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Watsonville High School

Home of The Wildcatz

Watsonville High School

Home of The Wildcatz

CSU and UC Requirements

Difference In Applying to College
California State University (CSU) Versus University of California (UC) Requirements Comparison
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Standardized Testing (Outdated Policy):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Standardized Testing (Outdated Policy):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.

Important Policy Update

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.