Preparing for College
The University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU) require the college preparatory pattern of subjects referred to as the "a-g" courses for admission.
a) History and Social Science: 2 years, including 1 year of U.S. history (or 1 semester of U.S. history and 1 semester of civics or American government) and 1 year of social science
b) English: 4 years of college preparatory English composition and literature (take one each year)
c) Math: 3 years (4 years recommended), including Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, Integrated Math IIIor higher mathematics e.g., Pre-Calculus (take one each year)
d) Laboratory Science: 2 years with a lab class - one year from biological, one year from physical science (3 years recommended)
e) Language (other than English): 2 years of the same language (3 years recommended same language)
f) Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year of dance, drama or theater, music, or visual arts
g) College Preparatory Elective: 1 year of any college preparatory subject required in "a-f"
No "D" and/or "F" grades in any course
GPA Requirements: 3.0 or higher for CSU; UC and most privates
CSULB Eligibility Index
The CSULB Index is a result of a formula that combines your achievement in your high school college preparatory subjects, along with your cumulative GPA in grades 10 through 12. The formula is a combination of using your cumulative GPA, along with your Math and English subject GPAs.
The CSULB Index for CSULB ranking is calculated as follows:
(College Preparatory Grade Point Average* X 200) + (500 x HS Math Subject GPA) + (500 x HS English GPA).
The STEM Index for CSULB ranking in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) majors is calculated as follows:
(600 x HS Math Subject GPA) + (600 x HS Science Subject GPA).