First-time Freshman Admissions Requirements

California State University, Chico is a popular campus and is impacted at the first-time freshman level, so we will use supplemental admission criteria to admit first-time freshmen to the campus. All applicants must apply during the priority filing period to be considered for admission. SAT or ACT scores are required from all first-time freshmen applicants regardless of G.P.A. 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 who graduate from high schools in the CSU, Chico-defined service area will be admitted based on CSU systemwide 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.

A small percentage of the freshman class may be admitted based on an eligibility index and additional characteristics including special talents, space availability in a unique program or major, first generation college status, socioeconomic factors, and indications of overcoming educational obstacles. CSU, Chico is also impacted in the pre-Nursing and Nursing programs and the Option in Recording Arts (Music Industry and Technology).

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.

• 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.

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.

We 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 website. 

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 (925) 808-2142 or e-mail. 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.