Office of Admissions, CSU, Chico

Freshman Students - Freshman Requirements

First-time Freshman Admissions Requirements

CSU, Chico is impacted at the first-time freshman level for fall 2010.

All first-time freshman applicants must apply during the priority filing period (October 1 - November 30 for fall 2010) to be considered for admission. SAT or ACT scores are required from all first-time freshmen applicants regardless of GPA and must be taken no later than the December test date. All subject matter requirements must be completed prior to high school graduation. Subject matter requirements must be met with a C or better and may not be completed during the summer term immediately preceding fall admission.

CSU eligible first-time freshman applicants that graduate from high schools in the CSU, Chico-defined service area will be admitted based on CSU system wide eligibility criteria. CSU eligible first-time freshman applicants who graduate from schools outside of the service area will be "rank ordered" by eligibility index and admission offers will be made in descending order of eligibility index totals until the freshman class is full.

High School Grade Point Average. The high school grade point average is determined by college preparatory course work completed during a student's sophomore and junior years. (See list of applicable courses below.) Grades in physical education and military science are not used in the G.P.A. calculation.

College Preparatory Course Work. You must complete the following pattern of college preparatory subject requirements with a "C" or better prior to high school graduation.

4 years English
3 years Mathematics
(algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra)
2 years Social Science
(including 1 year of US History or US History and government)
2 years Science with a Laboratory
(one biological and one physical)
2 years Foreign Language
(the same language)
1 year Visual and Performing Arts
(one single yearlong course)
1 year College Preparatory Elective

A course must be designated by your high school as meeting a University of California A-G subject requirements to be considered college preparatory.

Eligibility Index. The eligibility index will be calculated using a combination of high school G.P.A. and SAT Reasoning Test total score or ACT composite score.

To calculate your eligibility index for CSU, Chico freshman admission:

Using SAT Reasoning Test scores:

Your GPA* x 800 + Your SAT Reasoning Test total = Your Index SAT Reasoning Test taken after March 2005, use a combination of critical reading and math to calculate your SAT total. We will not be using the writing section for admission purposes.
SAT Reasoning Test taken prior to March 2005, use a combination of verbal and math to calculate your SAT total.

Using ACT scores:

(Your GPA* x 200) + (10 x ACT Composite) = Your Index *exclude 9th grade, physical education, and military science courses

California residents must have a minimum index of 2900 using SAT Reasoning Test or 694 using ACT scores. 
Non-California residents must have a minimum index of 3502 using SAT Reasoning Test scores or 842 using ACT scores.

Educational Opportunity Program Admission

The Educational Opportunity Program provides admissions assistance for students who are historically low-income, academically under-prepared, or lacking the subject requirements, grades, or test scores normally required for college attendance, but who have demonstrated the potential for academic success.

English Placement Test (EPT) and Entry Level Math Test (ELM)

As a first-time freshman, you will be required to take the EPT and/or ELM for placement purposes, unless exempt.  You can take these tests at the Chico State campus or at the CSU nearest you.  If you live outside of the state of California, have been admitted to a CSU campus, and need to take the EPT and/or the ELM before arriving in California, please call 1-925-808-2142 or e-mail csuout-of-state@ets.org. Out of state testing is arranged for the 2nd week of the month. There is an additional fee of $50 for testing outside of the state of California.

The CSU Math Success Program

Improving your math skills in your senior of high school is oneof the most important things you can do to prepare yourself to enter a CSU campus. By taking the right steps now, you can avoid the need to enroll in non-credit math remediation courses, which will end up costing you  more money and delaying your progress to graduation. Check out the Math Success site for more information.