Students have the option to apply to Cal State San Marcos by using the CSUMentor Online Application or by filling out a CSU Application Booklet.

CSUMentor Online Application

Cal State San Marcos encourages students to use the CSUMentor Online Application to apply for admission. It's quick and takes you through the application step-by-step, while ensuring that you properly complete the entire application. If you intend to apply to more than one CSU campus, CSUMentor allows you to send your application to multiple campuses and makes the process easy.  Please click the logo below to access the CSUMentor Online Application.

CSU Application Booklet

The California State University publishes an application booklet for each academic year. You may pick up an application booklet in California at any local High School, Community College, or CSU campus. We do not mail application materials in the State of California. Students outside of California may request application materials by emailing apply@csusm.edu, or by calling the Office of Admissions at Cal State San Marcos at (760)750-4820. If you decide to fill out a paper application please be aware that each CSU campus requires an ORIGINAL (not photocopied or color-copied) application. Additionally, use black or blue ink only. Applications completed in pencil are UNACCEPTABLE and will delay processing of your application.

Application Fee

An application processing fee of $55 in U.S. funds is required for each new application filed. The fee is nonrefundable and may not be transferred to another term at any campus. The fee is required for each campus to which you apply.

The application fee may be waived if you are a California resident from a low-income family for whom the application fee would be an undue financial hardship. The Request to Waive Admission Application Fee form is available from any CSU campus. If you are applying using CSUMentor, you may apply for this waiver online.

Transcripts & Test Scores

Please DO NOT send transcripts with your application. They will be considered unofficial. Please DO request official transcripts from all previous institutions of attendance. Also, if you are required to submit test scores, please DO make sure you designate CSUSM to receive your SAT I or ACT scores when you take those tests. Our institution code is 5677 for SAT and 272 for ACT.

Official transcripts must be mailed to:

Cal State San Marcos
Office of Admissions
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001