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What is "A-G?"
As you plan for life after high school, you’ll hear a lot about “A-G” courses or “A-G” Subject Requirements. These are classes you have to take if you want to get into a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC). Taking “A-G” classes can also be helpful if you’re thinking about going to another kind of college or if you don’t need a four-year degree for the career you want.
The classes are in specific subject areas labeled “A” through “G.” Area “A” classes are in History. Area “B” classes are in English, and so on. Here’s a quick overview of “A-G” and the number of years you’ll need to take classes in each area.
Area “A”: History/Social Science.
2 years required.
Area “B”: English.
4 years required.
Area “C”: Mathematics.
3 years required, 4 years recommended.
Area “D”: Science.
2 years required, 3 years recommended.
Area “E”: Language other than English (LOTE).
2 years required, 3 years recommended.
Area “F”: Visual and Performing Arts (VPA).
1 year required.
Area “G”: College Preparatory Electives.
1 year required.
Only certain classes can count in these areas, so ask your school counselor if you’re not sure. You’ll take most of your “A-G” classes in high school. But you might be able to count some math or LOTE classes you take in middle school, too. Talk to your school counselor early and often for help planning your classes. You have to pass “A-G” classes with a letter grade of C- or better.
Are "A-G" classes the same for CSU and UC?
The subject areas and years are the same. Which classes count and when you should take them are a little bit different for CSU and UC. These colleges have some other requirements, too. Get more details about:
Why are more years recommended in some areas?
These are minimum requirements. That means, at the very least, you have to take the number of years required in each area. If you can, it’s a good idea to take more than the minimum. Some colleges and majors are harder to get into. Also, taking four years of math is really helpful for STEM majors (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Doing more than what’s required can help make sure you’re prepared. It can also help your application stand out.
I’m not sure I want to go to a CSU or UC. Should I still take “A-G” classes?
Taking “A-G” classes is a good idea, even if you’re not sure you want to go to a CSU or UC. They can help you no matter which path you decide to take after high school.
Some private colleges in California also prefer students take “A-G” classes.
You’ll be better prepared for first-year classes at a community college.
You’ll develop skills you can use in a lot of careers.
Keep track of your progress.
Talk to your school counselor about your plans for after high school.
Plan ahead. If you’re in middle school, ask about taking Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, or an LOTE class by 8th grade.
Ask for help picking your high school classes. If you’re interested in a STEM major, think about taking an extra year of science and math.
Stay on track. Be sure to take an English class every year in high school.
Keep your grades up. Remember, you’ll need at least a C- in all your “A-G” classes to get into a CSU or UC.
Sources:
https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/freshman/getting_into_the_csu/pages/admission-requirements.aspx#hsReqScrollhttps://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/_files/documents/csu-uc-a-g-comparison-matrix.pdf
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