can I learn more about the CSU campuses?

Each CSU campus offers its own events. Find the campuses here and link to their admission events website pages. You can also visit with specific campuses in October:

Where can I learn how to navigate Cal State Apply Application?

Several resources are available to students throughout the admissions process:

Read the Cal State Freshman Application Guide

Read the Cal State Admission Handbook

Students can sign up for a virtual application workshop here . Be sure to scroll down to the very bottom of the page to "other ways to explore" and click on schedule .

Students can also wat ch Cal Poly's series of application videos.

Cal State Apply Coursework Entry Guide

Freshman Admission Requirements

Out-of-State CSU Eligibly Index

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I am a Future Freshman

Why CSUN: Sharing the Student Story

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First-Time Freshman: I Want to Apply

You're the type of student we're looking for. You're talented, passionate and inquisitive. You want to make a difference in your community and in the world. You're determined to succeed and you won't let anything stand in your way. You're ready to become a Matador.

To support incoming students as we emerge from the recent public health situation, all California State University campuses are being flexible with certain admission requirements. Learn more at  High School Guidance for First-Time, First-Year Students .  

Keep reading to find out what you need to do to apply for admission to CSUN.

California Resident Applicants

No matter what part of California you’re from, you’ll find a home at CSUN. Visit our beautiful campus in person or virtually  and discover why CSUN is one of the premier academic institutions in our state!

Fall freshman admissions

CSUN accepts freshman applications each year between Oct. 1 and Jan. 31  for admission to the coming fall semester.

Am I a freshman?

You are considered a freshman if one of the following describes your situation:

• You have not yet graduated from high school but are on track to graduate with a high school diploma by spring of your senior year.
• You graduated from high school and received a diploma, but you have not taken any college courses following your high school graduation.
• You have earned a certificate for one of the California state high school proficiency exams — General Education Development (GED) or High School Equivalency test (HiSET).

What do I need to apply for admission?

To be considered for admission, freshman applicants will need:

• Unofficial transcripts. You will be required to enter all completed courses as well as those currently in progress and those you plan to take in the future.
• Social Security number, if you have one.
• Your citizenship status. This is for CSU tuition purposes and will not affect your admission application.
• Credit/debit card. The $70 application fee is due at the time of submission and can only be paid by credit/debit card. The online application will calculate your eligibility for an application fee waiver.
• Annual income. If you are a dependent, then report your parents’ or guardian’s income. If you are independent, report your income.
• If you are applying to the Educational Opportunity Program, you will be required to report your parents'/guardian’s educational and employment background and submit two letters of recommendation.

What classes do I need to take to qualify for admission?

You must successfully complete the college preparatory subject requirements listed below (known as “A-to-G” in California) with a grade of C- or better.  Because of the pandemic, any credit/pass grades that you earned for A-to-G courses you took winter 2020 through summer 2021 will be accepted as satisfying this requirement. Starting fall 2021, you must take A-to-G courses for a letter grade and earn at least a C- grade.

A to G College Preparatory Subject Requirements

• English: 4 years
• Mathematics: 3 years (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra; 4 years recommended but not required)
• Social Science/History: 2 years (1 year U.S. history or U.S. history and government)
• Science: 2 years (1 year biological science with lab and 1 year physical science with lab)
• 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, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or any other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU "A-to-G" list)

No course work taken after graduation will be accepted to meet fall admission requirements.

The application period opens Oct. 1 at  Cal State Apply .

What qualifying Eligibility Index score do I need to earn to be admitted?

The following information is for  fall 2024  admissions.

• All California State University (CSU) campuses use the Eligibility Index as part of the freshman admission decision. 
• The minimum Eligibility Index score is 2500 for California students graduating from all high schools within California.
• The Eligibility Index is based on your high school grade point average (HSGPA) in all your college prep A to G classes. In some cases, points may be awarded through five (5) additional multifactor admission criteria.
• CSUN does not require the SAT/ACT for admission. However, if you have taken the tests, please send us your scores to assist with placement in math and writing courses if you are admitted.  AP, CLEP and IB scores are also helpful for placement .

Calculating your Eligibility Index:

CSUN’s minimum Eligibility Index can be achieved in either of two ways:

• If HSGPA is 2.50 or better : A-to-G HSGPA x 1,000
• If HSGPA is less than 2.50 : A-to-G HSGPA x 1,000 + (total multifactor eligibility points)

– If your HSGPA is 2.50 or better, multiply your GPA by 1,000. For example, the Eligibility Index for a 2.50 HSGPA is 2500.

– If your HSGPA is less than 2.50, multiply your GPA by 1,000 and then add any points awarded for the multifactor admission criteria shown in the table below. For example, a student might have a HSGPA of 2.40, qualify for the Cal State Apply application fee waiver and have no parents who attended college. Therefore, add 2400 (GPA x 1,000) + 100 points (25 + 75), for an Eligibility Index of 2500.

– All California residents can gain points from the multifactor admission criteria in the table below.

• A minimum Eligibility Index higher than 2500 may be required depending on your chosen major. Please see the notes below the table.
• Competitive majors. Some majors receive more applications than CSUN has spots to offer (the CSU calls this impaction ). To qualify for admission to these majors, applicants must meet or exceed a higher Eligibility Index, which can change annually. Please visit  CSUN's impaction website to learn more about these majors.
• Graduates of California high schools and California residents whose HSGPA falls below these required minimums can receive additional eligibility points if they meet any of the multifactor admission criteria listed in the table above.

Out-of-State Applicants

No matter what part of the country you’re from, you’ll find a home at CSUN. Visit our beautiful campus in person or virtually  to discover why CSUN is one of the premier academic institutions in California!

If you are a resident of one of the member U.S. states or territories of the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, you can enjoy reduced non-resident tuition rates by participating in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program. Visit  WUE at CSUN  to learn more.

Fall freshmen admissions

CSUN accepts freshman applications each year between Oct. 1 and  J an. 31  for admission to the coming fall semester.

• You have earned a certificate for one of these high school graduation equivalency exams: the General Education Development (GED), High School Equivalency test (HiSET), or equivalent certificate awarded by other states.
• Your citizenship status.
• Credit/debit card. The $70 application fee is due at the time of submission and can only be paid by credit/debit card.

You must successfully complete the college preparatory subject requirements listed below (known as “A to G” in California) with a grade of B or better. Because of the pandemic, any credit/pass grades that you earned for A to G courses you took winter 2020 through summer 2021 will be accepted as satisfying this requirement. Starting fall 2021, you must take A ro G courses for a letter grade and earn at least a B grade.

A-to-G College Preparatory Subject Requirements

• Mathematics: 3 years (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra; 4 years recommended but not required)

The application period opens Oct. 1 .  Cal State Apply

What qualifying eligibility index score do I need to earn to be admitted?

• The Eligibility Index is based on your  high school grade point average  (HSGPA) in all your college prep A-to-G classes (or equivalents).
• CSUN does not require the SAT/ACT for admission. However, if you have taken the tests, please send us your scores to assist with placement in math and writing courses if you are admitted.  AP, CLEP and IB scores are also helpful for placement .

Calculating your Eligibility Index

Multiply your high school GPA for the A-to-G subjects (or equivalents) by 1,000:

A-to-G subject HSGPA x 1,000

• Non-resident (out-of-state) applicants graduating from high schools outside of California must possess a minimum eligibility index of 3000 (or HSGPA of 3.0) in the A-to-G subjects.

International Applicants

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At Colorado State University, we see remarkable potential in everyone. Our application process is designed for you to show us how you’ll contribute to our community of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

We are looking for students who are ready to explore and innovate along with CSU, recognized as a top public university. Understanding how we’ll move forward together begins with your application. You’re more than just your GPA, so we are prepared to examine every application in full to get a better understanding of what makes you exceptional.

What type of applicant are you?

Your applicant type determines your admission application requirements. The CSU application process – in most cases – includes filling out an online application, paying/waiving an application fee, and submitting some documents, such as transcripts. CSU does not require the ACT or SAT for undergraduate students.

When should you apply and what do you need?

Please find your applicant type on this page and use the application guides to get the information you need to apply, like requirements, deadlines, how to check your application status, and more. Or learn more about special circumstances that might impact your application. 

This is what we do! Reach out to your admissions counselor with questions at any time.

• Freshman applicants – domestic
• Transfer applicants – domestic

Graduate student applicants

• International freshman and transfer applicants

Nondegree-seeking applicants

• Returning CSU student applicants
• Second bachelor’s applicants

Freshmen Applicants - Domestic

You are a domestic freshman applicant if:

• You’ve never attended college, or all your college credits were earned before you graduated from high school
• You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or have DACA/undocumented status

Freshman applicants use the Common App, a single online college application form used by more than 900 colleges and universities to make applying easier.

• The freshman application opens August 1 for next year's fall, spring, and summer semesters.
• Dates to submit your application are based on your starting semester. See the application guide for more info.

Transfer Applicants - Domestic

You are a transfer applicant if:

• You’ve attended a regionally accredited college after high school graduation. If your only college classes were taken during high school, you’ll apply as a freshman applicant.

Transfer applicants use the CSU Application.

• The returning student application for admission opens August 1 for the next year's fall and summer semesters and in March for the next year's spring semester.

You are a graduate student applicant if:

• You have previously earned an undergraduate degree
• You want to pursue a master’s degree, Ph.D., or graduate certificate. We offer more than 200 graduate programs to choose from.

Graduate applicants use the CSU Graduate Application.

• The graduate application opens in late August for the next year’s fall and summer terms and in February for the next year’s spring terms. Please check with the department you are interested in for deadlines, which vary by program.

International Applicants - Freshmen and transfer

You are an international applicant if:

• You are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or have DACA/undocumented status AND
• You currently have a valid U.S. visa or will be seeking a student visa to study in the United States

International applicants use the same applications for admission as domestic applicants. International freshman use the Common Application and international transfer students use the CSU Application.

• Application opening dates are are based on your student type. See the application guides below for more info.

You are a nondegree-seeking applicant if:

• You are not currently working to receive a degree from CSU. This may include on-campus or online classes for enrichment or professional development, concurrent enrollment, or the Intensive English Program.
• Application dates vary by program. See the application guides for more info.

Returning student applicants

You are a returning student applicant if:

• You previously attended CSU as a degree-seeking student
• You left for at least one fall or spring semester while your degree was in progress OR you completed a degree at CSU
• You want to return as an admitted, degree-seeking student to finish a degree in progress OR to begin a new CSU degree program

Returning students use the CSU Application.

Second bachelor's applicants

You are a second bachelor’s/post-bachelor’s applicant if:

• You have completed an undergraduate degree somewhere other than CSU
• You’ve never attended CSU as a degree-seeking undergraduate student
• You want to complete a second degree OR complete additional undergraduate coursework

Second bachelor’s applicants use the CSU Application.

• The second bachelor's student application for admission opens August 1 for the next year's fall and summer semesters and in March for the next year's spring semester.

APPLICATION TIPS AND INFO

How do Colorado Free App Days work?

Check out these three easy steps to participate in Colorado Free Application Days.

4 things international applicants need to know

Are you considering applying to CSU? We have the information you need to make the right decision.

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Applying to CSU is a simple and straight-forward process.

4 ways parents can help as their student applies to college

Are you a parent wanting to help support your student on their college applications and big life decisions? Start here.

What do you need help with?

Your admissions counselor answers all kinds of questions from potential students and families about the application process and admissions journey.

The 5 Most Common Questions About Applying to the CSU

Applying to college doesn’t need to be complicated; learn how to make your way through the application process quickly and easily..

​ The CSU priority filing period for applications for fall typically runs from October 1 to November 30.

​​​The California State University's application season is now underway, which means that students are figuring out what they need to get into a CSU campus, which location is the best fit, what they might want to major in, and how to apply for financial aid, among other questions. Here, we answer the most common questions high school counselors from the 2016 Counselor Conference in Pasadena said they get from students who are applying to the CSU: 1. Where do I apply to the CSU? You can apply to any of the 23 CSU campuses through Cal State Apply . Whether you're a U.S. or international student, undergraduate, transfer or graduate student, this website handles the entire application process. You can also apply for CalStateTEACH , the online teacher credential program, and the Educational Opportunity Program . The application period for admission for the fall term opens on October 1 and the priority deadline to apply for admission as an undergraduate student is November 30, unless extended. You should check specific campuses and departments for international and grad​uate application deadlines. ​ 2. Which campus(es) should I apply to? The CSU offers 23 campuses that run the length of the state, from Humboldt State in the north to San Diego State in the south. You can compare campuses by location (Northern California, Central California or Southern California) and setting (small/medium city, large town or major city). You can also see the total enrollment of students to get a sense of how small or large the campus community is. If you're interested in a specific field of study , you can search through the campuses to check which schools offer various majors. You can select your desired degree, area of study, and preference of face-to-face instruction, online, or a mix of the two. If you can, you should also try to visit the​ campuses you're interested in so you can get a sense of the school first-hand. Many campuses offer preview days and o​pen houses for students to tour the school and meet students, faculty and staff. 3. What is "impaction"? Impaction means that more qualified applicants apply to a CSU campus and/or major than can be accommodated. As a result, the minimum admission requirements may be raised, potentially making it harder to get into a campus or a program you're interested in. You can check which campuses are impacted for first-time freshmen and transfer students, as well as which degree programs are impacted at each campus. If you're interested in an impacted major or campus,​ you must apply by the priority deadline (November 30, 2016) and you're encouraged to apply to additional campuses to maximize your chances for admission. Non-impacted campuses are open to all CSU-eligible applicants. 4. What do I need to get admitted to a CSU as a first-time freshman? You ​must meet the "a-g" course requirements , which include a specific number of years for social science, English, mathematics, laboratory science, a language other than English, visual and performing arts, and a college preparatory elective. Because high schools may have different titles for courses, you can check which classes meet the "a-g" course requirements through UC Doorways . You can also use this roadmap to track which classes you should be taking each year from middle school through high school. Additionally, you must meet a minimum eligibility index , which is a weighted combination of your high school grade point average (GPA) during your last three years of high school and either your SAT or ACT score. California residents and non-residents have two separate eligibility indexes. 5. How much is tuition and how can I get financial aid? While the tuition for each CSU campus is generally the same, costs will vary depending on where you live, books and supplies, meals and other miscellaneous expenses. You can get a general sense of how much it will cost  to attend a CSU. Eighty percent of students at the CSU receive some type of financial aid to cover those costs. You can receive aid by applying to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADA) for AB 540 students, which are both open now. You can also apply for and receive other forms of aid, including grants, loans, scholarships and work-study. ​ ​

To learn more and apply, visit the Cal State Apply portal​ .

Updated December 10, 2020 ​

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Colorado State University | CSU’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Additional info essay.

If your cumulative GPA is below 3.0/B- average (on a 4.0 scale), if you have any D or F grades, or if you are missing units in our CSU Recommended Courses, this is your opportunity to explain. Tell us about the situation and/or what happened, what you did to fix it, and how your experience will help you be academically successful at CSU.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?