First Time Freshmen

You will qualify for regular admission as a first-time freshman if you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Are a high school graduate,
• Have a qualifying score based on the Eligibility Index, and
• Have successfully completed with grades of "C" or better in each course of the comprehensive pattern of college prep subject requirements (see below).
• Have a qualifiable index based on your high school GPA and test scores. The minimum score is also based on your California Residency.

Courses must be completed prior to the first enrollment in the California State University.

What are the minimum requirements for admission?

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.

• 4 years: English
• 3 years: Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, and Intermediate Algebra.)
• 2 years: US History or social science
• 2 years: Science, including 1 biological science and 1 physical science
• 2 years: Foreign language (in the same language)
• 1 year: Visual and Performing Arts, Art, Dance, Drama/Theater, or Music.
• 1 year: Electives chosen from the subject areas listed above, or other college preparatory course (2 semesters of 1 year-long course)

What is the CSU Eligibility Index?

The CSU eligibility index is the result of a formula that combines your achievement in high school courses with the results of the SAT I or ACT. The index uses your earned grades in courses taken in 10th through 12th grade excluding courses taken in PE or ROTC. Click here for the eligibility index table for California high school graduates or Residents of California.

How can I apply to CSUB?

There are several ways to apply to CSUB. We encourage you to apply to CSUB by visiting CSUMentor. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may request an admissions application packet be set to you. Just call the University Outreach office at (661) 654-3138 or e-mail at outreach@csub.edu.

The application fee requires a non-refundable $55.00 filing fee whether sent via CSUMentor or on paper. Fee waivers are available if you qualify.

Is there a deadline to apply?

California State University, Bakersfield does not have an application filing deadline. However, submitting your application early is strongly encouraged so you can take advantage of any other requirements, i.e., placement tests, EPT/ELM, you may need to fulfill before the term begins. Submitting your application early also allows you to participate in a more early orientation and advising program giving you more choices for classes.

When will I know if you received my application?

Once your application is received and preliminary information such as your name, address, and date of birth, etc., is collected, we will send you a letter that acknowledges receipt of your application. In the following weeks after you have received the acknowledgment letter you will receive another letter requesting any additional information required, if necessary. During peak application processing, generally from November to March it may take two to four weeks to acknowledge your application. You may call the Admissions office at (661) 654-3036 to determine the status of your application. Please have your CSUB ID number or social security number and term applying for ready when calling.

What about test scores?

Test scores from the SAT I or ACT should be directed to California State University, Bakersfield. Depending on your eligibility index, test score may be required. Use school code 4110 for the SAT test and 0201 for the ACT test. For more information on these tests, visit www.ets.org or www.act.org.

When will I be notified of my admission status?

If your application file is complete with all supporting documents received and evaluated, we will send you a written notice of your admission status. In addition, you will also need to establish your preferred e-mail account in my.CSUB.edu, which will be the method of communication from the campus during your academic career at CSUB. The preferred e-mail account setting is in the Student Center of your my.csub.edu account. Scroll to the contact Information and click on the link for Email Adresses. Call the CSUB Computer Help Desk for assistance as needed 654-2307.

Provisional Admission to CSUB

California State University, Bakersfield may provisionally admit first-time freshman applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and plans for the senior year. California State University, Bakersfield will monitor the senior year of study to ensure that those so admitted complete their senior year of studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school. Official high school transcripts will be required immediately after graduation. If you have not maintained eligibility, your offer of admission will be withdrawn.

If you are admitted to California State University, Bakersfield:

Math and English Placement Test Requirements (EPT/ELM)?

Unless exempt due to prior scores on standardized tests (SAT or ACT) or previous qualifying courses taken, all incoming students are required to take the Entry Level Mathematics test, ELM and the English Placement Test, EPT prior to enrollment. If required, we encourage you to take them as soon as possible after being being admitted so results will be available for advisement. Please visit the Testing Office home page for further information and test dates.

Orientation and Advising

Once admitted, you will receive a letter stating the available dates for orientation and advising. We encourage you to sign-up and participate in the most earliest orientation program available after admission to ensure class availability.

Financial Aid

Visit the Financial Aid web site to learn about financial aid offers, programs, scholarships, and to plan your college career.