ADMISSIONS 101
UC vs. CSU: What are the requirements?
A quick comparison of key freshman admission requirements. Minimum eligibility is not the same thing as being competitive for admission.
FALL 2027 APPLICATION DEADLINES
Mark November 30, 2026 on your calendar.
Both systems use November 30 as the key deadline for Fall 2027 applicants, but you can start preparing earlier.
University of California (UC)
November 30, 2026
Application opens August 1. Fall 2027 applications may be submitted October 1–November 30.
California State University (CSU)
November 30, 2026
Start working in Cal State Apply August 1. Submission opens October 1; November 30 is the priority deadline.
Some CSU campuses and programs may continue accepting applications after the priority period. Always check the specific campus and major.
Requirement
University of California
California State University
A-G coursework
15 yearlong A-G courses; 11 must be completed before senior year. Grades generally must be C or better.
15-unit A-G pattern. Each required course must be completed with a C or better.
English
4 years
4 years
Math
3 years required; 4 recommended
3 years required; 4 recommended
Science
2 years required; 3 recommended
2 years of laboratory science
Language other than English
2 years required; 3 recommended
2 years (or equivalent pathway/waiver where applicable)
Visual & performing arts
1 year
1 year
College-prep elective
1 year
1 year
Minimum GPA
3.0 for California residents; 3.4 for nonresidents, calculated under UC rules.
2.50 for California residents/CA high school graduates for standard eligibility; some applicants in the 2.00–2.49 range may be evaluated using supplemental factors.
SAT / ACT
Not considered for admission or scholarships.
Not used to determine admission eligibility; may be used for placement after admission.
Application review
Comprehensive review considers academic achievement plus personal and contextual factors. Each campus reviews independently.
Eligibility is based on A-G coursework, grades, graduation, and campus/major-specific criteria. Impacted campuses and majors may have higher standards.
Application platform
UC application
Cal State Apply
Important: These are minimum/summary requirements, not admission guarantees. UC campuses can be substantially more selective than their minimum eligibility standards, and CSU campuses/majors may have additional criteria because of impaction.
Official sources
Requirements should be checked against the current official admissions guidance before each application cycle.