A student who is considered lower division is applying to the school with fewer than 59 transferable credits. These are most likely students who have graduated high school and attended one or two years at a community college. To be considered for a spot at a university in California, these students must maintain a minimum grade point average, usually 2.0 for resident students and 2.8 for out of state, and satisfactorily complete the school's minimum class and testing requirements. Most schools admit just a handful of lower division students, while some admit none at all. Each school has its own set of rules, so a trip to the admissions website may be useful.
The California State University system is a public university encompasses 23 campuses and more than 40,000 faculty members. Lower division students are accepted to most locations but must meet certain criteria for consideration. Students who apply to CSU with fewer than 59 credits are considered lower-division transfers. These may be freshmen or sophomores or students who have not previously attended a college or university. Students who fall into this category must meet certain criteria to be admitted to the university. Admissions counselors will look at high school courses and grades, as well as the students' standing at their previous school. Some campuses will require completion of general education English and math with a C or better before admission is allowed. If the student does not meet these requirements, they can attend a local or other community college to complete 60 credits.
Sacramento State University will admit first-time college students as lower-division transfers as long as they meet certain requirements. The primary factor will be high school performance and test scores. The school must have an official copy of transcripts and test scores before a decision is made. Applicants must have completed college prep courses--English, math and sciences--with a C or better. These courses should include four years of English, two years of math and one year of college prep elective.
The University of California includes 10 campuses across the state. The system also includes its own research labs, medical centers and performing arts spaces. Most UC campuses will admit lower-division transfers, though only a small number. Students who satisfied admissions requirements upon graduating high school are eligible to apply as transfer students. If basic coursework is incomplete, including proficiencies in English, math and electives or these grades were not C or better; they must be completed before acceptance will be considered. Local students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0, or 2.8 for out-of-state students.