First-time freshmen students are required to have completed 15 units of study in high school, according to CSU Mentor. Required courses include four years of English composition and literature and three years of mathematics, although four years are recommended. Two years of courses in history and social science, laboratory science and a language other than English are also required. The final two units of the minimum required classes include one year of visual or performing arts and one year of an elective from the University of California's A-G list. Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in each unit of study to be considered for acceptance.
According to California State University entrance requirements, high school grades are the single most important factor in admissions decisions. A grade point average (GPA) is calculated by averaging grade values from all coursework completed from ninth through twelfth grades. If a student is a California resident and has a GPA of at least 3.0, test scores are not required for admission, although it is still recommended. Test scores from the SAT or ACT are required for everyone else and are combined with your GPA for an eligibility index. The minimum eligibility index for a California resident combines a 2.0 GPA with a score of 30 on the ACT or 1300 on the SAT. Out-of-state students have higher minimum eligibility index requirements.
Students seeking admission to a campus of CSU must obtain a high school diploma or equivalent degree. Passing the High School Equivalency Examination is one option for students without a diploma and the General Education Development (GED) program also offers an alternative to non-diploma students. High school coursework, grades and test scores are still admission requirements for those passing the GED or High School Equivalency Examination.
Certain programs of study on CSU campuses are known as High Demand Majors. Admission requirements for these areas are more selective and fill early during October and November each year for the following fall term. Applications for High Demand Majors must be submitted during these months for students to be considered. High Demand Majors at many CSU campuses include architecture, biology, business administration and nursing.