Transfer Admissions

1. Explore and choose a major to declare on your application
2. Apply online at Cal State Apply by the deadline
3. Update the transfer coursework reported on your application
4. Submit official transcripts or other documents only if requested

STEP 1: Explore and choose a major to declare on your application

Cal State LA requires all applicants to declare a major on their admission application. Before applying, review the admission and degree requirements for your intended major. Once your application is submitted, you cannot request a change of major. Carefully consider your intended major before applying.

STEP 2: Apply online at Cal State Apply by the deadline

• How to Apply: Submit your application through Cal State Apply.
• For Spring 2026 admission, applicants must apply between August 1-31, 2025.
• For Fall 2026 admission, applicants must apply between October 1, 2025-December 1, 2025.

Important Notes:

• If you have attended a U.S. college or university, you will be required to enter your college coursework in the application.
• You must also report your progress in meeting the Major-Specific Requirements for Admission.
• Ensure that all information provided is complete and accurate.
  Inaccurate or incomplete information may affect your admission decision.

After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirmation acknowledging receipt.

For tips on how to complete the application, visit our Application Tips webpage.

STEP 3: For Fall applicants, update the transfer coursework reported in your application

You will be required to update your academic course information to be considered for admission:

• For Fall admission: Transfer coursework must be updated in January so that Fall grades and Spring enrollment can be included.
• For Spring admission: No transfer update is required. If offered admission, official transcripts with grades thru the preceding summer must be submitted by November 1st.

Additional information may also be requested of some applicants at this stage in the process. Please do not submit transcripts or other documents unless requested.

STEP 4: Submit official transcripts if offered admission

Cal State LA makes transfer admission decisions based on self-reported information from the application. In order to verify eligibility, admitted students will be required to submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. Lower division admits, will also be required to submit official transcript from high school of graduation. Admission decisions are conditional and may be withdrawn for students who misreported, missed the document deadline, or are not on track to meet the terms of the admission offer. Admitted students wishing to accept our offer will need to submit all official transcripts within 30 days of the admission offer.

Additional documents may be required in certain circumstances:

• Students earning an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) will be required to verify that they are on-track for completion of the degree by the end of Spring for Fall admission, or by the end of Summer for Spring admission.
• Students who are eligible to receive credit based on Advanced Placement, CLEP, or International Baccalaureate assessments will need to have official test scores sent to Cal State LA. Be aware that credit granted by another institution does not 'transfer' to Cal State LA for test credit.
• For purposes of determining California residency, some students may be required to submit additional documents. Review the Residency webpage for information regarding the establishment of California residency.
• Veterans of the United States Armed Forces should submit discharge papers (Form DD 214). This should include descriptions of the types of training you received while in the service. Such training, in some cases, may count as credit transferable to Cal State LA. Additionally, Veterans and active duty military should also submit their military transcripts (e.g. AARTS, SMART, or Community College of the Air Force) displaying additional coursework that may be transferable.

Cal State LA uses email as the official means of communication with applicants. Initial admission communications are sent to the email reported in the Cal State Apply application. Applicants are required to maintain a current email address on file with the University, and to check their email regularly.

Throughout the admissions process, the Office of Admissions and Recruitment will send communications to the "preferred" email address as indicated in your GET Student Center. You may update your email address at any time by visiting your Golden Eagle Territory (GET) Self-Service Student Center.

To help prevent these important emails from being flagged as spam/junk mail by your email provider, please mark the calstatela.edu domain as a safe sender in your email account.

Offers of admission are normally made in November and March for Fall admission, and in September for Spring admission. All offers of admission will be provisional and subject to verification based on official transcripts. Admission offers may be withdrawn if the GPA, completed courses, or course grades are lower than what is reported or if you miss any admission deadlines. Please make sure to report accurate information on your application.

How do I accept the offer of admission?

To accept the admission offer, admitted students must pay the non-refundable $100 Enrollment Confirmation Deposit (ECD) by May 1st for Fall admission; or November 1st for Spring admission. The deposit will offset a portion of the student's State University Fee. This is in addition to submitting documents to confirm the admission decision within 30 days of the admission offer.

What if I am not offered admission to Cal State LA?

In addition to applying to Cal State LA, we hope you have considered applying to one or two other colleges so that you will have alternatives in the event that you are not offered admission.

Can I appeal my admission decision?

If you believe you are eligible for Cal State LA admission, you may appeal our decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 15 days of the date of the denial notification and must include a basis for the appeal and supporting academic records. We will respond via email to your appeal request within four to six weeks. Only one appeal may be submitted for an academic term. For more information, visit the Admission Appeals webpage.