A-G REQUIREMENTS
In order to be eligible to attend any school in the University of California (UC) or the California State University (CSU) systems as a freshman, you must take certain classes in high school. These classes are known as the "A-G Subjects" :
A. History/Social Science - 2 years required: One year of U.S. History or ½ year of U.S. History and ½ year of civics or American Government. CSU requires one additional year of Social Science. UC requires one year of world history, cultures, and geography.
B. English - 4 years required: Four years of college preparatory English
C. Mathematics - 3 years required, 4 years recommended: Classes must include the topics of algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra. Approved integrated math courses can also fulfill this requirement.
D. Laboratory Science - 2 years required, 3 years recommended: CSU requires one biological and one physical. UC requires classes in at least two of the following areas: biology, chemistry, and physics.
E. Language Other Than English (Foreign Language) - 2 years required, 3 years recommended: At least two years of the same language.
F. Visual & Performing Arts - 1 year required: One yearlong course in dance, drama/theater, music, or visual art.
G. College Preparatory Electives - 1 year required: One additional year in any of the above A-F areas or other approved elective.
You must get a "C" or better in each of these classes. UC recommends getting a 3.0 or better GPA in the above classes. Additionally, you will need to complete eleven of the fifteen A-G requirements prior to the start of your senior year in order to be UC-eligible. You also need to meet the examination requirement by taking the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test by December of your senior year. SAT Subject Tests are not required, but certain programs on some campuses recommend them, and you can use subject tests to satisfy the "a-g" requirements listed above.
Visit the University of California and California State University websites for specific requirements, classes that satisfy each area, and more information.
Many private colleges and universities require similar high school classes, but be sure to check out the school' websites for specific information.
You will want to work with your Guidance Counselor to make sure you are signing up for the right classes and that you are on track to complete all A-G requirements by the time you graduate from high school.
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PATHWAYS TO UC
What you need to know about UC admissions
The University of California welcomes applications from all qualified students. The key to UC admission is preparation-take as many rigorous courses as you can and do well in them. Then apply to the University. All campuses to which you apply will thoroughly review your application to assess your achievements in light of opportunities that are available to you.
Be a competitive applicant!
To be a "competitive" applicant, and therefore more likely to be accepted to the University or selected by the campus of your choice:
Take as many rigorous courses as you can.
- Take community college courses or summer school.
Earn good grades in challenging coursework.
- Try studying 15 more minutes a day and see what happens.
Earn high scores on college entrance exams.
- Take exams in 11th grade and again in 12th to improve your score.
- Take the exams in November instead of December to ensure you can take again if needed.
Participate in extra-curricular activities.
- Be a leader. Show in-depth participation in a few activities rather than low-level participation in many activities.
Write a compelling personal statement.
- The personal statement is more important than ever, so take time to write strong essays.
- Make sure your personal statement relates to the rest of your application.
Apply broadly.
- Research all the UC campuses you may be interested in attending. Be open-minded.
- Apply to "safety," "realistic," and "reach" campuses.
Submit by the November 30 deadline.
Submit the UC application in its entirety by the November 30 deadline. Apply online at http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply
Fee waivers: UC will waive application fees for up to four campuses for qualified students. You can apply for a fee waiver within the online application and be notified immediately whether you have qualified.
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