What should I know about CSU Channel Islands?

I'm considering CSU Channel Islands and would like to know more about their programs, campus life, and admission requirements. How does this school compare to other CSUs? Feedback from current or past students would be awesome!

CSU Channel Islands (CI) offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across four colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business & Economics, Education, and Nursing & Health Sciences. Their most popular programs, according to recent enrollment data, include Business, Psychology, and Health related fields. In assessing any CSU, don't overlook the type of learning experiences you might want—CI stands out for its commitment to project-based and experiential learning across all its majors.

In terms of campus life, CI provides students with a smaller, more intimate campus environment than some of the larger CSUs, given its student population is approximately around 7,000 students. This can contribute to a close-knit community feel. Located in Camarillo, the school is situated in close proximity to the beautiful beaches of Ventura County yet not too far from lively urban centers like Los Angeles.

As for admission requirements, for the 2024-2025 application cycle, CSU Channel Islands, like all other CSUs, became test-blind, which means they do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all for admissions. Instead, they primarily look at factors such as GPA, course rigor, and involvement in extracurricular activities. Keep in mind, the minimum GPA requirement for out-of-state applicants is a 3.0.

When comparing CI to other CSUs, it's essential to look at factors beyond academic programs—consider size, location, available extracurricular activities, and campus culture, too. CSU Channel Islands provides a unique approach in giving students the benefits of a small liberal-arts-style institution within the larger CSU system.

While I can't provide first-hand feedback, many students appreciate the small class sizes and the accessibility of professors. The consensus seems to be that the campus environment is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. However, some students remark that the school's smaller size can limit the variety of course offerings, especially niche or specialized electives.

In sum, if you're looking for a more intimate, supportive learning environment with a focus on practical learning experiences, CI could be a good fit for you! Remember, though, it's important to visit (if possible) or at least delve deep in your research to see if it aligns with your preferences and educational goals.