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I want to apply as a Freshman

We consider freshman applications on the basis of the following criteria:

Completion of A–G Courses: As a first-time freshman applicant you must complete, with grades of C- or higher, the 15-unit comprehensive pattern of college preparatory courses.

The Major to Which You Apply: Visit the Impaction webpage to learn more about the impacted academic programs at Cal State San Marcos.

Supplemental Factors: Applicants from outside the local admission area may be evaluated on supplemental factors, including application fee waiver eligibility, first-generation status, and foster youth status.

A-G Courses

College Preparatory Courses
A–G SUBJECT YEARS SPECIFICATIONS
A Social Science 2 years required Must include one year of U.S. history or one semester of U.S. history and one semester of American government.
B English 4 years required Literature and/or composition courses are acceptable
C Mathematics 3 years required;
4 recommended
Courses acceptable include algebra I, algebra II, geometry, and other advanced courses that require algebra and geometry as prerequisites. Computer programming courses do not fulfill the math requirements.
D Laboratory Science 2 years required; 3 recommended Must include one year of biology and one year of physical science. Both must have a laboratory component.
E Foreign Language 2 years required Must be the same language. (Subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence.)
F Visual and Performing Arts 1 year required Must be a year-long visual and performing arts course in a single area. Visual art, dance, drama/theatre, or music.
G Electives 1 year required College preparatory courses selected from English, advanced mathematics, social studies, history, laboratory science, agriculture, and foreign language.

Test Scores

CSU campuses have discontinued the use of ACT/SAT exams in determining admission eligibility.

Grade Point Average

Your official GPA for admission to any California State University, including CSUSM, may be different than the GPA on your high school transcript. This is because we calculate your high school GPA using your 10th–12th grade A-G courses.

Also, honors points for A, B and C grades are awarded for a maximum of eight semester courses taken in 11th and 12th grades, including up to two IB or AP courses, or honors courses with 11th or 12th grade content taken in the 10th grade.

Estimate your GPA using the CSU Grade Point Average Calculator.