A-G Requirements
To meet minimum admission requirements, you must complete 15 year long high school courses with a letter grade of C or better — at least 11 of them prior to your last year of high school.
Keep in mind that taking approved high school (A-G) courses isn't the only way to satisfy these requirements. You also may meet them by completing college courses or earning certain scores on various acceptable exams.
For more information visit the University of California Admissions website.
A) History — 2 Years
UC-approved high school courses
Two years of history, including:
one year of world history, cultures or historical geography (may be a single yearlong course or two one-semester courses), and
one year of U.S. history or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government
B) English — 4 Years
UC-approved high school courses
Four years of college-preparatory English that include frequent writing, from brainstorming to final paper, as well as reading of classic and modern literature. No more than one year of ESL-type courses can be used to meet this requirement.
C) Mathematics — 3 Years
UC-approved high school courses
Three years of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry. A geometry course or an integrated math course with a sufficient amount of geometry content must be completed. Approved integrated math courses may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement, as may math courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades if the high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses; also acceptable are courses that address the previously mentioned content areas and include or integrate probability, statistics or trigonometry. Courses intended for 11th and/or 12th grade levels may satisfy the required third year or recommended fourth year of the subject requirement if approved as an advanced math course.
D) Science — 2 Years
UC-approved high school courses
Two years of college-preparatory science, including or integrating topics that provide fundamental knowledge in two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, or physics. One year of approved interdisciplinary or earth and space sciences coursework can meet one year of the requirement. Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Science courses can be used in area D as an additional science (i.e., third year and beyond).
E) Language other than English — 2 Years
UC-approved high school courses
Two years, or equivalent to the 2nd level of high school instruction, of the same language other than English are required. (Three years/3rd level of high school instruction recommended). Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, composition and culture. American Sign Language and classical languages, such as Latin and Greek, are acceptable, as are Native American languages. Courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement if the high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses.
F) Visual and performing arts — 1 Year
UC-approved high school courses
One yearlong course of visual and performing arts chosen from the following disciplines: dance, music, theater, visual arts or interdisciplinary arts — or two one-semester courses from the same discipline is also acceptable.
G) College-preparatory elective — 1 Year
UC-approved high school courses
One year (two semesters) chosen from courses specific to the elective (G) subject area or courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements of the A-F subjects.