Admissions

Admissions General Information

Requirements for admission to California State University, Los Angeles are set in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. Complete information is available at www.csumentor.edu/planning/. Information is also available from Cal State L.A.’s Office of Admissions and Recruitment, Student Affairs 101, phone (323) 343-CSLA.

Electronic versions of CSU undergraduate and graduate applications are accessible on the World Wide Web at http://www.csumentor.edu/. The CSUMentor system allows students to browse through general information about CSU’s twenty-three campuses, view multimedia campus presentations, send and receive electronic responses to specific questions, and apply for admission.

Applying online via www.csumentor.edu is expected unless electronic submission is impossible. An acknowledgement will be sent when online applications have been submitted. Application in “hard copy” form may be obtained online via www.csumentor.edu as a portable data format (PDF). Application forms (in PDF) may also be downloaded from www.calstate.edu/sas/publications. [Paper applications should be mailed to the campus admission office(s)]

Cal State L.A. admits high school graduates as first-time freshmen, those from community colleges and degree-granting colleges and universities as undergraduate transfer students, and those who hold acceptable baccalaureates as postbaccalaureate or graduate students.

Importance of Filing Complete and Accurate Application for Admission Documents

Cal State L.A. advises prospective students that they must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residency questionnaire, and financial aid forms. Further, applicants must, when requested, submit authentic and official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documents may result in denial of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301, Article 1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations).

Residence Determination

The determination about whether students qualify as legal residents of California for admission and tuition purposes is made by a review of information in the residence questionnaire that all applicants submit with their application for admission. For a summary statement of the principal rules and exceptions about residence determination, see Appendix B.

Intrasystem and Intersystem Enrollment Programs

Students enrolled at any CSU campus will have access to courses at other CSU campuses on a space available basis unless those campuses or programs are impacted or admission to the desired program or admission categories are closed. This access is offered without students being required to be admitted formally to the host campus and sometimes without paying additional fees. Although courses taken on any CSU campus will transfer to the student’s home CSU campus as elective credit, students should consult their home campus academic advisors to determine how such courses may apply to their specific degree programs before enrolling at the host campus.

There are two programs for enrollment within the CSU and one for enrollment between CSU and the University of California or California community colleges. Additional information about these programs is available from the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at (323) 343-3901.

CSU Concurrent Enrollment – matriculated students in good standing may enroll on a space available basis at both their home CSU campus and a host CSU campus during the same term. Credit earned at the host campus is reported at the student’s request to the home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

CSU Visitor Enrollment – matriculated students in good standing enrolled at one CSU campus may enroll on a space available basis at another CSU campus for one term. Credit earned at the host campus is reported at the student’s request to the home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

Intersystem Cross Enrollment – matriculated CSU, UC, or community college students may enroll on a “space available” basis for one course per term at another CSU, UC, or community college and request that a transcript of record be sent to the home campus.

CSU Immunization Requirements

Entering CSU students are required to present proof of the following immunizations to the CSU campus they will be attending before the beginning of their first term of enrollment.

Measles and Rubella
All new and readmitted students must provide proof of full immunization against measles and rubella prior to enrollment.

Hepatitis B
All new students who will be 18 years of age or younger at the start of their first term at a CSU campus must provide proof of full immunization against Hepatitis B before enrolling. Full immunization against Hepatitis B consists of three timed doses of vaccine over a minimum 4 to 6 months period. If you need further details or have special circumstances, please consult the Student Health Center at (323) 343-3300. Each incoming freshman who will be residing in on-campus housing will be required to return a form indicating that they have received information about meningococcal disease and the availability of the vaccine to prevent contracting the disease and indicating whether or not the student has chosen to receive the vaccination. These are not admission requirements, but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU.

Meningitis
Each incoming freshman who will be residing in on-campus housing will be required to return a form indicating that they have received information about meningococcal disease and the availability of the vaccine to prevent contracting the disease and indicating whether or not the student has chosen to receive the vaccination. These are not admission requirements, but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU (CSU Executive Order No. 803). These proofs of immunizations may be sent by mail, brought in person, or faxed to the Student Health Center at (323) 343-3301.

Meningococcal Disease Information

Each incoming freshman who will be residing in on-campus housing will be required to return a form indicating that they have received information about meningococcal disease and the availability of the vaccine to prevent contracting the disease and indicating whether or not the student has chosen to receive the vaccination.

The above are not admission requirements, but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU. (CSU Executive Order No. 803). These proofs of immunizations may be sent by mail, brought in person, or faxed to the Student Health Center at (323) 343-3301.

Tuberculosis (TB)
In addition to the above Measles/Rubella immunization requirement, all new and returning international students and Student Housing tenants must provide acceptable proof of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test or chest x-ray taken within the past year. The form is available in the Housing Services offices. Verification may be sent by mail, brought in person, or faxed to the Student Health Center at (323) 343- 3301. The Student Health Center mailing address is: Student Health Center, Cal State L.A., 5151 State University Drive, L.A., CA 90032-8411.

Measles/Rubella immunizations and TB tests and chest x-rays are offered at the Student Health Center. Call the MR/TB Information Line, (323) 343-3300, for complete instructions, clinic dates, and fees. For questions you may have regarding a registration hold, call directly to (323) 343-6547. The fax number is (323) 343-6557.

Reservation
The University reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the University or any of its programs as the University, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate based on an applicant’s suitability and the best interests of the University.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Freshman Requirements

Generally, first-time freshman applicants will qualify for regular admission if they:

1. Have graduated from high school, have earned a Certificate of General Education Development (GED) or have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination; and
2. Have a qualifiable minimum eligibility index (see section on Eligibility Index), and
3. Have completed with grades of C or better each of the courses in the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory subject requirements also known as the “a-g” pattern (see “Subject Requirements”). The university has no current plans to include the writing scores from either of the admissions tests in the computation of the CSU Eligibility Index.

Eligibility Index
Eligibility Index – The eligibility index is the combination of the high school grade point average and scores on either the ACT or the SAT. Grade point averages (GPA) are based on grades earned in courses taken during the final three years of high school. Included in calculation of GPA are grades earned in all college preparatory “a-g” subject requirements, and bonus points for approved honors courses.

Up to eight semesters of honors courses taken in the last three years of high school, including up to two approved courses taken in the tenth grade can be accepted. Each unit of A in an honors course will receive a total of 5 points; B, 4 points; and C, 3 points.

A CSU Eligibility Index (EI) can be calculated by multiplying a grade point average by 800 and adding your total score on the mathematics and critical reading scores of the SAT. Students who took the ACT, multiply your the grade point average by 200 and add ten times the ACT composite score. Persons who are California high school graduates (or residents of California for tuition purposes), need a minimum index of 2900 using the SAT or 694 using the ACT. The Eligibility Index Table illustrates several combinations of required test scores and averages.

The CSU uses only the SAT mathematics and critical reading scores in its admission eligibility equation. The SAT or ACT writing scores are not currently used by CSU campuses in the computation of the CSU Eligibility Index.

Persons who neither graduated from a California high school nor are a resident of California for tuition purposes, need a  minimum index of 3502 (SAT) or 842 (ACT). Graduates of secondary schools in foreign countries must be judged to have academic preparation and abilities equivalent to applicants eligible under this section.

An applicant with a grade point average of 3.00 or above (3.61 for nonresidents) is not required to submit test scores. However, all applicants for admission are urged to take the SAT or ACT and provide the scores of such tests to each CSU  to which they seek admission. Campuses use these test results for advising and placement purposes and may require them for admission to impacted majors or programs. Impacted CSU campuses and programs require SAT or ACT scores of all applicants for freshman admission.
Subject Requirements
The California State University requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of C or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A “unit” is one year of study in high school.

• 2 years of social science, including 1 year of U.S. history, or U.S. history and government.
• 4 years of English.
• 3 years of math (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra).
• 2 years of laboratory science (1 biological and 1 physical, both must include laboratory instruction).
• 2 years in the same language foreign language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence).
• 1 single year long approved course in visual and performing arts: art, dance, drama/theater, or music.
• 1 year of electives: selected from English, advanced mathematics social science, history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU “a-g” list.

Foreign Language Subject Requirement
The foreign language subject requirement may be satisfied by applicants who demonstrate competence in a language other than English equivalent to, or higher than, that expected of students who complete two years of foreign language study. Consult your school counselor or any CSU campus Admissions or Outreach and Recruitment Office for further information.

Substitution for Students with Disabilities
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to complete college preparatory course requirements if possible. If you are judged unable to fulfill a specific course requirement because of your disability, you may substitute alternative college preparatory courses for specific subject requirements.

Substitutions may be authorized on an individual basis after review and recommendation by your academic adviser or guidance counselor in consultation with the director of a CSU program for students with disabilities. Although the distribution may be slightly different from the course pattern required of other students, students who qualify for substitutions will still be held for 15 units of college preparatory study. You should be aware that failure to complete courses required for admission may limit your later enrollment in certain majors, particularly those involving mathematics. For further information and substitution forms, please contact the Director of Services for Students with Disabilities at your nearest CSU campus.

Honors Courses
Grades in up to eight semester courses designated as honors courses in approved subjects and taken in the last two years of high school receive additional points in grade point average calculations. Each unit of A in approved courses will receive a total of 5 points; B, 4 points; and C, 3 points.

College Preparatory Courses Recommended
Most academic advisers agree that preparation for university study includes preparation in subjects beyond English and mathematics. Bachelor’s degree curricula build upon previous study in the natural sciences, social sciences, visual and performing arts, foreign languages, and the humanities. Students who plan to major in mathematics, the sciences (including computer science), engineering, premedicine, other science-related fields, business, or economics should complete four years of college preparatory mathematics. Students in the social sciences and preprofessional fields of study should include at least three years of college preparatory mathematics in their studies. Further, all students should include English and mathematics in the final year of high school.

Provisional Admission of Transfer Students
Cal State L.A. may provisionally or conditionally admit transfer applicants based on their academic preparation and courses planned for completion. The campus will monitor the final terms to ensure that those admitted complete all required courses satisfactorily. All accepted applicants are required to submit an official transcript of all college level work completed. Campuses may rescind admission for any student who is found not to be eligible after the final transcript has been evaluated. In no case may such documents be received and validated by the university any later than a student’s registration for their second term of CSU enrollment.

Transcript and Test Score Requirements
First-time freshman applicants should not request high school transcripts to be sent to the University until the date of high school graduation is posted on their high school transcript, or unless requested by the University to do so. Transcripts must be sent directly from the high school to Cal State L.A.’s Office of Admissions and Recruitment. All transcripts become University property and will not be released or copied, except for students who request that their application be redirected to another CSU campus.For fall applicants graduating from high school in June, the final high school transcript with date of high school graduation posted must be received by July 15, or the term’s specified transcript deadline date, to ensure enrollment and to prevent the offer of admissions from being cancelled. For applicants with a final calculated high school grade point average of less than 3.00, an SAT or ACT score is required which generally is included on the high school transcript.

Foreign High School Graduates
Applicants who are graduates of secondary schools in foreign countries will have their records assessed for academic preparation and equivalence to those of eligible California high school graduates. The SAT and/or ACT is not an admission requirement from these individuals, except when specifically requested to do so.

Applicants who have graduated from U.S. high schools abroad will be held to academic requirements as those who have graduated from high schools outside California. Please refer to the transcript and test score requirements as noted in the above paragraph.

Transfer Requirements

Students who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester college units (fewer than 90 quarter units) are considered lower division transfer students. Students who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) are considered upper division transfer students. Students who complete college units during high school or through the summer immediately following high school graduation are considered first-time freshmen and must meet those admission requirements. Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses and accepted as such by the campus to which the applicant seeks admission.

Lower Division Transfer Admission Requirements

Generally, applicants will qualify for admission as a lower division transfer student if you have a grade point average of 2.0 (C or better) in all transferable units attempted, are in good standing at the last college or university attended, and meet any of the following standards:

1. Will meet the freshman admission requirements in effect for the term to which you are applying (see “Freshman Requirements” section); or
2. Were eligible as a freshman at the time of high school graduation except for the subject requirements, and have been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation, and have made up the missing subjects.

Applicants who graduated from high school prior to 1988 should contact the Admissions Office to inquire about alternative admission programs. (Due to enrollment pressures, many CSU campuses do not admit lower division transfer applicants.)

For admission, Cal State L.A. requires an official final transcript prior to a specified date to verify successful completion of English composition and college level mathematics if either or both courses are “in progress” or “planned” at the time of application. Refer to your letter of admission for additional information.

Upper Division Transfer Admission Requirements

Generally, applicants will qualify for admission as an upper division transfer student if they meet all of the following requirements:

1. They have a grade point average of 2.0 (C or better) in all transferable units attempted; (nonresidents must have a 2.4 grade point average or better), and
2. They are in good standing at the last college or university attended; and they have completed at least sixty (60) transferable semester units of college coursework with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and a grade of C or better in each course used to meet the CSU general education requirements in written communication, oral communication, critical thinking and quantitative reasoning, e.g. mathematics. The 60 units must include at least 30 units of courses, which meet CSU general education requirement including all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (both oral and written) and critical thinking and the requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning (usually 3 semester units) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements in English communication and mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.

For admission, Cal State L.A. requires an official final transcript prior to a specified date to verify successful completion of both the 90 quarter unit requirement and the requirements in English, oral communication, critical thinking and mathematics if any of these requirements are “in progress” or “planned” at the time of application. Refer to your letter of admission for additional information.

Student Transfer Achievement Reform (STAR) Act (SB 1440)

The Student Transfer Achievement Reform (STAR) Act (SB 1440) establishes an Associate in Arts (AA-T) or Associate in Science (AS-T) for transfer for California Community College student and is designed to provide a clear pathway to the CSU degree major.

California Community College students who earn a transfer associate (AA-T or AS-T) degree are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU and given priority admission over other transfer students when applying to a local campus, or non-impacted program. AA-T or AS-T admission applicants are given priority consideration to impacted campus and/or program that has been deemed similar to the degree completed at the community college. Students who have completed an AA-T/AS-T in a program deemed similar to a CSU major are able to complete remaining requirements for graduation within 60 semester units.

Transfer Policies of CSU campuses

Authority for decisions regarding the transfer of undergraduate credits is delegated to each California State University (CSU) campus. Most commonly, college level credits earned from an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education is accepted for transfer to campuses of the CSU.

The CSU General Education-Breadth (GE-Breadth) program allows California community college transfer students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for any CSU campus prior to transfer. Up to 39 of the 48 GE-Breadth units required can be transferred from and certified by a California college. “Certification” is the official notification from a California community college that a transfer student has completed courses fulfilling lower-division general education requirements. The CSU GE-Breadth certification course list for particular community colleges can be accessed at www.assist.org.

Campuses may enter into articulation agreements on either a course for course or program to program basis. Such articulations are common between CSU campuses and any or all of the California community colleges, but may exist between CSU campuses and other institutions. Established CSU/CCC articulations may be found on www.assist.org .

No more than 70 semester units may be transferred to a CSU campus from an institution which does not offer bachelor’s degrees or their equivalents, e.g., community colleges. Given the university’s 30-unit residency requirement, no more than 90 total units may be transferred into the university from all sources.

Making Up Missing College Preparatory Subject Requirements

Lower division transfer applicants who did not complete subject requirements while in high school may make up missing subjects in any of the following ways.

• Complete appropriate courses with grades of C or higher in adult school or high school summer sessions.
• Complete appropriate college courses with grades of C or higher. One college course of at least three semester units or four quarter units will be considered equivalent to one year of high school study.
• Earn acceptable scores on specified examinations, e.g., SAT subject tests.

Please consult any CSU Admissions Office for further information about alternative ways to satisfy the subject requirement. (Due to enrollment pressures, many CSU campuses do not admit or enroll lower division transfer applicants.)

Test Requirements

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Test (ACT)

Freshman and transfer applicants who have fewer than 60 semester or 90 quarter units of transferable college credit are strongly encouraged to submit scores, unless exempt (see “Eligibility Index” on page 21), from either the ACT or the SAT of the College Board. Persons who apply to an impacted program may be required to submit test scores and should take the test no later than November or December. Test scores also are used for advising and placement purposes. Registration forms and dates for the SAT or ACT are available from school or college counselors or from a CSU campus testing office located in the Library, Rm. 2098, (323) 343-3160. Or students may write to or call:

The College Board (SAT)
Registration Unit, Box 6200
Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6200
(609) 771-7588
www.collegeboard.org

ACT Registration Unit
P.O. Box 414
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 337-1270
www.act.org

English Language Requirement

All undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English and who have not attended schools at the secondary level or above for at least three years full time where English is the principal language of instruction must present a score of 500 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some majors may require a score higher than 500. Applicants taking the Computer Based Test of English as a Foreign Language must present a score of 173 or above. Some majors and some campuses may require a higher score. A few campuses may also use alternative methods of assessing English fluency: Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP).
Each campus will posts the tests it accepts on its website and will notify students after they apply about the tests it accepts and when to submit scores. 

Cal State L.A. minimum respective test standards for undergraduate applicants are:

To obtain TOEFL registration materials, locations and test dates, write to:

Educational Testing Service
P. O. Box 6154
Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151
www.toefl.org

You also may contact the U. S. embassy in your country for TOEFL information. Request that your TOEFL test results be sent directly to California State University, Los Angeles (institution code 4399).

Systemwide Placement Test Requirements

The California State University requires that each entering undergraduate, except those who qualify for an exemption, take the CSU Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) examination and the CSU English Placement Test (EPT) prior to enrollment.

These placement tests are not a condition for admission to the CSU, but they are a condition of enrollment. These examinations are designed to identify entering students who may need additional support in acquiring college entry-level English and mathematics skills necessary to succeed in CSU baccalaureate-level courses. Undergraduate students who do not demonstrate college-level skills both in English and in mathematics will be placed in appropriate remedial programs and activities during the first term of their enrollment. Students placed in remedial programs in either English or mathematics must complete all remediation in their first year of enrollment. Failure to complete remediation by the end of the first year may result in denial of enrollment for future terms.

Students register for the EPT and/or ELM at their local CSU campus. Questions about test dates and registration materials may be addressed to the Cal State L.A. Testing Center, Library, Palmer Wing 2098, (323) 343-3160.

All nonexempt undergraduates must complete the EPT and ELM after admission and before first enrollment in courses at Cal State L.A.

English Placement Test (EPT)

The English Placement Test (EPT) is designed to assess the level of reading and writing skills of students entering the California State University. The CSU EPT must be completed by all non-exempt entering undergraduates prior to enrollment in any course, including remedial courses. Students who score 147 or above on the EPT will be placed in college-level composition classes.

Exemptions from the EPT are granted only to those who present proof of one of the following:

• A score of 500 or above on the critical reading section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test
• A score of 22 or above on the American College Testing (ACT) English Test
• A score of 3 or above on either the Language and Composition or Composition and Literature examination of the College Board Scholastic Advanced Placement Program
• Completion and transfer to CSU of the credits for a college course that satisfies the CSU General Education requirement in English Composition, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better
• A score of “Exempt” or “Ready for college-level English courses” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) taken along with the English Language Arts California Standard Test in grade 11

Verification of successful completion of the appropriate course may be required either before registration or by the document deadline date specified at the time of admission. Students who do not submit the required documentation by the time specified are subject to having their admission rescinded and, if enrolled, being dropped from all courses.

The results of the EPT will not affect admission eligibility, but will be used to identify students who need special help in reading and writing to complete college-level work. Information bulletins for the EPT may be obtained at the Cal State L.A. Testing Center, Library, Palmer Wing 2098, (323) 343-3160.

Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Placement Examination

The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Examination is designed to assess and measure the level of mathematics skills acquired through three years of rigorous college preparatory mathematics coursework (Algebra I and II, and Geometry) of students entering the California State University (CSU). The CSU ELM must be completed by all non-exempt entering undergraduates prior to enrollment in any course, including remedial courses. Students who score 50 or above on the ELM will be placed in college-level mathematics classes.

Exemptions from the ELM are granted only to those who present proof of one of the following:

• A score of 550 or above on the mathematics section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test
• A score of 550 or above on a College Board SAT Subject Test in Mathematics (level 1 or level 2)
• A score of 23 or above on the American College Testing (ACT) Mathematics Test
• A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Calculus AB or Calculus BC exam
• A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Statistics examination
• Completion and transfer to CSU of a college course that satisfies the requirement in Quantitative Reasoning, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better
• A score of “Exempt” or “Ready for college-level Mathematics courses” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP), taken in grade 11 in conjunction with the CST in Summative High School Mathematics or Algebra II
• A score of “Conditionally ready for college-level Mathematics courses” or “Conditional” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) taken in grade 11 along with the California Standards Test in Summative High School Mathematics or Algebra II, provided successful completion of a CSU-approved 12th grade math course that require Algebra II as a prerequisite

Verification of successful completion of the appropriate course may be required either before registration or by the document deadline date specified at the time of admission. Students who do not submit the required documentation by the time specified are subject to having their admission rescinded and, if enrolled, being dropped from all courses.

Students who are required to take this examination should do so as soon as possible after admission and before they enroll in courses. The results of this examination do not affect admission, but will be used to identify students who need special help in mathematics to do college-level work.

Students who cannot demonstrate basic competence on the examination are required to take steps to overcome deficiencies the first term of their enrollment. Any course work undertaken primarily to acquire the required competence shall not be applicable to the baccalaureate.

Information bulletins for the EPT and ELM examinations may be obtained from the Cal State L.A. Testing Center, Library, Palmer Wing 2098, (323) 343-3160.

*Beginning in May 1998, SAT II: Writing Test scores increased about 10 to 20 points. The adjustment was made to make Writing Test scores more comparable to scores on other SAT II subject tests. Although scores will be higher, their relative rank compared to scores for tests taken before May 1998 remains the same.

Credit for Nontraditional Learning Experiences

Credit for certain nontraditional learning experiences may be used in determining eligibility and credit allowances of undergraduate applicants. These nontraditional credit allowances are listed and described below. A more detailed analysis of each category appears later in this chapter under Evaluation of Transfer Credit.

Categories and Credit Allowances

• Baccalaureate-level course credit certified by the Defense Activities in Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) yields a maximum of 36-quarter units.
• Advanced Placement examinations of the CEEB with scores of 3, 4, or 5 yield 9-quarter units for each examination.
• For credit allowance for standardized external examinations, including CLEP, Advanced Placement, the CSU English Equivalency Exam, the American Chemical Society Cooperative Examination, see the explanations later in this chapter.
• For basic training military service, 9 quarter units of lower division elective credit are awarded for 1 year or longer of active duty with an honorable discharge, and 4½ quarter units for 6 months to one year with an honorable discharge.
• Civilian and military courses and schools recommended for credit by the American Council on Education’s Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials yield a maximum of 12 quarter units.

International (Foreign) Student Admission Requirements

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, “foreign students” include those who hold U.S. visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other nonimmigrant classifications.

The California State University uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of foreign students. Verification of English proficiency (see the section about the English Language requirement for undergraduate applicants), financial resources, and academic performance are all important considerations for admissions. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file at least 60 days before registration for the first term and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Foreign applicants and all others who are not permanent U.S. residents will be admitted to Cal State L.A. only if they meet one of the following sets of requirements:

• Completion of two years (90 quarter units or equivalent) of acceptable college work with a minimum 2.4 grade point average as evaluated by the University (A=4.0), an acceptable course in English composition, speech, critical thinking and mathematics with a minimum grade of C in each course, and a minimum 500 paper-based, 173 computer-based, 61 internet-based score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or
• Graduation from a foreign high school where the language of instruction was not exclusively English (with a minimum 3.0 grade point average as evaluated by the University), a minimum 2.4 grade point average in any college work attempted (as evaluated by the University), and a minimum 500 paper-based, 173 computer-based, or 61 internet-based TOEFL score (refer to the section about the TOEFL requirement). The academic eligibility requirement is the same as for graduates of high schools outside California, although submission of ACT or SAT scores is not necessary, unless specifically requested by the University. Foreign high school equivalencies are determined by the University; or
• Graduation from a foreign high school where the language of instruction was not exclusively English(with a minimum 3.0 grade point average as evaluated by the University) and a minimum 500 paper-based, 173 computer-based , or 61 internet-based TOEFL score (refer to the section about the TOEFL requirement). The academic eligibility requirement is the same as for graduates of high schools outside California, although submission of ACT or SAT scores is not necessary, unless specifically requested by the University. The University determines foreign high school equivalencies.

Undergraduate applicants who have attended full time, for at least three years, either an accredited U.S. college or university or a foreign high school, college, or university where the principle language of instruction was English are exempted from the TOEFL requirement.

The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) requires that F-1 visa undergraduate students carry a minimum study load of 12 quarter units. Visa students must have advance proof of adequate financial resources, be in good health, and comply with all Cal State L.A. and BCIS regulations. Consult International Programs and Services, (323) 343-3170, for information about visas, housing, and related matters. International students may apply online at www.csumentor.edu.

General Guidelines for Foreign Records
Applicants with foreign academic work are required to submit official copies of academic records, along with a certified English translation. Academic records should include: secondary school records; yearly records from each college or university attended that indicate the number of hours per semester or year devoted to each course and the grades received; and official documents that confirm the awarding of the degree that include the title and date.

All official documents submitted become the property of the University. The University will determine the acceptability of any foreign work.

Insurance Requirement
Effective August 1, 1995, as a condition of receiving an I-20 or DS2019 form, all F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must agree to obtain and maintain health insurance as a condition of registration and continued enrollment in The California State University. Such insurance must be in amounts as specified by The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State and NAFSA, Association of International Educators. The campus president or designee shall determine which insurance policies meet these criteria. Further information may be obtained from the College of Extended Studies and International Programs at (323) 343-4900.

Second Baccalaureate Applicants

Students who have earned a baccalaureate from an accredited institution may earn a second baccalaureate at Cal State L.A. They are considered postbaccalaureate applicants and must meet the admission requirements for graduate and postbaccalaureate students (see the section later in this chapter). For more information, please contact the College of Extended Studies and International Programs at (323) 343-4900.

Special Admission Categories

Early Start Program

Beginning with the class of 2012, entering resident freshmen who are not proficient in math or “at risk” in English will need to start the remediation process before their first term. By 2014, all new freshmen students who have not demonstrated college-readiness in mathematics and English will need to begin work on becoming ready for college-level English before the start of their first term.

The goals of Early Start Program are to:

• Better prepare students in math and English, before the fall semester of freshman year;
• Add an important and timely assessment tool in preparing students for college; and
• Improve students’ chances of successful completion of a college degree.

For 2012, resident students would be required to participate in the Early Start Program if their ELM score is less than 50 and/or their EPT score is less than 138. Newly admitted freshman students who are required to complete Early Start will be notified of the requirement and options for completing the program as part of campus communications to newly admitted students.

Adult Students

As an alternative to regular admission criteria, applicants who are 25 years of age or older may be considered for admission as adult students if they meet all of the following conditions:

1. Possess a high school diploma (or have established equivalence through either the General Educational Development or California High School Proficiency Examinations).
2. Has not been enrolled in college as full-time students for more than one term during the past five years.
3. If there has been any college attendance in the last five years, has earned a C (2.0) average or better in all college work attempted.

Consideration is based on a judgment about whether the applicant is as likely to succeed as a regularly admitted freshmen or transfer students and will include an assessment of basic English language and mathematical computation. Questions should be directed in writing to the Director of University Admissions.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) assists undergraduate students who are disadvantaged because of their economic or educational background. EOP serves California residents who do not meet regular admission criteria, as well as those who qualify for regular admission, if they have a history of low income and need academic and financial assistance.

In addition to special admission procedures, the program provides specialized orientation, financial assistance, advisement by professional and peer counselors (usually upper division students), tutoring, and access to specialized courses. Because not all EOP applicants can be guaranteed admission, alternative opportunities should be investigated. Applications and information may be obtained from the EOP Office, Student Affairs 215, (323) 343-4EOP.

Early Entrance Program (EEP)

Cal State L.A.’s Early Entrance Program (EEP) serves highly gifted students who need the academic challenges of a university environment to develop intellectually but who are chronologically younger than traditional undergraduates and have not yet graduated from high school. The EEP provides the opportunity for these highly gifted students to begin their college studies early at CSULA as full-time college students and offers them support, guidance, counseling, and a social environment necessary to prepare them for success at the university level. Consult the description of the Early Entrance Program under University Programs for complete details about the admission requirements for this program. For further admission information please contact the EEP at (323) 343-2287, fax (323) 343-5574 or visit the EEP Website at

www.calstatela.edu/eep

High School Students

Provisional Admission of First-time Freshmen

Cal State L.A. may provisionally admit first-time freshman applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and planned for the senior year. The campus will monitor the final two years of study to ensure that admitted students complete their secondary school studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school. Students are required to submit an official transcript after graduation to certify that all course work has been satisfactorily completed. Official high school transcripts must be received prior to deadline set by the university. In no case may documentation of high school graduation be received any later than the census date for a student’s first term of CSU enrollment. A campus may rescind admission decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts and cancel any university registration for students who are found not to be eligible after the final transcript has been evaluated.

Applicants will qualify for regular (non-provisional) admission when the university verifies that they have graduated and received a diploma from high school, have a qualifiable minimum eligibility index (Appendix A), have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory “a-g” subjects, and, if applying to an impacted program or campus, have met all supplementary criteria.

High school students may be considered for enrollment in certain special programs if recommended by the principal and the appropriate campus department chair and if preparation is equivalent to that required of eligible California high school graduates. Such admission is only for a specific program and does not constitute the right to continued enrollment.

High School Nongraduates

Applicants older than 18 years of age who have not graduated from high school are considered for admission only when their preparation in all other ways is such that Cal State L.A. believes their promise of academic success is equivalent to that of eligible California high school graduates. These applicants are required to submit General Educational Development (GED) test scores to establish high school graduation equivalence and an official high school transcript that shows all work completed to the last date of attendance. Scores on the ACT or SAT also are required.

Veterans

Under special circumstances and by authorized action, veterans of U.S. military service who are California residents may be admitted as either first-time freshmen or transfers even though such applicants are not otherwise eligible.

Applicants Not Regularly Eligible

Applicants who are not admissible under one of the above provisions should enroll in extension courses, a community college, or another appropriate institution to meet eligibility requirements. Only under the most unusual circumstances and by authorized action will such applicants be admitted to Cal State L.A. without additional academic preparation as described above.

Undergraduate Application Procedures

Prospective students applying for part-time or full-time undergraduate programs of study in day or evening classes must file a complete undergraduate application. The $55 nonrefundable application fee should be in the form of a check or money order payable to “The California State University” or by credit card if submitting payment online via CSU Mentor, and may not be transferred or used to apply to another term. An alternate major may be indicated on the application. The applications of persons denied admission to an impacted and/or closed campus may be re-routed to another major or campus at no cost, but only if the applicant is CSU eligible.

Use of Social Security Number

Applicants are required to include their correct social security numbers in designated places on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Section 41201, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6109). the University uses the social security number to identify students and their records including identification for purposes of financial aid eligibility and disbursement and the repayment of financial aid and other debts payable to the institution. Also, the Internal Revenue Service requires the University to file information returns that include the student’s social security number and other information such as the amount paid for qualified tuition, related expenses, and interest on educational loans. This information is used by the IRS to help determine whether a student, or a person claiming a student as a dependent, may take a credit or deduction to reduce federal income taxes.

Application Filing Periods

(Not all campuses/programs are open for admission to every term.) 

Filing Period Duration

Each non-impacted campus accepts applications until capacities are reached. Many campuses limit undergraduate admission in an enrollment category due to overall enrollment limits. If applying after the initial filing period, consult the campus admission office for current information. Similar information is conveniently available at http://www.csumentor.edu/filing_status/Default.asp .

International (Visa) Applicants

Application filing periods for international (visa) applicants differ from those for domestic (non-visa) applicants because of additional time required to evaluate records and prepare the necessary documents for the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). The filing periods are established as follows:

The Director of the Office of Admissions and Recruitment may waive this advance application requirement if circumstances warrant. In addition to the academic requirements outlined earlier in this chapter, international students must have competence in the English language, financial resources adequate to provide for all expenses during their period of study at Cal State L.A., and must be in good health.

Application Acknowledgment

On-time applicants may expect to receive an acknowledgment from the campuses to which they have applied within two to four weeks of filing the application. The notice may also include a request that applicants submit additional records necessary to evaluate academic qualifications. Applicants may be assured of admission if the evaluation of relevant qualifications indicates that applicants meet CSU admission requirements, and in the case of admission impaction, campus requirements for admission to an impacted program. Unless specific written approval/confirmation is received, an offer of admission is not transferable to another term or to another campus.

Transcript and Admission Test Score Requirements

Undergraduate transfer students are required to comply with the following transcript and test score requirements as part of the application procedures for admission. Classifications (class level) of applicants apply as of the date of intended enrollment.

Applicants with fewer than 90 units completed
Transcripts: One from high school of graduation; one from each college attended. Test Score: ACT or SAT.

Applicants with 90 or more quarter units completed
Transcripts: One from each college attended; graduate and second baccalaureate applicants, two from each college attended.

Returning Students
Transcripts: One from each college attended since last enrollment at Cal State L.A. unless otherwise notified by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. One from each college attended before Cal State L.A. if student last attended Cal State L.A. more than one year ago.

Engineering Majors

Transcripts: One sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment; one to College of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology.

Nursing Majors
Transcripts: One sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment; one to School of Nursing. CAUTION: Transcripts must be sent directly from each college and school of nursing attended.

Transfer applicants must submit transcripts to the University from all colleges and universities previously attended, even if no course work was completed. If transferring with fewer than 60 transferable semester (90 quarter) units completed, the high school transcript and official test scores (for applicants with a final calculated high school grade point average of less than 3.00) must also be sent. Transcripts from within the U.S. must be sent once you are admitted and must be received by the Document Deadline indicated in the email offering admission to avoid registration delays and to prevent the offer of admission from being canceled, and if enrolled, being dropped from all courses. Documents from outside the U.S. must be sent prior to an offer of admission and received at least 60 days before the first day of the term to which the applicant applies.

The Document Deadlines for fall and spring quarters are July 15 and February 15, respectively. The Document Deadline for winter and summer quarters are February 1 and July 1, respectively. These are subject to change. Students should refer to the appropriate terms’ deadlines for more information. All transcripts become University property and will not be released or copied, except for students who request that their application be redirected to another CSU campus. Transcripts are retained one year for applicants who do not enroll in the term of application or who send transcripts but do not file and application.

Official transcripts are documents received in an envelope sealed by the issuing institution. For initial advisement purposes, students are recommended to bring their own set of transcripts.

Impacted Programs

The CSU designates programs as impacted when more applications from regularly CSU eligible students are received in the initial filing period (October and November for fall terms, June for winter terms, August for spring terms, February for summer terms) than can be accommodated. Some programs are impacted at every campus where they are offered; others are impacted only at a few campuses. Candidates for admission must meet supplementary admission criteria if applying to an impacted program.

The CSU will announce during the fall filing period those campuses or programs that are impacted. Detailed information on campus and programs impaction will be available at the following websites:

http://www.calstate.edu/SAS/impactioninfo.shtml

www.csumentor.edu. 

http://www.calstate.edu/.

Campuses will communicate its supplementary admission criteria for all impacted programs to high schools and community colleges in their service area and will disseminate this information to the public through appropriate media. This information will also be published at the CSU campus individual website and made available online at:  

http://www.calstate.edu/.

Applicants must file applications for admission to an impacted program during the initial filing period. Applicants who wish to be considered in impacted programs at more than one campus should file an application at each campus for which they seek admission consideration.

Supplementary Admission Criteria

Each campus with impacted programs uses supplementary admission criteria in screening applicants. Supplementary criteria may include rank–ordering of freshman applicants based on the CSU eligibility index or rank-ordering of transfer applicants based on the overall transfer grade point average, completion of specified prerequisite courses, and a combination of campus-developed criteria. Applicants for freshman admission to impacted campuses or programs are required to submit scores on either the SAT or the ACT. For fall admission, applicants should take tests as early as possible and no later than November or December of the preceding year.

The supplementary admission criteria used by the individual campuses to screen applicants are made available by the campuses to all applicants seeking admission to an impacted program. Details regarding the supplemental admissions criteria are also provided at: www.calstate.edu/impactioninfo.shtml.

Hardship Petitions

The campus has established procedures for consideration of qualified applicants who would be faced with extreme hardship if not admitted. Petitioners should write the campus Admissions Office about specific policies governing hardship admission.

Reapplication After Failure to Enroll

Applicants who fail to register for the term for which they have been accepted will have their admission canceled. Those who desire admission to any future term must file another application (with fee) within the stated application period and must meet admission requirements in effect at the time of the new application.

All transcripts on file for applicants who are admitted but do not attend are kept one year and may be used for admission during that period. However, transcripts of any additional work completed since the original transcripts were filed must be requested by the applicant from the college(s) attended as part of the new application procedure.

Readmission

Students who are absent without prior approval for any three of the four consecutive quarters before the quarter they wish to return must apply for readmission. The $55 application fee is charged except for students who were enrolled during any of the three quarters immediately preceding the quarter of desired readmission. An application with fee also must be filed by any student who enrolls at another institution during an absence, with the following exceptions: a summer session or extension program; dual registration, with prior approval; or concurrent or visitor enrollment at another CSU campus. Students who were disqualified from Cal State L.A. following the last quarter of attendance must file an application for admission as returning disqualified students. For details see Readmission of Disqualified Students below.

Returning Veterans (Military, Alternative Service)

Cal State L.A. students who enter active U.S. military service or approved alternative service are eligible for continuing student status following active service. Time served in active military or approved alternative service, including the entire quarter in which the student entered the service and the entire quarter during which the discharge occurred, will not be counted as a break in attendance in determining continuing student status.

Readmission of Disqualified Students

Readmission after disqualification is not automatic. Disqualified students will not be considered for readmission until at least two quarters have elapsed. Normally, students will be eligible for readmission when they have satisfied conditions and requirements established during an exit interview. Basic readmission regulations require the following: senior level students (135+ units completed) are eligible tol be readmitted if their Cal State L.A. or cumulative grade point average is greater than 1.95; junior level students (90-134 units completed) are eligible to be readmitted if their Cal State L.A. or cumulative grade point average is greater than 1.85; sophomore level students (45-89 units completed) are eligible to be readmitted if their Cal State L.A. or cumulative grade point average is greater than 1785; freshman level students (0-44 units completed) are eligible to be readmitted if their Cal State L.A. or cumulative grade point average is greater than 1.50. Units earned elsewhere while under disqualification can be used to reduce the total grade point deficiency, but not the Cal State L.A. deficiency (which may be corrected through Open University enrollment in Extended Studies).

Before the appropriate deadline, disqualified students must file an application for readmission as returning disqualified students. In addition, they must seek readmission through a petition to the department or division and college from which they were disqualified. The University Academic Advisement Center will rule on petitions for readmission of disqualified students with undeclared majors. Petitions for Readmission from Disqualification may be obtained from department or division offices and applications for readmission are available online at www.csumentor.edu. Official transcripts of all transfer work attempted since disqualification must be furnished.

Readmission Appeals Procedure

Students who have not met requirements established at the time of the exit interview will be ineligible for readmission and will be so notified by the University Admissions Office. Students may appeal this decision by submitting a petition to the dean of their college or to the University Academic Advisement Center if they have not declared a major.

Evaluation of Transfer Credit

Undergraduate transfer students’ previous college work is evaluated in terms of its relevance to Cal State L.A. course offerings and degree requirements. The transfer credit evaluation is prepared for all new transfer and readmitted students by their second quarter of attendance. This evaluation identifies general education and graduation course requirements met by transfer courses and transfer credit accepted in satisfaction of unit requirements. For readmitted students, it also identifies general education and major requirements met by Cal State L.A. courses. The policies of the transfer institution(s) are followed when grade point averages of transfer course work are computed. If such policies cannot be determined, Cal State L.A. policies are followed. Credit for selected vocational/technical courses not generally accepted for transfer credit may be recognized after admission if approved by the Cal State L.A. academic department or division responsible for the related degree program.

Quarter Units/Quarter System

Credits at Cal State L.A. are expressed in quarter units; one quarter unit normally represents no fewer than one hour of class work and two or more hours of outside study per week for one quarter. One and one-half quarter units are equivalent to one semester unit, and one quarter unit is equivalent to two-thirds of a semester unit of credit.

Credit for Community College Course Work

A maximum of 105-quarter units (70 semester units) earned in a Community College will be allowed towards the units required for graduation. Neither upper division credit nor credit for professional education courses is allowed for community college work.

Credit for Extension, Correspondence Courses

The maximum amount of credit for correspondence and extension courses that may be applied toward the baccalaureate is 36 quarter (24 semester) units. Extension and correspondence course credit does not satisfy Cal State L.A. residence requirements. Students should consult their major department or division adviser before they enroll in extension or correspondence courses to ensure that courses elected will meet both unit and content requirements for the degree.

No undergraduate degree credit will be allowed for University of California extension courses in the X300 or X400 series taken after Spring Quarter 1968, except as specifically approved by the individual department or division concerned.

Credit for Supplementary Transfer Work

To request evaluation of credit toward a bachelor’s degree for work taken at other colleges or universities subsequent to matriculation at Cal State L.A., students must have official transcripts forwarded to the Admissions Office.

Credit for Non-collegiate Instruction

Cal State L.A. grants undergraduate degree credit for successful completion of non-collegiate instruction, either military or civilian, appropriate to the baccalaureate degree if such credit has been recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services and the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs.

Credit for Military Service

Students are granted nine quarter units of lower division elective credit, upon admission, for one year or more of regular active duty in a U.S. military service with an Honorable Discharge, including completion of basic or recruit training. For six months to one full year of military service, including completion of a six-month reserve training program with basic recruit training, and an Honorable Discharge, 4.5-quarter units of lower division elective credit are granted upon admission. Additional credit to a maximum of 12 quarter units may be granted for completion of certain service school certificate programs, based on recommendations of the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education.

Students should submit a copy of their military separation, DD214 or equivalent record, at the time of application for admission. Information on how to request an evaluation of military service school credit can be obtained at www.acenet.edu, the American Council on Education home page. Military service credit is not applied toward the residence requirement.

Credit Certified by the Defense Activities in Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES)

A maximum of 36 quarter units of baccalaureate course credit may be earned for course work certified by the Defense Activities in Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES). Students must have an official DANTES transcript forwarded to the Office of University Admissions.

Credit for Peace Corps Training

Peace Corps volunteers who completed their training at Cal State L.A. may earn a maximum of 1½ quarter units for each week of the training program. The number of units and the area in which the units are given varies with each project. Grades are recorded as Credit (CR).

Credit for work taken at another institution while in Peace Corps training will be granted by Cal State L.A., but only as it appears on an official transcript from another college or university. The credit will be validated when the volunteer becomes a student at Cal State L.A. or another institution of higher education.

Evaluation of Optional Undergraduate Tests and Examinations

Cal State L.A. grants undergraduate degree credit to students who pass examinations that have been approved for credit systemwide. These include Advanced Placement Examinations, the CSU English Equivalency Examination, and some CLEP examinations, as outlined below. The total credit earned in external examinations that may be applied to a baccalaureate shall not exceed 45-quarter units, exclusive of credit for Advanced Placement examinations.

Advanced Placement Credit

Cal State L.A. grants credit toward its undergraduate degrees for successful completion of examinations of the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. Students who present scores of 3 or better are granted 9 quarter units (6 semester units) of elective credit for each examination. The appropriate academic department/division/school determines acceptance of Advanced Placement units for purposes other than electives. Advanced Placement credit will be awarded for students who have had their College Board Grade Report for the Advanced Placement exam sent to Cal State L.A. and have completed one quarter of attendance. Credit is not awarded for any examinations that overlap other examinations or equivalent college courses. Where partial overlap exists, the amount of credit awarded will be appropriately prorated.

Information about Advanced Placement examinations is available at the applicant’s high school. Supporting test materials are sent to the college or university indicated by the student when the examinations are taken.

No credit for any examination will be forwarded to a student who has taken the examination previously within the past year; earned equivalent credit through regular course work, credit by another examination, or other instructional processes, such as correspondence study or military training; or earned credit previously in a course or by an examination more advanced than the level represented by the examination in question.

Following is a list of AP examinations for which the University grants credit:

Transfer of Credit Earned by Examination

Credit earned by examination at another accredited institution is accepted upon transfer if the units have been accepted by the previous institution as equivalent to specific courses and are not in violation of any other regulation.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Credit is awarded for successful performance in certain examinations of the College Level Examination Program. Four quarter units may be earned in any of the following examinations, with passing scores as indicated.

Credit for one examination in mathematics may be applied to the mathematics requirement of the general education program. Credit for additional examinations is allocated to electives; acceptance for major, minor, or prerequisite use is granted on approval of the appropriate academic department or division.

American Chemical Society Examination

Students may earn four quarter units of credit by achieving a score at the 50th or higher percentile on the General Chemistry examination offered as part of the American Chemical Society Cooperative Examination Program.

Appeal of Admission Decision

Section 89030.7 of the California Education Code requires the California State University establishes specific requirements for appeal procedures for a denial of admission. Each CSU campus must publish appeal procedures for applicants denied admission to the University. The procedure is limited to addressing campus decisions to deny an applicant admission to the University.

Admissions appeal procedures must address the basis for appeals, provide 15 business days for an applicant to submit an appeal, stipulate a maximum of one appeal per academic term, provide specific contact information for the individual or office to which the appeal should be submitted and must also be published on the campus website. Appeal information may be found at http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/admiss/appeal/.

Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements

Desirable Student Qualifications

To gain maximum benefit from postbaccalaureate or graduate study, students should possess the following:

* Sufficient knowledge and understanding of their chosen field of study to pursue it effectively at an advanced level.
* Basic techniques, skills, and methods necessary for research investigation and other practical applications of knowledge.
* Sufficient maturity and intellectual curiosity to pursue independent study and learning beyond regular assignments.
* Achievements, aptitudes, and abilities at superior levels to ensure scholarly performance considerably above the average.

Responsibility of the Student

Responsibility for meeting all requirements and following all procedures by the published deadlines rests with the student. In extraordinary circumstances, exceptions to requirements for graduate study established by departments/divisions, colleges, and the university may be granted.

Admission Requirements

Graduate and postbaccalaureate applicants may apply for a degree objective, a credential or certificate objective, or where approved, may have no program objective. Depending on the objective, the CSU will consider an application for admission as follows:

General Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission to graduate and post baccalaureate studies at a California State University campus are in accordance with university regulations as well as Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations.
Specifically, a student shall at the time of enrollment:

1. Have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate campus authorities.
2. Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended.
3. have earned a grade point average of at least 2.5 on the last degree completed by the candidate or have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted; and
4. Satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe. In unusual circumstances, a campus may make exceptions to these criteria.

Students who meet the minimum requirements for graduate and post-baccalaureate studies may be considered for admission in one of the four following categories:

Postbaccalaureate Unclassified

To enroll in undergraduate courses as preparation for advanced degree programs or to enroll in graduate courses for professional or personal growth, applicants must be admitted as postbaccalaureate unclassified students. By meeting the general requirements, applicants are eligible for admission as post-baccalaureate unclassified students. Admission in this status does not constitute admission to, or assurance of consideration for admission to, any graduate degree or credential program (Most CSU campuses do not offer admission to unclassified post-baccalaureate students).

Postbaccalaureate Classified

E.g., admission to an education credential program – Persons wishing to enroll in a credential or certificate program, will be required to satisfy additional professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the campus; or

Graduate Conditionally Classified

Applicants may be admitted to a graduate degree program in this category if, in the opinion of appropriate campus authority, deficiencies may be remedied by additional preparation; or

Graduate Classified

To pursue a graduate degree, applicants are required to fulfill all of the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the campus.

(These and other CSU admissions requirements are subject to change as policies are revised and laws are amended. The CSU website www.calstate.edu and the CSU admissions portal www.csumentor.edu are good sources of the most up-to-date information.)

Most applicants are initially admitted to Cal State L.A. in conditionally classified standing. Those who meet all requirements for any other category may achieve such standing before their first quarter of enrollment. Applicants not regularly admissible may petition for admission by special action as described later in this chapter.

Special Action Admissions

In unusual circumstances, a campus may make exceptions to admission criteria and grant admission by special action. For special action admission, applicants who were in good standing at the last college attended, but who do not meet the mandated admission requirements may petition for admission by special action if acceptable alternative evidence exists that they possess sufficient academic, professional, and other potential pertinent to their proposed graduate objective. Special action admission may be granted by the appropriate college graduate dean upon recommendation of both the proposed major department or division and college graduate studies committee for any of the following three reasons:

1. Applicants Who Lack Minimum Required Grade Point Average
   Students admitted by special action to pursue a master’s degree program will be admitted to conditionally classified graduate status and must complete specific prerequisites and a minimum of 14 units of qualifying courses specified by the major department or division and college graduate dean with a minimum B (3.0 on a scale in which A = 4.0) grade point average, as specified under Requirements for Classified Graduate Standing later in this chapter. Students admitted to pursue a nondegree program (e.g., credential, certificate) must complete special requirements as designated by the major department or division and college graduate dean.
2. Graduates of Unaccredited Institutions
   A degree from an unaccredited college is not recognized for admission in graduate standing. Graduates of such institutions may be admitted in undergraduate standing if course work completed is deemed acceptable and meets undergraduate admission requirements, and may be granted postbaccalaureate or graduate standing upon satisfaction of the following conditions: 
   
   • Meet the minimum University, college, and department or division requirements for admission to classified graduate standing in a degree program.
   • Complete a minimum of four upper division courses (at least 14 quarter units), specified in advance by the proposed major department or division, with a grade point average of at least B (3.0). These courses may not be 500 level. Upon recommendation of the department/division/school and the college graduate dean, 400-level qualifying courses may be applied to the master’s degree program.
   • Receive the written recommendation of the department or division in which the degree is sought and of the appropriate college graduate dean.
   • An applicant with a bachelor’s degree from an unaccredited institution and a master’s degree from an accredited institution may be admitted as a regular postbaccalaureate or graduate student, assuming that all other requirements have been met and that appropriate approvals have occurred.
3. Graduates of Specialized or Professional Schools
   Graduates of specialized or professional schools that are professionally accredited are admitted in conditionally classified graduate status. They may be granted classified graduate standing by satisfying the following conditions:
   
   • Meet the minimum University, college, and department or division requirements for admission to classified graduate  standing in a degree program.
   • Complete a minimum of four upper division qualifying courses (at least 14 quarter units), specified in advance by the proposed major department or division, with a grade point average of at least B (3.0). After they have completed their faculty-approved list of qualifying courses, students may not add any additional courses, nor may they repeat any of the qualifying courses, to raise their grade point average.
   • Receive the written recommendation of the department or division in which the degree is sought and of the appropriate College graduate dean.

International (Foreign) Student Admission Requirements

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, “foreign students” include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other nonimmigrant classifications.

The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of “foreign students.” Verification of English proficiency (see the section on TOEFL Requirement for undergraduate applicants), financial resources, and academic performance are each important considerations for admission. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file for winter by August 1 and for spring by October 12, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Priority in admission is given to residents of California. There is little likelihood of nonresident applicants, including international students, being admitted either to impacted majors or to those majors or programs with limited openings.

For admission in postbaccalaureate or graduate standing, foreign applicants must fulfill the following minimum requirements:

• Have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate, or its equivalent, from an accredited institution.
• Have a minimum 2.5 grade point average (A=4.0) in the last 90 attempted quarter units equal to that required for admission to classified graduate standing. (The entire quarter or semester in which the 90 quarter [60 semester] units began will be used in this calculation.)
• Have approval of the academic department or division that offers the desired degree program.

International students should contact International Programs and Services for information about housing, financial assistance, and related matters.

Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Applications Procedures 

All graduate and postbaccalaureate applicants (e.g., Ed.D., joint Ph.D. applicants, master’s degree applicants, those seeking educational credentials or certificates, and where permitted, holders of baccalaureate degrees interested in taking courses for personal or professional growth) must file a complete graduate application as described in the graduate and postbaccalaureate admission materials at www.csumentor.edu. Applicants who completed undergraduate degree requirements and graduated the preceding term are also required to complete and submit an application and the $55 nonrefundable application fee. Since applicants for postbaccalaureate programs may be limited to the choice of a single campus on each application, re-routing to alternate campuses or later changes of campus choice are not guaranteed. To be assured of initial consideration by more than one campus, it is necessary to submit separate applications (including fees) to each. Applications submitted by way of www.csumentor.edu are expected unless submission of an electronic application is impossible. An electronic version of the CSU graduate application is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.csumentor.edu.

The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of international (visa) students. For these purposes, international (visa) students are residents of a country other than the United States or who hold visas as students, exchange visitors, or other nonimmigrant classifications.

Some academic departments/divisions require applications to their respective graduate programs in addition to the University admission application and may have earlier deadlines than the University admission application deadline. Applicants should contact individual departments/divisions for further information or refer to individual programs later in this catalog.

Students accepted at Cal State L.A. for postbaccalaureate or graduate study must enroll in the term for which application was made. Applicants who do not register for the term for which they have been accepted will have their admission canceled; see “Reapplication After Failure to Enroll” earlier in this chapter. The application fee may not be transferred or used to apply to another term.

Application Filing Periods

(Not all campuses/programs are open for admission to every term.)
 

Filing Period Duration

Each non-impacted campus accepts applications until capacities are reached. Many campuses limit undergraduate admission in an enrollment category due to overall enrollment limits. If applying after the initial filing period, consult the campus admission office for current information. Similar information is conveniently available at http://www.csumentor.edu/filing_status/Default.asp .

Application filing periods for International (Visa) Applicants

Application filing periods for international (visa) applicants differ from those for domestic applicants because of additional time required in evaluating records and preparing necessary documents for the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). The filing periods are established as follows:

The Admissions Officer may waive this advance application requirement if circumstances warrant. In addition to the academic requirements outlined below, international students must have competence in the English language, financial resources adequate to provide for all expenses during their period of study at Cal State L.A., and must be in good health.

Application Acknowledgment

On-time applicants may expect to receive an acknowledgment from their first choice campus within one to two weeks of filing the application. The notice may also include a request that additional records be submitted necessary for the campus to evaluate academic qualifications. Applicants may be assured of admission if the evaluation of relevant qualifications indicates that applicants meet CSU admission requirements and campus requirements for admission to an impacted program. An offer of admission is not transferable to another term or to another campus.

Transcript Requirements

Applicants with either a degree or credential objective must request that two copies of official transcripts be sent to the University from all colleges and universities previously attended, even if no course work was completed. Transcripts from within the U.S. must be received at least 30 days before the first day of the term to which the applicant applies. Documents from outside the U.S. must be received at least 60 days before the first day of the term to which the applicant applies. Processing of applications cannot be guaranteed unless all required documents are received during the designated application period.

All transcripts become University property and will not be released or copied except for students that request that their application be redirected to another CSU campus. Transcripts are retained for one year for applicants who do not enroll in the quarter of application or who send transcripts but do not file an application.

Official transcripts received in an envelope sealed by the issuing institution. For initial advisement purposes, students are recommended to bring their own set of transcripts.

Graduate-Postbaccalaureate English Language Requirement

All graduate and postbaccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, 79 internet-based TOEFL. Some programs require a higher score. Those who plan to pursue an M.A. degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, 100 internet-based TOEFL.

In exceptional cases, the Director of the Office of Admissions and Recruitment may waive the TOEFL score requirement if recommended by the applicant’s proposed major department or division and the college graduate dean. Variation from the minimum TOEFL score will be considered only for applicants with a B (3.0) grade point average as evaluated by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment and whose TOEFL score is not more than ten points below 550 on the paper-based test, 6 points below 213 on the computer-based test, or 3 points below 79 on the internet-based test. This consideration does not apply to applicants who are pursuing a M.A. degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Several CSU campuses may use alternative methods for assessing fluency in English including Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP). 

Cal State L.A. minimum respective test standards for graduate applicants are:

To obtain TOEFL registration materials, locations and test dates, write to:

Educational Testing Service
P. O. Box 6154
Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151
www.toefl.org

You also may contact the U. S. embassy in your country for TOEFL information. Request that your TOEFL test results be sent directly to California State University, Los Angeles (institution code 4399). 

Appeal of Admission Decision

Section 89030.7 of the California Education Code requires the California State University establishes specific requirements for appeal procedures for a denial of admission. Each CSU campus must publish appeal procedures for applicants denied admission to the University. The procedure is limited to addressing campus decisions to deny an applicant admission to the University.

Admissions appeal procedures must address the basis for appeals, provide 15 business days for an applicant to submit an appeal, stipulate a maximum of one appeal per academic term, provide specific contact information for the individual or office to which the appeal should be submitted and must also be published on the campus website. Appeal information may be found at http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/admiss/appeal/.