Admissions Requirements: First-Time in College Students 

Admissions criteria for domestic First-Time in College Students are based on your grades and coursework in high school.

If you are an international applicant who will need an F or J visa to study in the US, please see the international freshman requirements.

Academic Performance 

California Resident 

2.50 or greater GPA – Eligible! 

2.0–2.49 GPA 
Eligibility based on supplemental factors. 

Non-California Resident 

3.0 or greater GPA – Eligible! 

2.47–2.99 GPA 
Eligibility based on supplemental factors.

Education

Graduate from high school or earn a GED.

Courses

Complete “A–G” college preparatory requirements with C- or better by the end of your senior year of high school. See the Freshman: Admission Requirements for course listings.

Satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement if at least 3 years of your high school coursework was not taken at a school where English is the only language of instruction.

Tests or Essays

No SAT or ACT test scores or supplemental essays are required for admission, but if you’ve taken any of them, we’ll use them to determine your college math and English readiness for course placement.

Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) tests with passing scores can satisfy admission requirements and grant college credit. Send us AP and IB scores you’ve received immediately after applying.