Academic Preparation and Placement

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Academic Readiness

The right first-year General Education (GE) written communication (English) and mathematics/quantitative reasoning courses for incoming freshmen is determined using the CSU’s Academic Preparation Policy guidelines. This evaluation of academic readiness is not a condition for admission to the CSU, but it is an important step for determining the best course placement for entering students. Have questions about your academic preparation? Schedule and appointment with our College Access Counselor.

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Standardized Tests

CAASPP/EAP, ACT, SAT, AP, IB, and CLEP

High School GPA

Calculation includes "A-G" from 10th and 11th grade coursework as reported on the Cal State Apply application.

High School/College Coursework

This includes approved high school English and math/quantitative reasoning courses completed with a C- or better, and college coursework completed with a grade of C- or better that satisfies GE Area A2 (written communication) and B4 (math/quantitative reasoning).

High School Math GPA

Calculation includes 9th, 10th and 11th grade math courses completed in Area C and quantitative reasoning courses completed in Area G as reported on the Cal State Apply application. Note: Algebra 1 and Geometry courses taken in middle school and reported on the CalState Apply application will also be included.

Note About English Coursework

Based on certain Standardized Test scores, if completion of a 12th grade approved year-long English course is noted, passing one of the following courses with C- or better grades would satisfy it. Here are the approved courses:

Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC) - Adopted as a full year course in the 12th grade being taught by a certified instructor.
International Baccalaureate (IB) English
Advanced Placement—Language and Composition or Literature and Composition
English course approved for extra honors weight on the University of California "A-G" Doorways course list

REMINDER: Verify with your counselor that the course is in your high school's UC A-G Course List under Area B.

CSU Placement

More about Multiple Measures

Find out how the CSU determines English or math course placement through the various multiple measures. The highest achieved measure will automatically be used to determine placement in the appropriate GE English and math courses. Students are urged to follow the Admissions deadlines to submit official test scores and transcripts.

CSU Academic Preparation Brochure (PDF)

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