First-Time Freshman: I Want to Apply

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You're the type of student we're looking for. You're talented, passionate and inquisitive. You want to make a difference in your community and in the world. You're determined to succeed and you won't let anything stand in your way. You're ready to become a Matador.

To support incoming students as we emerge from the recent public health situation, all California State University campuses are being flexible with certain admission requirements. Learn more at High School Guidance for First-Time, First-Year Students.

Keep reading to find out what you need to do to apply for admission to CSUN.

California Resident Applicants

No matter what part of California you’re from, you’ll find a home at CSUN. Visit our beautiful campus in person or virtually and discover why CSUN is one of the premier academic institutions in our state!

Fall freshman admissions

CSUN accepts freshman applications each year between Oct. 1 and Jan. 31 for admission to the coming fall semester.

Am I a freshman?

You are considered a freshman if one of the following describes your situation:

1. You have not yet graduated from high school but are on track to graduate with a high school diploma by spring of your senior year.
2. You graduated from high school and received a diploma, but you have not taken any college courses following your high school graduation.
3. You have earned a certificate for one of the California state high school proficiency exams — General Education Development (GED) or High School Equivalency test (HiSET).

What do I need to apply for admission?

To be considered for admission, freshman applicants will need:

• Unofficial transcripts. You will be required to enter all completed courses as well as those currently in progress and those you plan to take in the future.
• Social Security number, if you have one.
• Your citizenship status. This is for CSU tuition purposes and will not affect your admission application.
• Credit/debit card. The $70 application fee is due at the time of submission and can only be paid by credit/debit card. The online application will calculate your eligibility for an application fee waiver.
• Annual income. If you are a dependent, then report your parents’ or guardian’s income. If you are independent, report your income.
• If you are applying to the Educational Opportunity Program, you will be required to report your parents'/guardian’s educational and employment background and submit two letters of recommendation.

What classes do I need to take to qualify for admission?

You must successfully complete the college preparatory subject requirements listed below (known as “A-to-G” in California) with a grade of C- or better. Because of the pandemic, any credit/pass grades that you earned for A-to-G courses you took winter 2020 through summer 2021 will be accepted as satisfying this requirement. Starting fall 2021, you must take A-to-G courses for a letter grade and earn at least a C- grade.

A to G College Preparatory Subject Requirements

• English: 4 years
• Mathematics: 3 years (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra; 4 years recommended but not required)
• Social Science/History: 2 years (1 year U.S. history or U.S. history and government)
• Science: 2 years (1 year biological science with lab and 1 year physical science with lab)
• Foreign Language: 2 years in the same language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence)
• Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year (art, dance, drama/theater or music)
• Electives: 1 year (selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science/history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or any other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU "A-to-G" list)

No course work taken after graduation will be accepted to meet fall admission requirements.

The application period opens Oct. 1 at Cal State Apply.

What qualifying Eligibility Index score do I need to earn to be admitted?

The following information is for fall 2024 admissions.

1. All California State University (CSU) campuses use the Eligibility Index as part of the freshman admission decision.
2. Beginning with fall 2024 admissions, local-area (regional) impactionis no longer in effect at CSUN. All first-time freshman applicants who are California students graduating from a California high school will need to meet the same minimum standard CSU criteria.
   • The minimum Eligibility Index score is 2500 for California students graduating from all high schools within California.
   • The Eligibility Index is based on your high school grade point average (HSGPA) in all your college prep A to G classes. In some cases, points may be awarded through five (5) additional multifactor admission criteria.
   • CSUN does not require the SAT/ACT for admission. However, if you have taken the tests, please send us your scores to assist with placement in math and writing courses if you are admitted. AP, CLEP and IB scores are also helpful for placement .
3. Calculating your Eligibility Index: CSUN’s minimum Eligibility Index can be achieved in either of two ways:
   • If HSGPA is 2.50 or better: A-to-G HSGPA x 1,000
   • If HSGPA is less than 2.50: A-to-G HSGPA x 1,000 + (total multifactor eligibility points)
   • Examples: – If your HSGPA is 2.50 or better, multiply your GPA by 1,000. For example, the Eligibility Index for a 2.50 HSGPA is 2500. – If your HSGPA is less than 2.50, multiply your GPA by 1,000 and then add any points awarded for the multifactor admission criteria shown in the table below. For example, a student might have a HSGPA of 2.40, qualify for the Cal State Apply application fee waiver and have no parents who attended college. Therefore, add 2400 (GPA x 1,000) + 100 points (25 + 75), for an Eligibility Index of 2500. – All California residents can gain points from the multifactor admission criteria in the table below.
   • A minimum Eligibility Index higher than 2500 may be required depending on your chosen major. Please see the notes below the table.

*See notes below this table.

• Calculation: Earn 10 points per course taken above 30 semesters (15 courses).

• Possible points: maximum 100 points

• 25 Points – Attended a Free and Reduced Lunch School

Parent/Guardian 1 and 2 education:

• 75 Points – Some college, no college, or no degree

• 25 Points – Is a Ward of the Court, Foster Youth or Unaccompanied Youth

• 25 Points – Received application fee waiver

Out-of-State Applicants

No matter what part of the country you’re from, you’ll find a home at CSUN. Visit our beautiful campus in person or virtually to discover why CSUN is one of the premier academic institutions in California!

If you are a resident of one of the member U.S. states or territories of the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, you can enjoy reduced non-resident tuition rates by participating in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program. Visit WUE at CSUN to learn more.

Fall freshmen admissions

CSUN accepts freshman applications each year between Oct. 1 and Jan. 31 for admission to the coming fall semester.

Am I a freshman?

You are considered a freshman if one of the following describes your situation:

1. You have not yet graduated from high school but are on track to graduate with a high school diploma by spring of your senior year.
2. You graduated from high school and received a diploma, but you have not taken any college courses following your high school graduation.
3. You have earned a certificate for one of these high school graduation equivalency exams: the General Education Development (GED), High School Equivalency test (HiSET), or equivalent certificate awarded by other states.

What do I need to apply for admission?

To be considered for admission, freshman applicants will need:

• Unofficial transcripts. You will be required to enter all completed courses as well as those currently in progress and those you plan to take in the future.
• Social Security number, if you have one.
• Your citizenship status.
• Credit/debit card. The $70 application fee is due at the time of submission and can only be paid by credit/debit card.

What classes do I need to take to qualify for admission?

You must successfully complete the college preparatory subject requirements listed below (known as “A to G” in California) with a grade of B or better. Because of the pandemic, any credit/pass grades that you earned for A to G courses you took winter 2020 through summer 2021 will be accepted as satisfying this requirement. Starting fall 2021, you must take A ro G courses for a letter grade and earn at least a B grade.

A-to-G College Preparatory Subject Requirements

• English: 4 years
• Mathematics: 3 years (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra; 4 years recommended but not required)
• Social Science/History: 2 years (1 year U.S. history or U.S. history and government)
• Science: 2 years (1 year biological science with lab and 1 year physical science with lab)
• Foreign Language: 2 years in the same language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence)
• Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year (art, dance, drama/theater or music)
• Electives: 1 year (selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science/history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or any other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU "A-to-G" list)

No course work taken after graduation will be accepted to meet fall admission requirements.

The application period opens Oct. 1. Cal State Apply

What qualifying eligibility index score do I need to earn to be admitted?

1. All California State University (CSU) campuses use the Eligibility Index as part of the freshman admission decision.
   • The Eligibility Index is based on your high school grade point average (HSGPA) in all your college prep A-to-G classes (or equivalents).
   • CSUN does not require the SAT/ACT for admission. However, if you have taken the tests, please send us your scores to assist with placement in math and writing courses if you are admitted. AP, CLEP and IB scores are also helpful for placement .
2. Calculating your Eligibility Index Multiply your high school GPA for the A-to-G subjects (or equivalents) by 1,000: A-to-G subject HSGPA x 1,000
3. Non-resident (out-of-state) applicants graduating from high schools outside of California must possess a minimum eligibility index of 3000 (or HSGPA of 3.0) in the A-to-G subjects.