Thinking About Applying to Cal State LA?
Our Pre-Admission team is here to help! Whether you're a first-time freshman, transfer, or returning student, we'll guide you through your options and help you get ready to apply to Cal State LA.
Who May Book A Pre-Admission Appointment?
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 Undergraduate Students
Not sure where to begin? We'll show you how to begin the readmission journey to Cal State LA.
What Is Covered in a Pre-Admission Appointment?
- Cal State LA undergraduate admission requirements
- Major-specific criteria (for competitive and specialized programs)
- Transfer Pathways — including Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT), GE patterns, and articulation agreements
- Introduction to the Cal State Apply application, how to apply, and key deadlines
Please note: Official transcript evaluations are conducted only after an application has been submitted.
Ready to Connect?
Pre-Admission is available year-round by appointment - both in person and virtual. Appointments must be booked at least 3 days 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.
❗We currently do not provide Pre-Admission Appointments for:
- Graduate/Post-Bac applicants – Please contact your graduate/post-bac 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 at these information sessions, but we can provide general undergraduate admissions guidance.
No, transcripts are not required. However, having your unofficial transcripts available can help our representative provide more personalized guidance. We’re unable to review non-U.S. or international transcripts during pre-admission appointments.
After you book your appointment, we’ll email you instructions for securely submitting your unofficial transcripts to our team.
Please note: Official transcript evaluations are completed only after you submit an application.
You choose! We offer both in-person and virtual sessions:
- In-person: Held at Cal State LA. Location info will be emailed to you 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.