College Entrance and CSU/UC A-G Graduation Requirements

Below, you will find information about College Entrance and CSU/UC A-G Graduation Requirements

It is SO important to start thinking about Post-Graduation plans early!

Understanding college entrance requirements and necessary preparations for the programs you may be interested in is essential for achieving success!

College Entrance Requirements

There are a number of basic entrance requirements that are shared by most colleges and universities. Heavy emphasis should be placed on high school course selections in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and World Languages as well as A-G Electives. Students must earn a “C” or better in all college prep classes. If you plan to attend a specific college or university, check with your counselor to make sure you will be able to meet the necessary requirements for admissions to that institution. It is strongly recommended that all students planning to attend a four-year college or university complete the following:

A. Social Science (2 years)

B. English (4 years)

C. Mathematics (3 years, 4 years recommended)

D. Lab Science (3 years, 4 years recommended)

E. World Languages (2 years, 3 recommended)

F. Visual and Performing Arts (1 year)

G. College Prep Electives Course (1 year)

College Entrance Exams

Students planning to attend a four-year college or university after high school graduation may be required to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) with writing. The University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems no longer require the SAT or the ACT for admissions. However, some of the UC’s may recommend taking a specific subject test for a specific major. Some private and out of state colleges and universities may require SAT or ACT exam scores. Students should check requirements for the schools they plan to attend.

- - SAT: Students who desire to take the SAT and PSAT tests should visit the College Board website for dates and information http://sat.collegeboard.org/.
  - ACT: Students interested in taking the ACT can find information and dates on the ACT website at http://ACTstudent.org.

Four-Year Planning

It is important to view high school as a period of four-years, during which you hope to meet a variety of personal goals: graduation, college eligibility, career and technical education, and skill development. Be aware of the requirements of each of your goals, and develop a four-year plan to ensure that all necessary courses will be completed by graduation. Counselors will work with students to develop an individualized four-year plan based on their specific postsecondary goals.

4-Year University

Students who plan to attend a university or a four-year college directly after high school will be required to take courses that meet the University of California/California State University A-G requirements. The University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems of public high education emphasize research and provide undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Please see your counselor for more information about UC and CSU eligibility.

Examples: UC Berkeley, UC Davis, CSU Monterey, and Chico State

Community College

Community colleges are two-year institutions that prepare students for transfer to a four-year college or university or for various careers. Students can earn an A.A. or A.S., Vocational Degree, or Certificate. Check with your desired community college about registration for admission and any required placement tests.

Examples: San Joaquin Delta College, Cosumnes River College, Las Positas College, Modesto Junior College and Santa Barbara City College.

Private and Out-Of-State Public Colleges

Private universities may have different admission requirements. Students are urged to search for specific websites of any colleges or university in which they have an interest. Admission requirements will be listed as well as majors available, financial aid, and general information and any news about the college.

Examples: Stanford University, University of Pacific (UOP), Harvard, University of Hawaii, and Arizona State University

Certificate Programs/Trade Schools

Certificate Programs/ Trade Schools offer career-oriented programs. Recent high school graduates can enroll in trade school to advance their career. In addition to receiving classroom instruction, students gain hands-on experience. Tuition and fees vary by school and program. Students are urged to search for specific websites for Certificate Programs/Trade Schools for degrees or certificates earned per specific program.

Examples: American Career College and Institute of Technology

Military

The United States Armed Services have representatives who will be on campus throughout the school year to answer questions about careers in the military. Students are encouraged to participate in Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to help discover their personal and potential vocational skills.

Examples: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force

High School Graduation Requirements (Class of 2026 and 2027)

Vs.

A-G (4- Year College Entrance Requirements)

There are multiple basic entrance requirements that are shared by colleges and universities. Heavy emphasis should be placed upon high school course selections in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and World Languages.

High School Graduation Requirements (Class of 2028 and beyond)

Vs.