Thinking About Applying to Cal State LA?
Our Pre-Admission Advisors are here to help - whether you're a first-time freshman, transfer, or returning student. We'll guide you through your options and help you plan your path to Cal State LA - before you apply.
Who Should Use Pre-Admission Advisement?
First-Time Freshmen
Learn what it takes to apply directly from high school, and what to expect in the admissions process.
Transfer Students
Get help choosing transferable courses and understanding GE and major requirements.
Returning or Non-Traditional Students
Not sure where to begin? We'll help you restart your academic journey with confidence.
What Can a Pre-Admission Advisor Help With?
- Understand Cal State LA admission requirements for your student type
- Review major-specific criteria (for competitive programs)
- Explore transfer pathways — including ADTs, GE patterns, and articulation agreements
- Get help choosing your best starting point and preparing to apply
Ready to Talk with an Advisor?
Pre-admission advising is available year-round by appointment - both in person and online. Appointments must be booked at least 24 hours in advance and are available up to 7 days ahead.
Still Have Questions About Your Appointment?
If you’ve already applied to Cal State LA and have a quick question about your application, the fastest way to get help is to call us at (323) 343-3901 or email [email protected].
Please note: Our office does not provide support with financial aid questions. For financial aid assistance, visit the Financial Aid Office.
❗Who We Don’t Advise Through This Service
We currently do not provide pre-admission advising for:
- Graduate applicants – Please contact your graduate program directly for admissions information. You can find contact details on the Graduate Degrees and Programs page.
- International students with non-U.S. transcripts – We do not evaluate international coursework through Pre-Admission Advisement, but we can provide general undergraduate admissions guidance.
Yes - we strongly recommend it! Sending your unofficial transcripts ahead of time helps our advisors give you the most accurate and personalized guidance.
After booking your appointment, we’ll email you instructions on how to securely submit your transcripts to our advising team.
You choose! We offer both in-person and virtual sessions:
- In-person: Held at Cal State LA. Location info will be emailed after you book.
- Virtual: Hosted via Microsoft Teams. You’ll need a device with internet, a microphone, and speakers. We’ll send you a link after booking.