CSU/UC Applications

CSU Application

CSU uses one application for all 23 campuses in the system. The submission period for fall applications is October 1-November 30, but CSU also accepts applications for enrollment in winter, spring, and summer terms throughout the year.

Review the Freshman Application Guide and the Transfer Application Guides for step by step instructions on how to apply to the CSU system. 

Freshman Admission Requirements for California Residents

Admission offices at the 23 campuses use three factors to determine eligibility.

Most applicants who are admitted meet the standards in each of the following areas:

• ​Specific high school courses (referred to as the “A-G” courses)
• Grades in “A-G” courses
• Graduation from high school

Many CSU campuses have stricter requirements for particular majors or for students who live outside their local admission area. Because of the number of students who apply, several campuses also have stricter requirements (supplementary admission criteria) for all applicants. See Impaction at the CSU to determine if the campus or major you are interested in applying is impacted and may have higher or additional admission criteria.

Many CSU campuses use local admission policies for students who graduate or transfer from high schools and community colleges that are historically served by a CSU campus in that region. See CSU Local Admission & Service Areas for each campus here (PDF).

San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) hosted a Fall College Information Night Session with San Diego State University (SDSU) and California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). Watch the recording on SDUSD’s Vimeo: SDSU, CSUSM. 

CSU Application Tutorial: Link - Recorded by SDSU Admissions

Applying to UC?

Familiarize yourself with UC’s admission requirements so you know what to expect when it’s time to apply.

One unique part of the UC application is providing responses to the Personal Insight Questions (PIQ). Check out the video below or review the first-year PIQ guide - available in English and Spanish.

UC Application

The UC allows students to apply to any and all UC nine undergraduate campuses using one application. The UC application opens for editing each year on August 1, and students can submit their applications between October 1-November 30. Students can only apply for fall enrollment.

The application collects information including academic history, activities and awards, personal insight question responses, test scores (not including SAT or ACT), among other details that help application readers get to know you.

Key Dates

• August 1 - UC application opens
• October 1-November 30 - UC application submission period*
  • * For students applying for admission for Fall 2025, the application deadline is Monday, Dec 2, 2024. 

Admission Requirements

• For first-year applicants, the UC’s admission requirements focus on academic performance in what’s known as the A-G coursework. Other factors include personal insight question responses, overall GPA, involvement or leadership opportunities throughout high school, among others. Learn more about first-year admissions requirements on the UC website.
• Transfer applicants must complete the 7-course pattern outlined by the UC and at least 60 semester (90 quarter) units to be eligible for admission. Transfer applicants should also be aware of any major preparation requirements for their intended major. Similar to first-years, transfer applicants are also required to submit personal insight question responses on the application.Check out transfer admission requirements on the UC website.

San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) hosted a Fall College Information Night Session with UC San Diego. Watch the recording on SDUSD’s Vimeo.