Freshman Admission

To be eligible to apply to a CSU campus as a freshman, you must meet the minimum requirements by the end of your senior year (Spring term before your intended Fall start).

•   Complete all required A–G college prep courses with a grade of C– or better before high school graduation.
•   Earn a qualifying A–G GPA (based on grades after 9th grade):
  • CA residents or CA high school grads: 2.50 GPA minimum
  • Non-CA residents: 3.00 GPA minimum
•   If your GPA is below the minimum, you may still qualify through the Multi-Factor Review Process:
  • CA residents or CA high school grads: 2.00 GPA minimum
  • Non-CA residents: 2.47 GPA minimum
•   Graduate from high school or earn a GED.
•   Meet the English Language Proficiency requirement if you studied in a non-English high school for 3+ years.

Note: Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Some majors, like Pre-Nursing, have additional criteria. See below for details.

We know there’s more to you than just your GPA - and our admission process reflects that.

At Cal State LA, we’re committed to reviewing applicants in a way that values academic achievement, personal growth, and diverse life experiences.

•  If you meet the CSU minimum requirements, you'll be admitted - with the exception of a few special programs (see below).
•  Pre-Nursing and Music BM are competitive programs and have additional admission requirements.
•  If your GPA is below our standard threshold, you may still qualify through the Multi-Factor Review Process. 
  ➡️ See next section for how it works.

Didn't meet the GPA cutoff? Don’t stress - you may still be considered through our Multi-Factor Review Process (MFRP).

Cal State LA is deeply committed to access, equity, and upward mobility. If you’re close to the GPA requirement, we want to look at your full story - not just your grades.

•  You may qualify for MFRP if you meet all CSU admission requirements, and have at least:
  • 2.30 GPA (CA residents or CA high school graduates)
  • 2.77 GPA (non-CA residents)
•  We’ll also consider:
  • Extra A-G courses beyond the minimum
  • If you attend a local area high school
  • Household income
  • Work or family responsibilities
  • Extracurriculars or leadership roles
  • Other context you provide in your application
•  Note: Pre-Nursing applicants are not eligible for MFRP.

➡️ Learn more about how MFRP works.

Want to apply to the Bachelor of Music (BM) program? You’ll need to complete an audition.

•   Your audition determines if you’re placed in the BM or BA Music program.
•   Fall 2026 applicants: Auditions must be completed by February 6, 2026.
•   You’ll get audition details by email in December 2025
•   Instructions come directly from the Cal State LA Music Department.

Pre-Nursing at Cal State LA is highly competitive and has additional admission requirements.

To be considered for Pre-Nursing, you must:

•   Meet the minimum CSU freshman admission requirements
•   Have a minimum 3.5 GPA in A-G coursework
•   Earn a grade of B- or better on your first attempt in these full-year courses:
  • Intermediate Algebra, Algebra II, or Integrated Math III
  • Biology with lab
  • Chemistry with lab

How Admission Works:

•   Applicants who meet Pre-Nursing requirements are ranked by GPA
•   Local preference may be given to students graduating from high schools in Cal State LA’s local admission area
•   Admitted students must follow a structured academic plan and meet GPA benchmarks to stay in Pre-Nursing

Important Note:

•   If you’re not admitted to Pre-Nursing, you may be admitted to:
  • Exploring Health Professions, or
  • Your alternate major (if selected in Cal State Apply)
•   Once admitted, you cannot switch into Pre-Nursing or apply to the Nursing major later.

Here’s what to expect when you apply to Cal State LA as a freshman:

 Step 1: Choose a Major

• Select a specific major or apply as Exploring (Undeclared)
• You’ll need to meet GPA and course requirements later to stay in your major
• Pre-Nursing applicants: Be sure to review the special requirements above

 Step 2: Apply Online

• Apply at Cal State Apply between October 1 - December 1, 2025
• Need help? Check out our Application Tips
• You’ll get a confirmation email after you submit

Important: Cal State LA uses the information you report in your application to make your admission decision. Make sure all grades, courses, and test scores are entered accurately and completely.

 Admission offers may be withdrawn if you misreport information or don’t meet the conditions of your offer.

 Step 3: Submit Documents - If Requested

• We’ll email you if we need official transcripts or other documents
• Do not send transcripts before graduating high school - unless we ask
• Admitted students must send final transcripts to verify eligibility

Other documents may be required depending on your situation:

• Residency: Some students will need to submit proof of California residency. Learn more
• Veterans: Submit DD-214 discharge papers and military transcripts (AARTS, SMART, etc.). Some military training may count for credit!

We’ll keep in touch with you throughout the admission process - mostly by email. Make sure you’re checking it!

•   We use the email you listed on your Cal State Apply application for all official communication.
•   You can update your email anytime through your GET Student Center account.
•   Add “@calstatela.edu” to your email safe senders list to avoid missing messages.

 Admission Timeline

• Fall admission offers: Typically sent in November and March
• All offers are provisional - final admission depends on official transcripts
• Admission may be withdrawn if:
  • Grades, test scores, or GPA don’t match what you reported
  • You miss key deadlines

 How to Accept Your Admission Offer

If you’re admitted, you’ll need to confirm your spot by submitting the non-refundable $100 Enrollment Confirmation Deposit (ECD).

• Deadline for Fall: May 1
• Deadline for Spring: November 1

The ECD goes toward your tuition as part of the State University Fee.

 Didn’t Get In? You Still Have Options

If you weren’t admitted - don’t worry. You still have solid paths forward:

• 🎯 Want a guaranteed future spot at Cal State LA? Learn about our Transfer Success Pathway (TSP) program - sign up early in your first term at a California Community College.
• 📚 Consider starting at a California Community College and reapplying as a transfer student once you're eligible.

 Can I Appeal My Admission Decision?

Yes - if you believe your application was denied in error, you may submit an appeal:

• Appeals must be submitted within 15 days of your denial notice
• Include your reason for appeal and any supporting academic records
• We’ll respond by email within 4-6 weeks
• Only one appeal may be submitted per term

➡️ Learn more about the admission appeal process