San Jose State maintains a sliding scale of standardized test scores and grade point average. However, this scale is different for students who are residents of California, for whom it is notably easier to get accepted. Predictably, the lower your GPA, the higher your SAT or ACT math and English scores must be. If you have a GPA of 2.0 and are a resident of California, you must have an SAT of 1300 or an ACT of 30 to meet the minimum requirements. However, if you are a nonresident, you must have a GPA of at least 2.45 with an SAT score of 1540 or ACT of 35 to be considered. On the opposite side of the scale, for residents with a GPA of over 3.0 there is no minimum SAT or ACT score. For nonresidents, that cutoff point is a 3.6. It should be noted that San Jose State does not consider the writing portion of either test in its admissions requirements.
Like most universities, San Jose State boasts a large number of international students. The requirements are somewhat more nebulous and flexible than those for American students. Freshman candidates must have an equivalent of an American 3.0 GPA in high school classes. As well, they must have results from their TOEFL or ELPT tests. Furthermore, the students must have letters of recommendation for enrollment at San Jose State, although successful completion of postsecondary studies in their field may be substituted for this.
Graduate studies at San Jose State involve a different set of requirements, depending on the department in which you want to study. Some of the programs require that you take the GRE or the GMAT standardized tests, but others waive that requirement. Of those that do require the GRE or GMAT, required scores vary from department to department. Many, such as Quality Assurance, require an overall minimum score. Others, such as the Journalism Department, require an overall score and minimum scores on individualized sections.