First-time Freshman Admissions Requirements

First-time freshman applicants must meet CSU Admission requirements, and are required to take the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT, regardless of GPA.  You must complete your testing by the December prior to your enrollment.

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.

• English- 4 years
• Mathematics (algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra)- 3 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)- 2 years
• Visual and Performing Arts (one single year long course)- 1 year
• College Preparatory Elective- 1 year

A course must be designated by your high school as meeting a University of California A-G subject requirements to be considered college preparatory.   All coursework must be completed prior to high school graduation.  Summer coursework cannot be used to meet admission requirements.

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 do not use the writing section for admission purposes.

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.

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.  You can get further information at the ETS Web site at www.ets.org.  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.
There is an additional fee of $50 for testing outside of the state of California.