COVID-19 policy changes to CSU Admissions
Class of 2021:
- The CSU will accept grades of "Credit" or "Pass” to satisfy "a-g" requirements completed during winter, spring, or summer 2020 terms or to validate appropriate courses.
- CSU has temporarily suspended the use of ACT/SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all campuses for the 2021-2022 academic year. At present, this applies only for the fall 2021, winter 2022, and spring 2022 admission cycles.
First-time freshmen must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- High school graduate or equivalent
- Complete the 15-unit comprehensive “a-g” pattern of college preparatory courses
- Earn a 2.50 or greater “a-g” GPA Students with less than a 2.5 GPA may still be CSU eligible.
- Students with GPAs of 2.0 - 2.49 may be admitted on the basis of supplemental information collected in Cal State Apply.
- Each campus and program will develop its own supplemental criteria for students in the 2.0 - 2.49 GPA range.
- For example: Completion of additional a-g courses beyond the minimum required, extracurricular activities, work experience, participation in educational support programs such as MESA, Upward Bound, Puente, etc.
Admission to Impacted Campuses/Majors
- Campuses and programs designated as impacted may utilize higher “a-g” GPA thresholds for applicants, as well as supplemental criteria in making admission decisions. However, in no case will standardized test scores be utilized in making admissions decisions for applicants during the 2021-22 academic year.
- As an impacted campus, Chico will use GPA as a primary criteria for admission.
- SAT and ACT scores WILL NOT be considered for admission, even if students already have scores. However, these scores, if available, may still be used in first year course placement decisions.
EAP and COVID-19
The Early Assessment Program’s multiple measure approach to writing and math placement has not changed as a result of COVID-19. However the CSU will have fewer data points to assess academic preparation for the class of 2021. As a result, we have special concerns about whether the class of 2021 will be ready for college-level math and writing courses without support when they join us at the CSU. These concerns include but are not limited to the following:
- The CAASPP exam was not administered in Spring 2020.
- SAT/ACT can be used for placement purposes, but many juniors will not have these scores since the requirement has been waived for the 2021 application cohort.
- Fewer letter grades to assess performance in class.
- Lost instruction time
- Placement will by default be more driven by senior year courses.
- Even students with a 3 or higher on AP exams (who earned credit) were only tested on material through March 2020 when SIP began. This means they may not have a strong foundation in the material if that AP credit serves as an important prerequisite for subsequent college coursework. (i.e. using a score on AP Calculus AB to enroll in the next college course in the sequence.)
