California public universities, including the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems, no longer require the SAT or ACT for admission. They may still consider test scores for freshman placement, but they are not required, nor will they even be considered, as an admission requirement.
Private schools and out-of-state colleges and universities may still consider test scores in their admission process, so students are encouraged to research admission requirements when making a decision about taking the tests. Starting with the 2024 admissions cycle, some schools are starting to require it as well. In addition, test scores may still be used as a criteria with certain scholarships. Please do your research if applying outside of the California public university systems
Do you need a fee waiver to take the SAT or ACT? We never want fees to be a barrier to taking these exams, so waivers are available for lower-income students. Click on the links below to apply for a fee waiver for each test. You must be logged into your GUHSD account to view the files. Once you are done completing the fee waiver application(s), please return the form to your counselor.
If eligible, your counselor will email you with a code to enter when you register online. Each fee waiver qualifies you to take the SAT or ACT twice.
You receive 4 free score reports when you register for each test, but this offer expires shortly after you take the test. At that point, you will need to pay for each score report. We recommend taking advantage of these free score reports.
Applying to a UC school? Just send your ACT/SAT scores to one of them and they will be available to all nine campuses.
Applying to a CSU school? For the ACT, just select one CSU school and your scores will be available to all 23 campuses. For the SAT, select California State University Apply and your scores will be available to all campuses.