| CSU Requirements | UC Requirements |
|---|---|
| Minimum 2.0 GPA | Minimum 3.0 GPA |
|
History / Social Science: 2 years Including 1 year of U.S. History or U.S. History and Government, and 1 year of an additional approved social science. |
History / Social Science: 2 years Including 1 year of World History and 1 year of U.S. History (or one-half year of U.S. History and one-half year of Civics or Government). |
|
English: 4 years College preparatory English courses. |
English: 4 years College preparatory English courses. |
|
Mathematics: 3 years required (4 years recommended) Including Algebra I, Geometry, and intermediate algebra or higher mathematics. |
Mathematics: 3 years required (4 years recommended) College preparatory mathematics that include advanced algebra and geometry. |
|
Laboratory Science: 2 years Including 1 year of biological science and 1 year of physical science with lab. |
Laboratory Science: 2 years required (3 years recommended) In 2 of these 3 disciplines: biology, chemistry, or physics. |
|
Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year A single year-long course of approved Visual and Performing Arts. |
Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year A single year-long course of approved Visual and Performing Arts. |
|
Language Other Than English: 2 years Must be 2 years of the same language other than English. |
Language Other Than English: 2 years Must be 2 years of the same language other than English. |
|
Admissions Review: CSU uses an eligibility index to determine if a student will be accepted. |
Admissions Review: UC asks students to write personal insight questions (personal statements) and takes extracurricular activities into consideration. |
|
Standardized Testing (Outdated Policy): Historically required the SAT and/or ACT. (See current policy note below) |
Standardized Testing (Outdated Policy): Historically required the SAT and/or ACT. (See current policy note below) |
|
College Preparatory Elective: 1 year 1 year of an approved college preparatory elective. |
College Preparatory Elective: 1 year 1 year of an approved college preparatory elective. |
While the historical chart indicates that SAT and ACT testing is required, please note that both the CSU and UC systems have transitioned to test-free (test-blind) admissions policies for undergraduate admissions. ACT/SAT scores are no longer considered for admissions eligibility.