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Cal State Long Beach Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are Cal State Long Beach's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Cal State Long Beach and build a strong application.

School location: Long Beach, CA

This school is also known as: California State University Long Beach, CSU Long Beach, Cal State Long Beach

Admissions Rate: 40%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Cal State Long Beach is 40% . For every 100 applicants, 40 are admitted.

This means the school is moderately selective . The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in. But if you don't, you might be one of the unlucky minority that gets a rejection letter.

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Cal State Long Beach GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.7

The average GPA at Cal State Long Beach is 3.7 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.7, Cal State Long Beach requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.7, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Cal State Long Beach hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Cal State Long Beach will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Cal State Long Beach SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1145

The average SAT score composite at Cal State Long Beach is a 1145 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Cal State Long Beach Competitive for SAT test scores.

Cal State Long Beach SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1040, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1250. In other words, a 1040 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1250 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Cal State Long Beach has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, Cal State Long Beach will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Cal State Long Beach forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1145, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Cal State Long Beach ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Cal State Long Beach likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 23

The average ACT score at Cal State Long Beach is 23. This score makes Cal State Long Beach Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 20, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 26.

Even though Cal State Long Beach likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 20 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 23 and above that a 20 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 23 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to Cal State Long Beach, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 23.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Cal State Long Beach considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is moderately selective, strong academic performance will almost guarantee you admission . Scoring a 1250 SAT or a 26 ACT or above will nearly guarantee you admission. Because the school admits 40% of all applicants, being far above average raises the admission rate for you to nearly 100%.

If you can achieve a high SAT/ACT score, the rest of your application essentially doesn't matter. You still need to meet the rest of the application requirements, and your GPA shouldn't be too far off from the school average of 3.7. But you won't need dazzling extracurriculars and breathtaking letters of recommendation to get in. You can get in based on the merits of your score alone.

But if your score is a 1040 SAT or a 20 ACT and below, you have a good chance of being one of the unlucky few to be rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

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• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
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Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Cal State Long Beach here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $70
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Not used if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 1
• Electives 1

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes November 30 February 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 1250 Long Beach, CA 90840
• Phone: (562) 985-4111
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Cal State Long Beach, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Cal State Long Beach.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Cal State Long Beach. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Cal State Long Beach, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Cal State Long Beach, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Cal State Long Beach is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Choosing CSULB

CSULB’s core academic mission is to graduate students with highly valued degrees. California State University, Long Beach is a nationally renowned public research university that values academic excellence, diversity and community engagement.

University Outreach and School Relations  (UOSR)

UOSR is the university’s student recruitment and guest relations office and the primary contact point for prospective undergraduate students seeking information about CSULB’s admission processes, academic departments, student support programs and campus life.

UOSR provides academic preparedness and application workshops for high school and transfer students, educational awareness programs for elementary and middle school students, and programs that promote student access and alternative admissions. UOSR also offers guided campus tours and specialized campus visits for K-12 students, parents, counselors and community groups.

We encourage prospective students to explore the campus and visit  our website.  For more information, call (562) 985-5358, go to  CSULB Outreach  or visit the UOSR Office at Brotman Hall, Room 289.

Beach Central

Beach Central is Enrollment Services’ One Stop for all questions students might have for Admissions, Student Records, and Financial Aid, including Scholarships.  

Beach Central Intake Intake Windows, 1st Floor Courtyard, Brotman Hall

Beach Central Counseling Office Suite 201, 2nd Floor, Brotman Hall

Directions to Join the Queue for Intake and Appointments:  Students can access the virtual queue in multiples ways. Find out  how to join the queue  today.

Graduate Studies 

Graduate Studies at California State University, Long Beach is committed to academic excellence and inclusivity through our high-quality, affordable graduate programs.  We provide our diverse student body with a graduate education that leads to upward mobility and the opportunity for advancement to fulfill workforce demands, create, innovate, and serve the public good.   

Prospective graduate students seeking information about admission processes for graduate programs, graduate student support programs, and campus life as a graduate student should contact the Graduate Advisor from their program of interest.  

The Graduate Center is also available to assist prospective and current graduate students as they navigate graduate studies at The Beach. 

Admissions Procedures and Policies

Requirements for admission to California State University, Long Beach are in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. Complete information is available on the  California State University website .  

All CSU applications must be submitted online on the  Cal State Apply website . An acknowledgment will be sent to the applicant when the online application has been submitted.

Importance of Filing Complete, Accurate, and Authentic Application Documents

CSU, Long Beach advises prospective students that they must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residency questionnaire, and financial aid forms. Further, undergraduate applicants must,  when requested , submit authentic and official transcripts and/or test scores of all previous academic work attempted. Graduate applicants must, when requested, submit authentic and official transcripts and/or test scores required for admissions to their graduate program. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documents may result in denial of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301, Article 1.1, of Title 5, California Code of Regulations).

Undergraduate Application Procedures

Prospective students applying for part-time or full-time undergraduate programs of study must submit a completed undergraduate application. The $70 nonrefundable application fee should be paid online at the time of application via credit card or PayPal and may not be transferred or used to apply to another term. The applications of persons denied admission to an impacted university may be redirected to another university at no cost, but only if the applicant is CSU eligible.

Readmission

Undergraduate students who break attendance by not enrolling in classes each semester, and who have not filed for educational leave, must reapply for admission. Transcripts of work completed elsewhere during the absence must also be submitted. Undergraduate students who left under academic disqualification must submit a “Reinstatement Petition” with proof of submission of their Cal State Apply application by the published deadline.

Impacted Undergraduate Programs

The CSU designates programs as impacted when more applications from regularly eligible applicants are received in the initial filing period (October and November for fall terms, June for winter terms, August for spring terms, February for summer terms) than can be accommodated. Some programs are impacted at every university on which they are offered; others are impacted only at a few universities. Candidates for admission must meet all of the university’s specified supplementary admission criteria if applying to an impacted program or university.

The CSU will announce during the fall filing period those CSUs or programs that are impacted. Detailed information on university and program impaction is available on the Impaction at the  Impaction at the CSU website .

Each university will communicate supplementary admission criteria for all impacted programs to high schools and community colleges in their application service area and will disseminate this information to the public through appropriate media. 

Applicants must file applications for admission to an impacted undergraduate program during the initial filing period. Applicants who wish to be considered for impacted programs at more than one CSU should file an application at each university for which they seek admission consideration.

Supplementary Admission Criteria for Undergraduate Programs

Each university with impacted programs or admission categories uses supplementary admission criteria in screening applicants. Supplementary criteria may include rank-ordering of first-time, first year applicants based on the CSULB index and GPA or rank-ordering of transfer applicants based on verification of the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) degree, the overall transfer grade point average (GPA), completion of specified prerequisite courses, and a combination of campus-developed criteria. Applicants for first-time, first year admission to impacted campuses or programs may need to have a higher “a-g” GPA. In no case will standardized test scores be utilized in making first-time, first year admission decisions. 

The supplementary admission criteria used by individual CSUs to screen applicants are made available by the universities to all applicants seeking admission to an impacted program. 

Undergraduate Application Initial Filing Periods

Undergraduate Filing Period Duration

Each non-impacted campus accepts applications until capacities are reached. Many campuses limit undergraduate admission in an enrollment category due to overall enrollment limits. If applying after the initial filing period, consult the campus admission office for current information.

Undergraduate Application Acknowledgment

On-time applicants may expect to receive an e-mail acknowledgement from the universities to which they have applied within two to four weeks of filing the application.  The notice may include a request that applicants submit additional records necessary to evaluate academic qualifications. Applicants may be assured of admission if the evaluation of relevant qualifications indicates that applicants meet CSU admission requirements, and in the case of admission impaction, supplemental criteria for admission to an impacted program. Unless specific written approval/confirmation is received, an offer of admission is not transferable to another term or to another university.

Undergraduate Requirement Deadlines

Prior to matriculation (official registration as a CSULB admitted student), students must complete, by published deadlines, admission requirements - including subject requirements, unit minimums, grade-point averages, final transcript and testing requirements. Refer to the Enrollment Services website ( Enrollment Services website ) for current requirements.

Graduate Applications 

Prospective students applying for graduate programs of study must submit a completed application via Cal State Apply and submit any additional application materials as required by the graduate program. Applicants for graduate programs are strongly advised to consult their prospective program’s website for admissions criteria and application requirements. The $70 nonrefundable application fee should be paid online at the time of application and may not be transferred or used to apply to another term. CSULB does not offer graduate application fee waivers.  For some CSULB graduate programs, applicants are permitted to identify a second/alternative choice graduate program, in the event they are not admitted to their desired/first-choice program. 

Second Baccalaureate Degree Applications 

CSULB accepts applicants for a second B.A./B.S. in science (excluding biological sciences), math, engineering, foreign languages and nursing. Candidates for a second baccalaureate degree should apply on the  Cal State Apply website . 

Applicants seeking a second bachelor’s degree must submit the undergraduate application for admission.   Applicants who completed undergraduate degree requirements in the preceding term are also required to complete and submit an application and the $70 nonrefundable application fee. 

Intrasystem and Intersystem Enrollment Programs

Fully matriculated students enrolled at any CSU have access to courses at other CSUs on a space available basis unless those universities/programs are impacted. This access is offered without students being required to be formally admitted to the host university and in most cases without paying additional fees. Students should consult their home university academic advisors to determine how such courses may apply to their specific degree programs before enrolling at the host university.

There are two programs for enrollment within the CSU and one for enrollment between CSU and the University of California or California Community Colleges. Additional information about these programs is available from the Office of Enrollment Services.

CSU Fully Online Courses  - Matriculated students in good standing may request enrollment in one course per term, offered by a CSU host university. Enrollment requests will be granted based on available space, as well as completion of any stated prerequisites. Credit earned at the host university is electronically reported to the student’s home university to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

CSU Visitor Enrollment  - Matriculated students in good standing enrolled at one CSU may enroll on a space available basis at another CSU for one term. Credit earned at the host campus is reported at the student’s request to the home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

Intersystem Cross Enrollment  - Matriculated CSU, UC, or community college students may enroll on a “space available” basis for one course per term at another CSU, UC, or community college and request that a transcript of record be sent to the home university.

Concurrent Enrollment Within the CSU

All CSULB undergraduate students wishing to enroll concurrently at CSULB and one of the other 23 CSUs must request permission to do so from the Office of Enrollment Services. Concurrent enrollment within the California State University system is limited to undergraduate students who have completed a minimum of 12 units at CSULB, have a minimum 2.0 grade-point average, are in good academic standing and have paid fees at CSULB for 12 units or more regardless of the total number of units earned at both campuses. No additional fees may be collected after the last day to add classes. Concurrent Enrollment is subject to space availability and registration priority policies at the host campus.

No graduate student may register concurrently at this and any other collegiate institution without advance permission. Permission may be given for concurrent enrollment at CSULB and other institutions if recommended by the program Graduate Advisor and approved by the Dean of the appropriate college. Forms for concurrent enrollment may be obtained from the Graduate Advisor. When such permission is granted, the academic load at CSULB must be reduced accordingly. 

Visitor Enrollment Within the CSU

Undergraduate students enrolled in any CSU campus may apply to transfer temporarily to another CSU campus in Visitor status, if they have (1) completed 12 units at the home campus, (2) have earned at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the home campus, (3) are in good academic standing at the home campus, and (4) are eligible to register under continuing status at the home campus.

Graduate students enrolled in any CSU campus may apply to transfer temporarily to another CSU campus in Visitor status, if they (1) completed at least one term at the home campus as a matriculated student or will be enrolled concurrently in such status or (2) were admitted to or are enrolled in an authorized graduate program at the home campus; and (3) were in good standing at the last college attended. 

Approval for visitor enrollment is valid for one term only and is subject to the host campus policies including application deadlines, space availability, and registration priority. Details and Visitor Enrollment Applications (pdf)  are available through the Office of Enrollment Services. Students from other CSU campuses seeking visitor status at CSULB must also contact their home registration office for additional information.

Enrollment of Non-matriculated Students

Applicants not admissible at this time under any of the preceding categories could enroll in another institution, such as a community college, to prepare for admissibility at a future date. Non-matriculated students may be able to avail themselves of programs in the College of Professional and Continuing Education.

Open University - Through Open University, students who are NOT matriculated in CSULB may take regular university classes during spring or fall semesters for academic credit on a “space available” basis with permission of the department chair and the course instructor. Open University enrollment does NOT constitute admission to CSULB. For more information call the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) at (562) 985-5561.

Summer Sessions, May Intersession, and Winter Session Students

Summer, May, and Winter Session enrollment is open to all matriculated CSULB students and all non-matriculated students such as prospective students, students from other colleges and universities, and interested individuals from the community. No application or admissions process is required for summer and winter registration.

CSULB does not admit matriculated undergraduate students to start in the Winter, May, or Summer Sessions. Registration in Winter, May, or Summer as a non-matriculated student does not ensure the privilege of enrolling in the fall or spring semester as a matriculated student. To register for Winter, May, or Summer Sessions courses, students should contact the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) at (800) 963-2250.

First-Time, First Year Applicants

First-Time, First Year Requirements

Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for first-time, first year admission if they meet the following requirements:

• Have  graduated  from high school, have earned a Certificate of General Education Development (GED) or have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE);
• Complete the 15-unit comprehensive “a-g” pattern of college preparatory courses;
• The CSU will accept “Credit” or “Pass” grades to satisfy “a-g” requirements completed during Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall 2020 terms and during Winter, Spring, or Summer 2021 terms. The CSU expects and assumes that high school Pass (Credit) grades will represent work completed at the C- or higher level. As of Fall 2021 and forward, grades are expected for courses.
• California residents and graduates of California high schools will be eligible for admission by earning a 2.50 or greater “a-g” GPA.
• Non-California residents may be eligible for admission to the CSU by earning a 3.00 greater “a-g” GPA along with other supplemental factors utilized by the individual CSU, including those outlined by impacted universities and programs. 
• Each CSU will determine the supplemental factors used with GPA to determine eligibility in these cases and communicate these criteria publicly for prospective students. 

The California State University (CSU) has permanently discontinued the use of ACT/SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility. Submitted test scores by admitted students would be considered only for purposes for student placement in Math or English courses.

Undergraduate Preparation and Eligibility

California State University, Long Beach continues to be the ‘University of Choice’ for a talented and diverse group of California’s best and brightest students. CSULB continues to receive more first-time, first year applicants than can be accommodated. To maintain the academic quality of CSULB academic programs and services, supplemental admissions criteria are applied to first-time, first year applicants. First-time, first year applicants must:

• Apply on time. Apply between October 1 and November 30.
• While the CSU will not be utilizing standardized testing (SAT and/or ACT) for the purpose of admissions, the SAT or ACT may, however, be used for the purpose of placement in Math and English subjects should a student be offered admission to the University. If you have already taken the SAT 1 or ACT we request that your scores be sent to one CSU from the testing agency and all CSU’s will receive them. 
• Complete the CSU required 15 unit college preparatory “a-g” subjects prior to graduation from high school.
• Perform well - earn the best grades possible (including the senior year).
• Pursue a backup plan should they not be offered admission to CSULB.

The offer of admission is confirmed when the university verifies that applicants have a CSULB qualifiable minimum eligibility index and have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory “a-g” subjects.

CSULB Index

The CSULB index is the combination of the high school cumulative grade point average (GPA), your Math GPA and English GPA. GPA is based on grades earned in courses taken during the final three years of high school. Included in the calculation of GPA are grades earned in all college preparatory “a-g” subject requirements and bonus points for approved honors courses. Up to eight semesters of honors courses taken in the last three years of high school, including up to two approved courses taken in the tenth grade can be accepted. Each unit of A in an honors course will receive a total of 5 points; B, 4 points; and C, 3 points. No points are awarded for F grades. 

The CSULB index can be calculated by multiplying the below formula

• (College Preparatory Grade Point Average* X 200) + (500 x HS Math Subject GPA) + (500 x HS English GPA). 

Persons who are California high school graduates (or are a resident of California for tuition purposes) need a minimum index of 3,200 to be considered for admission. 

Persons who neither graduated from a California high school nor are a resident of California for tuition purposes need a minimum CSULB index of 3,500. Graduates of secondary schools in foreign countries must be judged to have academic preparation and abilities equivalent to applicants eligible under this section.

 Subject Requirements for First-Time, First Year Applicants

The CSU requires that first-time, first year applicants complete, with grades of C- or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A “unit” is one year of study in high school.

• 2 years of social science, including 1 year of U.S. history, or U.S. history and government
• 4 years of English
• 3 years of math (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra; four years recommended)
• 2 years of laboratory science (1 biological & 1 physical, both must have laboratory instruction)
• 2 years in the same foreign language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence)
• 1 year of visual and performing arts: art, dance, drama/theater or music (courses must be completed in the same discipline)
• 1 year of electives: selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science, history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU “a-g” list

Foreign Language Waiver for First-Time, First Year Applicants

The foreign language subject requirement may be satisfied by applicants who demonstrate competence in a language other than English equivalent to or higher than that expected of students who complete two years of foreign language study. Students should consult with their school counselor or any CSU campus admission or relations with schools office for further information.

Special Admission Consideration for Undergraduate Students with Disabilities

The Special Admission process is a means by which applicants, who may not meet the California State University Long Beach (CSULB) undergraduate admission requirements due to disability, but who are “otherwise qualified,” may request special consideration for admission. The Bob Murphy Access Center Special Admission Committee facilitates this process by consulting with Enrollment Services and providing additional information about each applicant’s special circumstances. It is the Committee’s function to evaluate disability documentation using guidelines established by the California State University (CSU) system. All applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, please call (562) 985-4430 or visit our  BMAC website .

High School Students - Young Scholars Program

High school students may be considered for enrollment in certain special undergraduate programs if recommended by the principal and the appropriate university department chair and if preparation is equivalent to that required of eligible California high school graduates. Such admission is only for a given specific program and does not constitute a right to continued enrollment. More information is available from the Office of University Outreach and School Relations at (562) 985-5358 or visit our  CSULB Outreach .

High School Honors Courses

Grades in up to eight semester courses designated as honors courses in approved subjects and taken in the last two years of high school, receive additional points in grade-point average calculations. Each unit of A in approved courses will receive a total of 5 points; B, 4 points; C, 3 points; D, 1 point; and none for F grades.

Provisional Admission for Undergraduate Programs

California State University, Long Beach may provisionally admit first-time, first year applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and planned coursework for the senior year. The university will monitor the final terms of study to ensure that admitted students complete their secondary school studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school.

Students are required to submit a final official transcript after graduation to certify that all coursework has been satisfactorily completed. Final official high school transcripts must be received prior to the deadline set by the university. In accordance with Title V, no student may submit documentation of high school graduation any later than the census date for a student’s first term of CSU enrollment. A CSU may rescind admission decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts and cancel any university registration for students who are found to be ineligible after the final transcript has been evaluated.

Applicants will qualify for regular (non-provisional) admission when the university verifies that they have graduated and received a high school diploma, have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory “a-g” subjects and, if applying to an impacted program or university, have met all supplementary criteria.

The California Promise

The California Promise Program enables a specific number of CSUs to establish pledge programs for entering first-time students who are both interested and able to complete baccalaureate degrees in 4-years. All CSUs have established programs for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer from any California Community College to complete their baccalaureate degrees in 2-years. The program is limited to students who are residents of California.

Students who commit to enter either the 4-year or 2-year pledge will be given a priority registration appointment for each state-supported enrollment period and will be provided with routine and thorough academic advisement. In order to remain in the program, students must meet with their advisors as prescribed, develop an enrollment plan and complete 30 semester units or the quarter equivalent within each academic year, including summer. Participating CSUs may stipulate other requirements as well. Interested students entering the CSU should contact university offices or visit the  California Promise Program website . 

Transfer Policies of California State University

Most commonly, college-level credits earned from an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency are accepted for transfer to member universities of the CSU; however, authority for decisions regarding the transfer of undergraduate credits is delegated to each university.

California Community Colleges and other authorized certifying institutions can certify up to 39 semester (58.5 quarter) units of General Education-Breadth (GE-Breadth) or 37 semester (55.5 quarter) units of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for transfer students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for any CSU prior to transfer.

“Certification” is the official notification from a California Community College or authorized institution that a transfer student has completed courses fulfilling lower-division general education requirements. The CSU GE-Breadth and the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certification course lists for particular community colleges can be accessed on the official transfer and articulation system for California’s public colleges and universities website,  assist.org .

CSUs may enter into course-to-course or program-to-program articulation agreements with other CSUs, any or all of the California community colleges and other regionally accredited institutions. Established CSU and CCC articulations may be found on  assist.org . Students may be permitted to transfer no more than 70 semester (105 quarter) units to a CSU from an institution which does not offer bachelor’s degrees or their equivalents, for example, community colleges. Given the university’s 30-semester (45-quarter) unit residency requirement, no more than a total of 90 semester (135 quarter) units may be transferred into the university from all sources.

Undergraduate Transfer Requirements

Applicants who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester college units (fewer than 90 quarter units) are considered lower-division transfer students. Applicants who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) are considered upper-division transfer students. Applicants who complete college units during high school or through the summer immediately following high school graduation are considered first-time, first year students and must meet the CSU minimum eligibility requirements for first-time, first year admission. Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or University offering the courses and accepted as such by the university to which the applicant seeks admission.

For information on graduate transfer requirements, please review both CSULB university and graduate program-specific policies . 

Lower-Division Transfer Requirements

Due to increased enrollment demands, some CSUs do not admit lower-division transfer applicants. CSULB does not admit lower division transfer students, with the exception of highly qualified nurses.

Students are advised to check the respective university they are interested in to see if lower division transfer applications are accepted.

An applicant who completes fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) units of college credit is considered a lower-division transfer student. Due to enrollment pressures, somes CSUs do not admit lower-division transfers.

Having fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) units at the point of transfer may affect eligibility for registration priority at a CSU campus and may affect the student’s financial aid status.

California resident transfer applicants with fewer than 60 semester or 90 quarter units must:

• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better in all transferable units attempted;
• Have completed, with a grade of C- or better, a course in written communication and a course in mathematics or quantitative reasoning at a level satisfying CSU General Education Breadth Area A2 and B4 requirements, respectively;
• Be in good standing at the last institution attended; and
• Meet any one of the following eligibility standards:

Transfer Based on Current Admission Criteria

The applicant meets the first-time, first year admission requirements in effect for the term for which the application is filed; - OR -

Transfer Based on High School Eligibility

The applicant was eligible as a first-time, first year student at the time of high school graduation and has been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation; - OR -  Transfer Based on Making Up Missing Subjects

The applicant had a qualifying CSULB index at the time of high school graduation (combination of GPA and test scores if needed), has made up any missing college preparatory subject requirements with a grade of C- or better, and has been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation.

One baccalaureate-level course of at least 3 semester (4 quarter) units is usually considered equivalent to one year of high school study.

(Note: Some CSUs may require lower-division transfer students to complete specific college coursework, for example the four basic skill courses in the General Education pattern, as part of their admission criteria.)

Upper-Division Transfer Requirements for Undergraduates

Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for upper-division transfer admission if they meet all of the following requirements:

1.     Cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in all transferable units attempted;

2.      In good standing at the last college or university attended; and

3.      Completed at least sixty (60) transferable semester (90 quarter) units of college level coursework with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and a grade of C- or better in each course used to meet the CSU general education requirements in written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning, e.g. mathematics.

The 60 units must include at least 30 units of courses that meet CSU general education requirements, including all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (both oral and written) and critical thinking and the requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning (usually 3 semester units) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements in English communication and mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT)

The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees offered at the California Community Colleges (CCC) are designed to provide a California community college student the optimum transfer preparation and a clear admission pathway to the CSU degree majors.

CCC students who earn an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) are guaranteed admission with junior standing to a CSU and given priority admission consideration over other transfer applicants when applying to a local CSU or non-impacted CSU program. Please note that students in a similar AA-T or AS-T major are not guaranteed admission to a particular university of the CSU. If however they meet the requirements for the program and are not offered admission to CSULB, their application will be redirected to another CSU with capacity to offer admission. AA-T or AS-T admission applicants are given limited priority consideration based on their eligibility ranking to an impacted university/program or to CSUs/programs that have been deemed similar to the degree completed at the community college. Students who have completed an AA-T/AS-T in a program deemed similar to a CSU major are able to complete remaining requirements for graduation within 60 semester (90 quarter) units. It is the responsibility of the student who has earned an AA-T/AS-T to provide documentation of the degree to the CSU. For the admissions process, students are responsible for working with their community college counselors to complete verification of AA-T or AS-T degree progress through the e-Verify process within the established university deadlines.

International Student Applicants

The International Admission Office at the Center for International Education assists academically eligible international students to apply for admission to the university, advises them of CSULB’s financial, immigration and English language requirements and evaluates transfer credits. Throughout the students’ attendance, the Office of International Students and Scholars staff is involved in advisement on immigration issues related to academics, practical training and graduation among many other areas. Students are also counseled regarding their field of study requirements, which vary at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

International (Foreign) Admission Requirements

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, “foreign students” include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other nonimmigrant classifications. Application requests and questions should be directed to International Admission ( [email protected] ), located in the Center for International Education (FND-180). The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of international students. Verification of English proficiency (see the section on the English Language Requirement for undergraduate applicants) and academic performance are each important considerations for admission. International students need to complete the International application on calstate.edu/apply. The following documents are required:

• Cal State Apply application form;
• $70.00 application processing fee;
• Affidavit of support from financial sponsor;
• Bank statement/letter from financial sponsor;
• Proof of acceptable English proficiency;
• Official academic documents and certified English translations;

Once all the required documents are submitted to the International Admission Office, eligibility for admission is determined by English proficiency and academic history, as well as other considerations.

Graduate applications are forwarded to the graduate program for review. Once admitted, international students receive pre‑arrival, arrival, and orientation information, and the appropriate immigration form with instructions on how to legally enter and/or remain in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires that international students be aware of and follow DHS regulations to remain in legal status in the U.S. for the duration of their academic program. International students on “F” and “J” visas must be enrolled as full-time students. International students cannot obtain F-1 Visas for non-degree programs offered via CPaCE. Courses taken through the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) at CSULB or courses taken concurrently at other colleges may only count toward fulltime status when approved in advance of course registration by the Center for International Education. Questions about DHS policies may be directed to the Center for International Education. 

English Language Requirement

All undergraduate applicants, whose native language is not English and who have not attended schools at the secondary level or above for at least three years full time where English is the principal language of instruction must present a minimum score (Paper: 500, iBT: 61) unless the applicant:

• Has proof of at least three years attendance at a secondary level educational institution in a country where English was the principal language of instruction.* CSULB interprets “where English was the principal language of instruction” to mean that a school is located in a country where English is the native language (the daily medium of communication of the majority of residents is English), and that the students receive academic instruction in all subjects (except foreign language courses) at all levels of education in English, or 
• Completed at least 60 transferable units from accredited U.S. community colleges and/or universities and earned a grade of A, B, or C in English 100 or its equivalent*, or
• Successfully completed Level 4 of CSULB’s American Language Institute’s Intensive English Language Program.*
• presents a minimum score of 5.5 in each sub-section on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Presents a minimum score of 43 on the Pearson Test of English.
• Presents a minimum score of Pre-1 on the EIKEN Test.
• Presents a minimum score of 95 for Undergraduates on the Duolingo English Test.

Undergraduate applicants who are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents of the U.S. and who are subject to the above TOEFL requirement may submit results from the English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) in lieu of TOEFL. A score of 954 on the ELPT is required of such applicants. 

Some majors and colleges may require higher scores. For example, applicants applying for Film and Electronic Arts, which requires a 550 TOEFL score, and Journalism, which requires a 600 TOEFL score, will not be waived from the TOEFL requirement. 

*For this exemption to remain valid, once having met the exemption, the student must not have left the U.S.A. for more than two years to reside or study in a country where English is not the predominant language of business, education and day-to-day societal functions.

All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English, must demonstrate competence in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction (see list here) must receive a minimum score from one of the required English demonstration tests stated on the International Admissions and their prospective graduate program’s website (which ever score is higher) unless the applicant: 

Submits proof of having obtained a bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution where English was the principal language of instruction. CSULB interprets “where English is the principal language of instruction” to mean that a school is located in a country where English is the native language (the daily medium of communication of the majority of residents is English), and the applicant received academic instruction in all subjects (except foreign language courses) at all levels of education in English, or 

Notification from CSULB’s American Language Institute that the applicant has successfully completed level 6 of the American Language Institute Program.  

All graduate applicants shall consult both the Center for International Education and their prospective graduate program’s website for details. 

Insurance Requirement

Effective August 1, 1995, as a condition of receiving an I-20 or DS-2019 form, all F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must agree to obtain and maintain health insurance as a condition of registration and continued enrollment in the California State University. Such insurance must be in amounts as specified by the United States Department of State and NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The university President or designee will determine which insurance policies meet these criteria. Further information may be obtained from the Center for International Education, FND-180, (562) 985-4106.

Special Consideration for Undergraduate Admissions

A very limited number of applicants who do not meet regular undergraduate admission requirements may be considered by the University through an alternate screening process. As part of this review, undergraduate admission may be offered based on institutional interests, special talents, or special circumstances. The authority to grant special admission is delegated to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services based on the recommendations of the appropriate university committees.

Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Application Procedures

All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants (i.e., doctorate, joint Ph.D., master’s degree, educational credentials certificates and, where permitted, holders of baccalaureate degrees interested in taking courses for personal or professional growth) must complete a graduate application as described in the graduate and post-baccalaureate admission materials on the  Cal State Apply website  and the prospective programs’ website. When applying to certain CSULB graduate programs, Cal State Apply may ask applicants if they would like to identify a second/alternative choice graduate program.  If applicants choose a second/alternative choice program and if they are not admitted to their primary/first choice program, then their application will automatically be forwarded to the second/alternative choice for admissions consideration at no additional cost.

To be assured of consideration by more than one campus, it is necessary to submit separate applications (including fees) to each. All CSU applications must be submitted online via the  Cal State Apply website . An acknowledgment will be sent to the applicant when the online application has been submitted.

GRADUATE APPLICATION FILING PERIODS

On-time applicants may expect to receive an acknowledgment from the program to which they have applied within two to four weeks of the application deadline. The notice may also include a request for additional information or missing materials. .  

Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Admission Requirements 

Graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants may apply for a degree objective, a credential or certificate objective, or where approved, may have no program objective. Depending on the objective, the CSU will consider an application for admission as follows:

• General Requirements - The minimum requirements for admission to graduate and post- baccalaureate studies at a CSU are in accordance with university regulations as well as Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations.
• Have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate university authorities;
• Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended;
• Have earned a grade point average of at least 2.5 on the last degree completed by the candidate or have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted; and
• Satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate university authorities may prescribe. In unusual circumstances, a university may make exceptions to these criteria.
• Graduate Classified - To pursue a graduate degree, applicants are required to fulfill all of the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the university; or
• Graduate Conditionally Classified - Applicants may be admitted to a graduate degree program in this category if, in the opinion of appropriate university authority, deficiencies may be remedied by additional preparation; or
• Post-Baccalaureate Classified (e.g. admission to an education credential program) - Persons wishing to enroll in a credential or certificate program will be required to satisfy additional professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the university; or
• Post-Baccalaureate Unclassified - To enroll in undergraduate courses as preparation for advanced degree programs or to enroll in graduate courses for professional or personal growth, applicants must be admitted as post- baccalaureate unclassified students. By meeting the general requirements, applicants are eligible for admission as post-baccalaureate unclassified students. Admission in this status does not constitute admission to, or assurance of consideration for admission to, any graduate degree or credential program. (Most CSUs do not offer admission to unclassified postbaccalaureate students). 

(These and other CSU admi ssion requirements are subject to change as policies are revised and laws are amended. The CSU website and the CSU admission portal are good sources for the most up-to-date information.)  

Special Action 

In rare and compelling circumstances, an applicant who doesn’t qualify for admission under the previous provisions may be admitted by special action if, on recommendation of the appropriate faculty of the department/college concerned and in the judgment of the Dean of Graduate Studies or designee, there exists acceptable evidence that the applicant possesses sufficient academic, professional, and other potential pertinent to her/his educational objectives to merit such action, as shown through aptitude scores, recent academic performance, and experiential background. 

Admission to a Program as a Post-Baccalaureate/Graduate Student 

To pursue a credential, certificate, or master’s or doctoral degree, applicants must be accepted by the department or college offering the program.  Following review of the application, the department or college will determine whether an applicant meets its requirements for admission to its program. Departments or colleges that receive more applications from qualified applicants than the number of spaces they have available will admit students in priority order based on the strength of candidates’ qualifications.  Some programs may elect to place otherwise qualified applicants on a waitlist for reconsideration if space becomes available. Waitlisted applicants must indicate their intent to remain on the list.  

An applicant who is admissible to the University but who does not meet all program requirements for admission may be accepted as a conditionally classified graduate student by the department or college offering the program, subject to the provision that all remaining admission requirements of the program must then be fulfilled after enrollment.   

An applicant who is admissible to the University but denied admission to the program may be considered for and admitted to their second/alternative choice program, only if they identifed their second/alternative choice program in Cal State Apply when they applied to their primary/first choice program.   

Graduate Standing - Conditionally Classified 

Admission to Conditionally Classified Standing: Applicants who show promise of success but who need prerequisite preparation which, in the opinion of the program faculty, can be met by specified additional preparation, including qualifying examinations, may be offered admission with a Graduation Standing of “Conditionally Classified” on a space available basis. The academic unit granting the degree must notify the applicant of the specific preparation required, including minimum grades and the time frame for completion, within two weeks of the University offer of admission. 

Prerequisites should normally be completed in two semesters. Requests to allow a student longer than two semesters must be approved in advance by the Dean of Graduate Studies or designee. 

Academic unit(s) granting the degree(s) are required to monitor the progress of students in “Conditionally Classified” status each term. Upon the successful completion of the identified preparation, the academic unit granting the degree must notify Enrollment Services and the student that they have earned a Graduate Standing of “Classified.” If the student fails to complete the required preparation within the time frame established, the student may be immediately dismissed from the program. The academic unit granting the degree may grant additional time based on special circumstances with the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies or designee. The academic unit granting the degree must notify the student and Enrollment Services of the decision to dismiss for failure to achieve “Classified Standing” in a timely manner.  

Graduate Standing - Classified 

Admission to Classified Standing: Applicants who satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for admission to the graduate degree curriculum, including qualifying examinations, are admitted with a Graduate Standing of “Classified.” 

PostBaccalaureate Standing - Classified 

In this status a student is eligible to enroll in a credential or certificate program, provided that such additional professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, as may be prescribed for the particular credential or certificate program by the appropriate campus authority, are satisfied. 

The  CSU website  and the  admissions portal  are good sources for the most up-to-date information. 

For detailed information on admissions for specific master’s degrees, please review CSULB policies and program-specific websites. 

Persons who have not been accepted by the University for the semester they wish to attend may request permission to audit courses through College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE).

Students who have been accepted by the University may audit courses. See the regulation under “Grades and Administrative Symbols.” The deadline to declare an “audit” grade option is the end of the third week of instruction. Students must follow the instructions in the  Schedule of Classes  for requesting a course as an “audit” grading option. At the end of the semester the instructor will assign an “audit” grade to the official grade sheet which will be forwarded to the Office of Enrollment Services for recording. Courses taken for audit may be repeated in subsequent terms for credit.

Courses successfully audited are listed on the student’s academic record but carry no credit or grade points.

Returning and Transfer Students

Returning graduate and undergraduate students (those who did not maintain continuous enrollment) must reapply to the University under the same conditions and deadlines as all other applicants. Returning graduate students shall refer to the catalog on graduate degree information for additional details.

Undergraduate students who have not maintained continuous attendance status shall be subject to the General Education requirements in effect at the time of their reentry to the university, with the following exceptions:

Previous CSULB undergraduate students who were under earlier General Education requirements and who before breaking continuous attendance needed no more than three additional courses to complete the entire General Education requirement shall be allowed to complete the General Education requirement in effect at the time of the previous attendance. However, all students must complete at least 9 units of upper division General Education courses, of which a minimum of 6 units must be Capstone courses.

Previous CSULB undergraduate students who were under the earlier General Education requirements and who before breaking continuous attendance completed one or more upper-division GE courses shall be required to complete additional Capstone courses as needed to complete the total of 9 upper-division units. At least two of the courses in the overall program must be Capstone courses.

Undergraduate transfer students who enter CSULB with full GE certification from a California Community College must complete both the Human Diversity in the U.S. and the Global Issues requirements if these requirements were not met through transfer, but these students need not complete any other GE courses except the Capstone, which cannot be met through transfer from a community college. Transfer students who enter CSULB without full GE certification from a California Community College must complete the CSULB General Education requirements.

Hardship Petitions for Undergraduate Applicants

The university has established procedures for consideration of qualified undergraduate applicants who would be faced with extreme hardship if not admitted. Petitioners should write the CSULB Office of Enrollment Services regarding specific policies governing hardship admission. (See Admissions Procedures and Policies at the beginning of this section. See also the First-Time, First Year Admission Appeals Website and  the Transfer Admissions Appeals Website .)

Placement Measures for First-Year GE Written Communication and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Courses 

First-time, first-year student skills assessment and placement for general education written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning shall be based on systemwide skills assessment standards that include the Early Assessment Program/ Smarter Balanced Achievement Levels, ACT scores and/or SAT scores, high school coursework, high school GPA and math GPA. 

Skills assessments are not a condition for admission to the CSU; they are a condition of enrollment. 

These skills assessments are designed to inform entering first-time, first-year students of placement in appropriate baccalaureate-level courses based on their skills and needs. 

First-time, first-year students in need of support as determined by the skills assessment will be placed in supported instruction. Supported instruction is designed to assist students in credit bearing courses. Students may also be required to participate in the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program.

The Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Programs offers pathways and academic and social support that align with each incoming student’s needs.  The programs’ goal is to ensure that first time students successfully complete the General Education (GE) written communication (A2) and math/quantitative reasoning (B4) requirements within their first year.

Assessments and Placement for GE Written Communications Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea A2 English Requirement .

The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:

Advanced Placement (AP) Test

• 3 or above: AP Language and Composition
• 3 or above: AP Composition and Literature

College Transfer Coursework

• Completed approved college course that satisfies CSU GE Area A2 (written communication) with a grade of C- or better

Placement in a GE Subarea A2 English Course

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

English CAASPP/EAP Test:

• Standard Exceeded
• Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better

SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test:

• 550 or above
• 510 - 540 and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better English
• 22 or higher
• 19-21 and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better

High School Courses and GPA:

• Weighted GPA 3.3 or above
• GPA 3.0 or above and completed approved 12 grade year-long English course (AP, CSU ERWC, Weighted Honors English)
• GPA 3.0 or above and completed Honors English
• GPA 3.0 or above and 5 or more years of high school English

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea A2 English Course

• 510 - 540 and 4 or more years of high school English
• 19-21 and 4 or more years of high school English
• Weighted GPA 3.0 or above and 4 or more years of high school English

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea A2 English Course and Participation in the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program

Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Supportive Pathways for First Year Students Program. Visit csustudentsuccess . org to learn about this program.

Assessments and Placement for GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Non- Math Intensive Majors (Algebra and Statistics Disciplines, Non-STEM and Undecided Majors) Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

Advanced Placeme nt (AP) Test:

• 3 or above: Calculus AB
• 3 or above on AP Calculus BC
• 3 or above on AP Statistics
• 3 or above on AP Computer Science Principles

International Baccalaureate (IB) Test:

• 4 or above on Math Higher Level (HL)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP):

• 50 or above on: Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry

College Transfer Coursework:

• Completed math/quantitative reasoning college course with a C- or better that satisfies CSU GE Area B4

Placement in a GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures-informed standards via one of the following criteria:

CAASPP/EAP Math Exam:

• Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
• Standard Met and 4 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning

SAT Math Test:

• 570 or above
• 520 - 560 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

ACT Math Test:

• 23 or above
• 20-22 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
• Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
• Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and 5 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
• Weighted high school GPA 3.7 or above
• Weighted high school GPA 3.5 or above and 4 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning

Placement in a Supported GE Sub-area B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

High School GPA:

• Weighted math GPA 3.3 or above
• Weighted high school GPA 3.0 or above

Placement in a Supported GE Sub-area B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Requirement and Participation in the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program Required

Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program. Visit csustudentsuccess . org to learn about this program.

Assessments and Placement for GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Pre- STEM/STEM and Other Math- Intensive Majors

Has Fulfilled the GE Sub-area B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

Advanced Placement (AP) Test:

• 3 or above on AP Calculus AB
• Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better
• Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above and 5 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
• Weighted high school GPA 3.7 or above 

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via the criteria below:

High School Math GPA:

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Require ment and Participation in the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program Required

• The goal of the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program (SPFY) is to Ensure that first-time students successfully complete the General Education (GE) written communication (A2) and math/quantitative reasoning (B4) requirements within their first year
• Better prepare students in written composition and mathematics/quantitative reasoning before the fall term of the first year, improving students’ chances of successful completion of a baccalaureate degree.
• For general information about Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program (SPFYP), visit csustudentsuccess .org/supportive-pathways . Students are encouraged to visit the university website for SPFYP information once admitted.
• Eligible financial aid applicants with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $6,000 or less will be eligible for waiver of the per unit SPFY fee. For more information on assessments, placements and the Supportive Pathways for First Year Students Program, please visit www.csustudentsuccess. org .

Adult Students  

As an alternative to regular admission criteria, an applicant who is 25 years of age or older may be considered for admission as an adult student if they meet all of the following conditions:

• Possesses a high school diploma (or has established equivalence through either the General Educational Development or California High School Proficiency Examinations).
• Has not been enrolled in college as a full-time student for more than one term during the past five years. 
• If there has been any college attendance in the last five years, has earned a 2.00 GPA or better in all college work attempted. 

Consideration will be based upon a judgment as to whether the applicant is as likely to succeed as a regularly admitted freshman or transfer student and will include an assessment of basic skills in the English language and mathematical computation.

Graduation Requirement in Writing Proficiency  

All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. Information on currently available ways to meet this graduation requirement may be obtained from the CSULB GWAR Website.

Advanced Placement Credit

California State University, Long Beach grants credit toward its undergraduate degrees for successful completion of examinations of the Advanced Placement (AP) Program of the College Board. Students who present scores of three or better will be granted up to six semester units (nine quarter units) of college credit for each AP course. Refer to the Advanced Placement Examination Credit table in the Academic Information section of this Catalog.

More specific information is available from the Office of Enrollment Services at (562) 985-5471 or a student’s major department.

International Baccalaureate Credit

Undergraduate students with scores of 5 or higher (4 in certain subjects) in International Baccalaureate Higher Level courses will be awarded baccalaureate credit of 4 to 10 units, depending on course equivalency. Applicants to CSULB who wish to obtain lower-division course credit for completed International Baccalaureate Higher Level examinations must submit an official IB transcript. Course equivalency for Higher Level examinations completed with satisfactory scores is listed in the International Baccalaureate Examination Credit table in the Academic Information section of this catalog.

For questions or information, please call the Office of Enrollment Service at (562) 985-5471 or consult the department.

Programs Leading to Licensure and Credentialing

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from Academic Affairs, (562) 985-4128.

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).             

CSULB COVID-19 Procedures

Students are expected to review and follow the campus COIVD-19 guidelines . Campus policies may change with time.

CSU Immunization Requirements

Entering CSU students are required to present proof of the following immunizations to the CSU they will be attending before the beginning of their first term of enrollment.

• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR):  Two (2) doses with first dose on or after 1st birthday; OR positive titer (labratory/laboratory evidence of immunity to disease).
• Hepatitis B (Hep B):  All new students who will be 18 years of age or younger at the start of their first term at a CSU must provide proof of full immunization against Hepatitis B before enrolling. Full immunization against Hepatitis B consists of three timed doses of vaccine over a minimum 4 to 6 months period. If you need further details, please consult Student Health Services. 
• Varicella (Chickenpox) : Two (2) doses with first dose on or after 1st birthday; OR positive titer (laboratory evidence of immunity to disease) prior to enrollment.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) : One (1) dose after age 7.
• Meningococcal conjugate (Serogroups A, C, Y, & W-135):  One (1) dose on or after 16 for all students and age 21 or younger.
• Tuberculosis Screening/Risk Assessment : All incoming students must complete a Tuberculosis risk questionnaire. Incoming students who are at higher risk *  for TB infection, as indicated by answering “yes” to any of the screening questions, should undergo either skin of blood testing for TB infection within one year of CSU entry.

*Higher risk include travel or living in South or Central America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East; prior positive TB test; or exposure to someone with active TB disease.

These are  not  admission requirements but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU.

References: CSU Executive Order No. 803 Immunization

Requirements / California Assembly Bill 1107.

Measles/Rubella and Hepatitis B clearance are obtained by presenting to Student Health Services 1) a medical immunization record showing dates of shots given, or 2) a record of blood tests showing immunity, or 3) receiving immunization(s), or 4) making a request for medical or personal religious exemption. Students may receive immunizations from their health care provider, HMO, or Public Health Department at low cost. Immunizations may also be obtained at Student Health Services for a minimal charge for Measles and Rubella (German Measles) and vaccine Hepatitis B. Acceptable proof may be by records from high school, private health care providers, and local health departments.

Please note that clinical programs (e.g., speech language pathology, nursing, etc.) at CSULB cannot guarantee clinical placements to unvaccinated students; few clinical experiences accept unvaccinated students. Clinical experiences/placements are required for clinical degrees and licensing examinations. 

For details on immunization requirements and where to obtain vaccines, call Student Health Services, visit our  CSULB Student Health Services website  or go to the Student Health Center at the corner of Beach Drive and Merriam Way.

Undergraduate Student Selection and Denial

The University reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the University or any of its programs as the University, in its sole discretion, determines the appropriate criteria based on an applicant’s suitability and the best interests of the University.

Estimated  Undergraduate Expenses

Students should be prepared to meet expenses for fees within 30 days of registration. Books should be purchased when classes begin. Other expenses are ongoing and must be anticipated monthly and included in the total cost of attendance. Please review the CSULB Financial Aid and Scholarships section on expected undergraduate costs , and reach out to their teams for additional information. 

Living on campus is the ultimate way for students to enhance their college experience. Approximately 2,700 new and continuing students live in three residential villages that support students personally, socially, and academically. The application period for new residents is typically mid-March - May 1 of each year.  Space is limited and housing is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.  At this time we do not offer graduate only, married, or family housing.

For more information about on and off-campus housing, please call (562) 985-4187, visit our  CSULB Housing website , or visit the Housing Office in the Temporary Buildings adjacent to Parking Lot G4.

Appeal of Undergraduate Admission Decision

Section 89030.7 of the California Education Code requires that the CSU establishes specific requirements for appeal procedures for a denial of admission for Undergraduate students. Each CSU must publish appeal procedures for applicants denied admission to the University. The procedure is limited to addressing university decisions to deny an applicant admission to the University.

Denials of admission are made only after an extensive review of academic qualifications and weighing those qualifications against the competitive nature of our applicant pool; therefore, these decisions are rarely overturned and appeals are considered only for extraordinary reasons beyond the control of the applicant. We review every application for maximum consideration.  

For an appeal to have merit, it must contain new, serious and compelling information that clearly shows you to be academically stronger than you had been earlier evidenced. Mistakes made on the application are not basis for an appeal or the reversal of a decision. Additionally, the prospect of a stronger academic performance in a current term is not sufficient basis for an appeal. 

In order for an applicant to submit an appeal, they must: 

Complete the Admissions Appeal Process form requesting we reconsider your application. The form must come from you (the applicant) and be submitted no later 15 days after receipt of your original admissions decision. Appeals submitted via hard-copy letter, email or fax are not acceptable, and will not be considered. 

Your submission must clearly outline your reason for appealing the decision and the information you present should be new and compelling.  

You must include supporting documentation. 

Letters of recommendation and personal statements or essays are not considered in the admissions process at CSULB and cannot be submitted as part of your appeal. 

You may not appeal the decision to be placed on the Wait List. 

The applicant will be notified by email within 4 to 6 weeks in response to the appeal request. Only one appeal may be submitted for an academic term, so the appeal packet must be clear and compelling when submitted. 

Appeal of Graduate Admission Decision 

Denials of admission are made only after an extensive review of academic qualifications, weighing those qualifications against the competitive nature of the applicant pool, and considering the recommendation of the department. Therefore, these decisions are rarely overturned and are considered only for extraordinary reasons beyond the control of the applicant. We review every application for maximum consideration. Final admissions decisions are at the purview of the program faculty.   

For an appeal to have merit, it must contain new, serious and compelling information that clearly shows you to be academically stronger than you had been earlier evidenced. Mistakes made on the application are not basis for an appeal or the reversal of a decision. Additionally, the prospect of a stronger academic performance in a current term is not sufficient basis for an appeal.  

Applicants cannot appeal their position on a waitlist or being waitlisted.  

Appeals shall be submitted no later than 15 days after receipt of the original admissions decision. Appeals shall be submitted to the CSULB Office of Admissions by the denied/withdrawn applicant using designated forms, outlining reason(s) for appealing the decision, and providing supporting documentation. Appeals submitted via hard-copy letter, email or fax are not acceptable and will not be considered.   

Once the appeal is submitted, the Office of Admissions shall consult with the appropriate units (e.g., academic program, department and, as needed, the Dean of Graduate Studies or designee) to carefully consider the information presented. CSULB Office of Admissions will notify the appellant within 4-6 weeks of the response to the appeal request.  

Only one appeal may be submitted for a given academic term. 

Applicants who applied through the Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC) should contact the BMAC to commence an appeal.  

Applicants appealing a residency decision shall contact the Residency Specialist.  

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How to Apply to California State University - Long Beach

Start your application, application requirements.

• High School GPA Required
• High School Rank Neither required nor recommended
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• College Prep Courses Required
• SAT/ACT Considered but not required
• Recommendations Neither required nor recommended

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• California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) GPA Requirements

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) SAT Requirements

California state university-long beach (csulb) act requirements.

• What California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) looks for in applicants
• California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) Requirements - General Application
• How to Differentiate Your Application & Get In
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California State University-Long Beach (CSULB): 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into California State University-Long Beach (CSULB). We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to Cal State Long Beach, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown Cal State Long Beach statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here . If you're interesting in transferring to Cal State Long Beach, the read our transfer guide. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at Cal State Long Beach

This free college chances tool calculates your acceptance chances at any other U.S. college

Please note all chances are estimates based on test score and GPA averages.

What GPA Do You Need To Get Into California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)?

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s average GPA is 3.56. California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) does require GPA. This average GPA means California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) is very selective. Often times, schools in this range are trying to increase their selectivity and “prestige”. We can’t read the minds of Cal State Long Beach application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 3.56 to 3.74 this year - to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 3.74 GPA.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on Cal State Long Beach’s campus. These Cal State Long Beach admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.

What Is California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s Acceptance Rate?

Last year California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s acceptance rate was 33.82. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

As you can see, California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) is a little easier to get into than last year.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into Cal State Long Beach - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

Will You Get Into California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)?

Does california state university-long beach (csulb) require test scores.

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s average SAT score is 1045 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) is getting more or less competitive.

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s average SAT score is 1045. To be a competitive applicant for California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 930, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1160.

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s average ACT score is 68. To be a competitive applicant for California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 58, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 78.

How Hard Is It To Get Into California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)?

As you can see from the data above, California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) is difficult to get into. Not only should you be aiming for a 3.56 but also SAT scores around 1045.

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

How to get into Cal State Long Beach

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into Cal State Long Beach. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at Cal State Long Beach, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with Cal State Long Beach admission standards.

• Score at least a 1045 on the SAT or 68 on the ACT.
• Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.56.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with Cal State Long Beach’s Values.

• Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
• Volunteer in your hometown. Long Beach has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Long Beach area in general.
• Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. Cal State Long Beach needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

• Write a stellar essay that shows California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
• Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your Cal State Long Beach app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
• Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that Cal State Long Beach’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.

Related College & Universities:

Admissions Requirements to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Admissions Requirements to California State University-Fullerton (CSUF)

Admissions Requirements to University of California-Davis (UCD)

Admissions Requirements to UC Irvine

Admissions Requirements to University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego)

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Overview of California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

California State University, Long Beach, is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 31%. Cal State Long Beach is the third-largest institution by enrollment in the California State University system. Students can choose from 150-degree options, and students enjoy a 23 to 1 faculty/student ratio. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations.

• Total Enrollment: 36,846 (31,447 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 43 percent male/57 percent female
• 87 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $6,798 (in-state); $17,094 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,250
• Room and Board: $13,158
• Other Expenses: $3,272
• Total Cost: $24,478 (in-state); $34,774 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 82 percent
• Grants: 77 percent
• Loans: 31 percent
• Grants: $8,560
• Loans: $6,190

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Visual and Performing Arts; Health Professions and Related Programs; Engineering; and Social Sciences

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 87 percent
• Transfer-Out Rate: 2 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 17 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 69 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo, Beach Volleyball
• The Long Beach State 49ers play in the NCAA Division I Big West Conference.

Overview of California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) Admissions

Cal State Long Beach, which accepts fewer than a third of applicants, has a competitive admissions process and is one of the more selective institutions in the California State University System. The admission process is not holistic. Applicants must complete an online application, and send test scores from either the SAT or ACT and high school transcripts. Applicants don’t need to send essays or recommendation letters. Instead, admissions are decided by test scores and GPA. This institution wants to see outstanding grades in the most rigorous classes possible; Advanced Placement, IB, Honors, and dual enrollment classes— the more challenging your high school courses were, the better. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices.

Admissions Data

Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, Cal State Long Beach had an acceptance rate of 31%. for every 100 students who submitted applications, 31 gained admission, making CSULB’s admissions process competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

Cal State Long Beach requires that applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, 95% of admitted students provided SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that Cal State Long Beach’s admitted students scored in the top 35% on the SAT. For the 50% of students admitted to Cal State, Long Beach scored between 520 and 620 reading and writing section, while 25% scored below 520, and 25% scored over 620. 50% of students who gained admission scored 520 and 630 on the math section, while 25% scored below 520, and 25% scored over 630. Students with a cumulative SAT score of 1250 or higher will have competitive chances at Cal State Long Beach.

ACT Requirements and Scores

Cal State Long Beach requires that applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, 27% of admitted students provided ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that Cal State Long Beach’s admitted students scored in the top 49% on the ACT. The median 50% of students admitted to CSULB received a cumulative ACT score between 20 and 26, while 25% scored over 26, and 25% scored below 20.

The average high school GPA for Cal State Long Beach freshman was 3.56 in 2019. Successful applicants have B grades primarily.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Cal State Long Beach, then it should be easy for you to gain admissions to the schools below. If Cal State Long Beach is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

Texas State University, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, Georgia State University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of Texas at El Paso, California State University Northridge

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Cal State Long Beach, then you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

Texas Tech University, Pace University, University of North Texas, San Jose State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of Texas at San Antonio, Hampton University

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will Be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Cal State Long Beach. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

University of Cincinnati, Penn State University Park, United States Military Academy, Hofstra University, Auburn University, Temple University, Seton Hall University

Applying to Cal State Long Beach

Application Deadline: Rolling

Undergraduate Admissions Website: http://www.csulb.edu/admissions

Undergraduate Application Link(s): http://www.csulb.edu/admissions/apply-csulb

Graduate Admissions Website:

http://www.csulb.edu/admissions/graduate-programs-admission-eligibility

Graduate Application Link(s): http://www.csulb.edu/admissions/graduate-programs-application-process

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California State University, Fullerton | CSU Fullerton

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Want to see your chances of admission at California State University, Fullerton | CSU Fullerton?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

California State University, Fullerton | CSU Fullerton’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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Transfer Admission Eligibility

CSULB accepts applications from upper-division transfer students each year from October 1 through November 30  for admission to the following fall semester and from August 1 through August 31 for the spring semester. Get started by reviewing the admission criteria below, and then find out how to apply .

We receive applications from thousands of highly qualified applicants each year. Applicants are admitted based on California State University minimum criteria, as well as on CSU Long Beach’s major-specific criteria . These criteria include unit minimums, lower-division course work, General Education courses, and minimum grade point averages. You must carefully choose a major when you apply to CSULB as an upper-division transfer; if you do not qualify for your first choice, we will not consider an alternate major.

Learn how to make your application more competitive by closely reviewing the guidelines on this website. 

What are the minimum CSU Upper-Division transfer requirements?

You are considered a transfer applicant if you have completed coursework at a college or university since leaving high school, but you have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree.

To be considered for transfer admission to CSULB you must meet the following minimum requirements by the end of the prior spring term for fall admission and by the end of the previous summer term for spring admission:

• Complete 60 transferable semester units or 90 transferable quarter units.
• Have a minimum, overall college GPA of 2.00 or higher in all transferable college course work attempted.
• Be in good standing at the last college or university attended in a regular session.
• Complete a minimum of 30 semester units or 45 quarter units in courses approved to meet CSU General Education (GE) requirements.
• Complete with a grade of C or better the CSU GE requirements in Written Communication, Oral Communication, Critical Thinking and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning.

NOTE: CSULB is closed to Lower-Division Transfer Applications with the exception of a limited number of highly-qualified Nursing students. 

What are Major-Specific Requirements?

In order to support the academic success of CSULB students, academic programs have determined the academic coursework and preparation that best predict successful completion of the major and timely graduation. These requirements include general education courses, coursework critical to success in the major, and minimum grade point average criteria. 

There are two possible pathways you can follow to demonstrate preparation in your intended major:

• The first pathway is to complete the Major-Specific Requirements for Transfer listed on the CSULB website. These requirements reflect the lower-division major preparation recommended by the department faculty at CSU Long Beach. For detailed criteria for each CSULB major, please visit Major-Specific Requirements for Transfer .
• The second possible pathway is the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT). The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) curriculum is used in lieu of the specific course requirements listed on the CSULB website. The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) can be completed at your California Community College. Please note the following: 
• The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) is not the same as a “regular” Associate degree from a California Community College. The Associate Degree for Transfer provides lower-division preparation in a particular major; a traditional Associate degree does not.
• Not all majors at CSULB have a corresponding ADT at every California Community College. If you chose the ADT pathway, be sure you are pursuing a degree that has been deemed similar to your intended major at CSULB. Please follow up with the counselors at your Transfer Center, or visit the website at adegreewithaguarantee.com .
• You must complete your Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) prior to your first semester at CSULB. If for any reason you do not complete your ADT in a timely manner, you will be held to the Major-Specific Requirements for Transfer on the CSULB website (see above).
• For more information about the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) and transfer admission eligibility at CSULB, please visit Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) .

Remember that all major-specific course requirements must be completed with a C or better.

What are the deadlines for completing admission criteria?

• For fall semester admission , coursework and unit minimums must be completed no later than the prior spring term.
• For spring semester admission , coursework and unit minimums must be completed no later than the prior summer term.

Please understand that we are obliged to confirm that you have met all admission criteria based on a review of your official academic record. We find that if the applicant is completing admission requirements in the term immediately preceding their first semester at CSU Long Beach that it is usually not possible for a student to submit a final official college transcript in time to enroll at CSULB. Please work with your transfer counselors to complete all critical admission criteria, including unit minimums and course work, by the time you submit your application to CSULB.

How will students be considered for admission?

• Except for “highly impacted” majors, CSU eligible applicants who are considered local  based on their high school of graduation or their military veteran status will be offered admission if they meet the major-specific minimum cumulative GPA and required lower-division preparation. See Local Preference Admission Consideration for more information. 
• For local applicants who apply to a highly impacted major, their cumulative grade point average (GPA) will be increased by 0.1 during the admissions process. This calculated GPA will be applied to the competitive ranking and departmental review for admissibility to a highly impacted program.
• Other CSU eligible applicants who have met the Major-Specific minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) and the minimum required lower-division preparation will be considered on a space available basis based on their academic performance compared with other applicants for the major.
• In rare cases, if space is available after all students meeting the minimum major GPA and preparation have been accommodated, then CSU eligible students without the minimum major preparation may be considered.
• Students admitted to the major who have not completed the additional recommended transfer requirements or the additional CSULB requirements must complete them in their first year at CSULB.
• Students who report they have completed, or plan to complete, their CSU eligibility and/or the minimum major preparation requirements, but fail to do so, may have their offer of admissions withdrawn.

What are Highly Impacted Majors and how does this affect admission decisions?

While admission to all of our majors is competitive, some majors are extremely space-constrained and have a higher impaction level than other majors. Please review the Major-Specific Requirements for Transfer . If a major is “highly impacted,” it will be noted next to the name of the major. 

Highly impacted majors require additional supplemental criteria and these requirements are indicated in the major-specific details. Supplemental criteria may include interviews, auditions, portfolios, or other academic credentials, and the applicant is strongly advised to contact the major department directly for more information. All applicants to these highly impacted majors will be ranked based on completion of the Major-Specific Requirements, additional preparation coursework completed, and the supplemental criteria listed.

Students who have been granted local preference  and apply to a highly impacted major will have their cumulative grade point average (GPA) increased by 0.1 during the admissions process. This calculated GPA will be applied to the competitive ranking and departmental review for admission consideration.

Cal State Apply

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Find your future at the California State University.

Cal State Apply is available to accept applications for Spring 2023.  Thank you for your patience.  Be sure to check the Application Dates and Deadlines section for campus specific deadlines and available programs.

With 23 universities spanning the state, and thousands of degrees to choose from, the CSU offers you more choices and connections than any other public higher education institution in the nation. One application opens infinite possibilities. Start your journey today. ​ ​

Select a Term to Apply For Fall 2024 Summer 2024 Spring 2025 Apply

Campuses and programs may have different application deadlines. Visit Application Dates & Deadlines  to find yours. Visit our Applicant Help Center  for additional assistance.

For fall 2022 undergraduate admissions, some campuses have extended their deadlines for Cal State Apply applications to December 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. PST. See Priority Application Deadlines.   

Choose Your Application Path:

Attending high school or graduating this year? You’re a freshman applicant.

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Attending a community college or university? You’re a transfer applicant.

Earned your bachelor’s and want to get an advanced degree? You’re a graduate applicant.

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Do you hold an F or J student visa? You’re an international applicant.

Teaching Credential

Interested in becoming a K-12 teacher? You’re a credential applicant.

Find your place at the CSU. With 23 universities, and over 4,000 majors, there is an opportunity with your name.

The CSU provides a high-quality education at an unparalleled value, preparing students for the future.

The CSU strives to meet all California students where they are, providing exceptional access to an affordable education.

Available to all college prepared California students, a CSU education launches brighter futures with greater impact.

The CSU system is comprised of 23 universities with nearly 500,000 students. It’s more than college, it’s community and culture.

Undergraduate Admission Updates

Learn about the CSU admission guidelines enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges facing student applicants.

Compare CSU campuses, explore degrees, learn about admission requirements and apply for financial aid at the links below. ​

Preparing​ for College

The path to a college degree starts early. Here's what you need to know, starting as soon as s​ixth grade.​

Create an account at CaliforniaColleges.edu ​ to track your classes and then transfer your planner to your CSU application.​​

Access to Quality Education

With 23 universities across California, the CSU offers more access to diverse higher education pathways than any other public university system in the United States. Some CSU locations and programs are more sought after than others, leading to areas of impaction and more selective admissions. Learn more about which universities and programs are affected as you plan your CSU journey.

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10 Reasons to Choose the CSU

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