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California State University, Chico

Already Applied

Once you’ve submitted your application, there are some steps you can take to ensure a smooth admission process.

Check the Status of Electronic Recommendations

If your program requires electronic recommendation, monitor your Cal State Apply account to ensure your recommendations have been submitted. Recommendations can be submitted after the application deadline has passed but if they are not received by the time the graduate program reviews applications, your application may not be considered.

To check the status of your recommendations from the Cal State Apply dashboard, select the Program Materials box and then the Recommendations tab. Recommendations that have been submitted will have an Evaluation Status of “Completed.”

If you need to resend the recommendation link, select the edit symbol for your recommender and then select the “Resend Recommendation Link” box.

To change a recommender, use the trash can icon to remove the current recommender and then re-enter contact information for a new person. Note that once a recommendation has been submitted, you cannot delete it.

Monitor Your Email

Email is the primary way we will contact you, so it is essential to keep checking the email account you used for your Cal State Apply account. This is where you will receive helpful information, follow-up questions from us, and ultimately your admission decision. Even if you have since activated your Chico State student email, your admission decision will be emailed to the address linked to your Cal State Apply account.

When can I expect to learn my admission decision?

It varies depending on which program you applied to. For our competitive fall-only programs, it can be several months. Other programs admit on a rolling basis and you may know your decision within a couple of weeks of submitting a complete application. Below is a rough timeline:

Decision Timelines

Program

Decision Notification

Fall-only: Anthropology; Communication Sciences and Disorders; Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychological Science, School Psychology); Social Work

Approximately mid-March. Some programs may contact applicants before this time to conduct interviews.

Agricultural Education, Art, Biological Sciences, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Computer Science, Data Science and Analytics, Education, Electrical and Computer Engineering, English, Environmental Science/Geology, History, Kinesiology, Language Teaching, Nutritional Science, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Science

The timeline varies depending on the deadline application volume.

Apply for Aid

You can begin applying for aid as soon as your application is submitted (and in some cases, before). Nearly 80% of our students receive some form of financial aid, and scholarships can help make your education even more affordable.

  • Wildcat Scholarships

    Through the single Wildcat Scholarships application, you apply for many scholarships at once. These awards consider a range of criteria, including scholastic achievement, financial need, school and community service, and more. Applications for Wildcat Scholarships are open January to mid-February each year, and additional department scholarships have varying deadlines.

    Explore Scholarships

Follow Chico State on Social Media

Get a look at what Chico State is all about and what it’s like to be a student here by connecting with Grad Studies or the University on your favorite platform. You can also connect with Chico State’s Council of Graduate Students.

Instagram
@ChicoStateGradStudies
@ChicoState

YouTube
Grad Studies
Chico State

Facebook
Chico State on Facebook

LinkedIn
Chico State on LinkedIn


A student takes a selfie with mascot Willie the Wildcat

Campus Tour

Schedule a Tour

Photos don’t do it justice—visit our beautiful campus and meet the people who will help make Chico State your new home. Contact the Office of Graduate Studies if you are interested in a campus visit. 

Denial Appeals 

Consideration for appeals is based on new and compelling information regarding your academic record. Your appeal should include a statement indicating what special information should be taken into consideration, and may also include other relevant documentation. Any letters of recommendation must include the Letter of Recommendation Waiver Form. You may only appeal once per semester.

The appeal must be submitted within 15 business days from the date that appears on your denial letter. You may expect to hear the result of your appeal request within 45 business days from the receipt of the appeal.

You may submit your appeal by either emailing the appeal to graduatestudies@csuchico.edu or by mailing the appeal to:

Admissions Appeal
Office of Graduate Studies
California State University, Chico
400 West First Street
Chico, CA 95929-0875

If you wish to inquire as to the basis for this original decision, please contact the Graduate Coordinator of the discipline to which you applied.