California State University (CSU)

The California State University system currently consists of 23 campuses (with more on the way).  Students must complete the 15 subject requirements and meet the Eligibility Index Table (GPA and SAT I) to be considered for admission to the CSU's.  Minimum GPA is 2.0.  For more information and to take virtual campus tours, visit the CSU website at: www.csumentor.edu.

Private and Out-of-State Public Colleges

The state of California currently has 73 private colleges.  Each private/ out-of-state public school varies in subject and testing requirements.  Each campus should be researched individually, either on the web or using the Career Center catalogues, to identify the requirements for that school.  Most private school requirements are similar to the UC requirements, but are not always the same.  For more information, visit: www.californiacolleges.edu,  or www.commonapp.org

The University of California (UC)

The University of California system currently has 10 UC campuses, UC Merced being the newest.  Out of the 10 existing campuses, 9 are open to undergraduate students.  Requirements include meeting the A-G requirements (15 academic subjects), SAT 1 or ACT with writing, as well as meeting the eligibility index table criteria.  Minimum GPA is 3.0.  For more information, visit: www.ucop.edu/pathways. 

Required Standardized Tests

PSAT

The PSAT is a practice SAT offered once a year in October.  It is recommended that sophomores and juniors take the PSAT.  Advantages of the PSAT include receiving score breakdown sheets where students can see the test questions and analyze their strengths and areas for improvement.  PSAT scores also qualify juniors for the National Merit Scholarship.  For more info visit: www.collegeboard.com

SAT I & ACT

Four-year colleges require students to take at least one of these exams by December of their senior year, but it is recommended that they complete it by spring of their junior year.  The SAT I has three sections: mathematics (up to algebra 2), critical reading, and a writing section.  The ACT is 25% verbal reasoning , 25% written language, 25% math reasoning and 25% science reasoning.  Although the tests are scored differently, most colleges accept either test and use a conversion table to equate them.  If a student submits both test scores, the higher of the two scores is used for eligibility.  For more info visit: www.collegeboard.com or www.act.org

SAT II

Although UC's no longer require SAT II subject tests, it may still be suggested if applying to specific majors.  Additionally, some private colleges require students to complete 2 of the SAT II subject tests.  Students may choose from the following subjects: literature, math, history, science, and world language.  The exams must be in different disciplines and must be completed by December of the senior year.