Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for admission as a first-time freshman, you must:
1. File an application during the initial filing period. Be sure to file before the application deadlines published at Admissions Calendars.
Please note: For Fall 2012 admission, the initial filing period ends November 30, 2011.
2. Graduate from high school or equivalent by the end of your spring 2012 term.
3. Have completed, with a grade of "C" or better, each of the courses in the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory subject requirements:
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 3 years. Algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra
- Social Science/History: 2 years, including 1 year U.S. history or U.S. history and government
- Science: 2 years. 1 biological science with lab, and 1 physical science with lab
- Foreign Language: 2 years in the same language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence)
- Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year. Art, dance, drama/theater, or music
- Electives: 1 year. Selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science/history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts, and agriculture
Note: Be sure to send CSUN your official, preliminary high school transcript as soon as you complete the first semester of your high school senior year.
4. New! All first-time freshmen are required to submit SAT or ACT scores no later than January 13, 2012 to be considered for Fall 2012 admission. The last opportunity to take the tests is in December 2011, so register as early as possible.
For test dates and registration, visit the following websites::
- SAT - See the College Board website or consult your high school counselor.
- ACT - See the American College Testing Program or consult your high school counselor.
5. Earn a qualifiable eligibility index. The CSU statewide eligibility index is a weighted combination of high school grade point average during the final three years of high school and a score on either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). All grades earned in "a-g" college preparatory courses taken in 10th through 12th grades are used to calculate the grade point average (GPA).
- For California residents in Tier 1, inside the Local Guarantee Admission Area, a minimum index of 2900 using the SAT or 694 using the ACT is required. See resident eligibility index table.
- For California residents in Tier 2, outside the Local Guarantee Admission Area, a minimum CSU Eligibility Index of 3200 using the SAT or 740 using the ACT is required.
Index subject to change for Fall 2012 admission.
Note: The academic characteristics of the Tier 2 freshman applicant population will determine the Eligibility Index cut-off, which may vary. Learn more at Freshman Impaction. - For out-of-State nonresidents, a minimum index of 3502 using the SAT or 842 using the ACT is required. See nonresident eligibility index table.
The eligibility index is calculated by using either the SAT or ACT as follows:
- SAT (scores in mathematics and critical reading) + (800 x high school grade point average)
- (10 x ACT composite score without the writing score) + (200 x high school grade point average)
For Fall 2012 admission, all first-time freshmen are required to submit SAT or ACT scores no later than January 13, 2012. The last opportunity to take the SAT is December 3, 2011 and the ACT December 10, 2011.
EPT and ELM Requirement
Although your English Placement Test (EPT) and Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test scores are not requested as part of your admissions application to the University, you must satisfy the requirement before enrolling in classes. Unless exempt, you must take the EPT and ELM tests by May 5, 2012 for Fall 2012 enrollment. Because of heavy demand and limited seating, you should sign up for the tests much earlier than the May deadline.
For EPT and ELM information including test dates, online registration and exemptions, see the CSUN Testing Center website.
How to Apply
Submit an online application through CSU Mentor
Three steps will simplify the admissions process. You should:
- Gather your important documents (grades, transcripts, test scores) to have them handy for completing the online application at CSU Mentor
- Request official transcripts and test scores, and
- Have official transcripts and test scores sent to the CSUN Office of Admissions and Records. Review deadlines and program status (open, closed or exceptions) in the Admissions Calendars.
For additional information and planning, go to CSU Mentor and select Plan for College.
View CSUN Majors
To view majors, go to the CSUN Catalog .
Even when the admissions cycle is closed for a semester, some majors may still be accepting students. Look for the exceptions in the Admissions Calendars.
After You Apply
After you have applied, go to the Admissions and Records home page, or click the links below, for the next steps you need to take in your application process:
- I Have Applied
- I Have Been Admitted - After being admitted, you must electronically file your Intent to Register.