Hey everyone! I've been looking into applying to California State University, Long Beach, and I'm a bit lost when it comes to their admission requirements. Can someone give me a rundown of what they expect in terms of GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and extracurriculars?
Hello! California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a reputable school in the Cal State system, and understanding what their admission requirements are is important. Keep in mind that CSULB, like other Cal State schools, mainly focuses on your academic performance and does not require essays or consider extracurriculars. Here's a breakdown of the key factors:
1. GPA: CSULB typically considers a minimum GPA of 3.0 for in-state residents and 3.6 for out-of-state applicants. However, these are the minimums, and the average GPA of admitted students is usually higher. The higher your GPA, the more competitive your application will be.
2. SAT/ACT scores: For the Fall 2022 cycle, CSULB was test-blind and did not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. However, for future cycles, you should check the school's website or contact their admissions office to learn if they will consider test scores again. If they do, you'll want to aim for a score around the average for admitted students, which in previous years was around 1130-1340 for the SAT and 23-29 for the ACT.
3. Extracurriculars: As mentioned earlier, CSULB and other Cal State schools do not require essays or place much emphasis on extracurriculars. Your focus should be on maintaining a strong GPA and, if they are considered again in the future, obtaining competitive test scores.
Additionally, CSULB uses a system called "Eligibility Index" to rank applicants. The Eligibility Index is a combination of your GPA and SAT/ACT score (if required). For in-state applicants, a higher Eligibility Index could provide a better chance of admission. You can calculate your Eligibility Index by multiplying your GPA by 800 and adding your SAT Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores. If you're using ACT scores, multiply your GPA by 200 and add ten times the ACT composite score.
In summary, your main priority when applying to CSULB should be maintaining a strong GPA and, if applicable, obtaining competitive SAT/ACT scores. Ensure you meet all the general Cal State application requirements, like the "A-G" subject requirements, which consist of completion of specific high school courses.
Best of luck with your application to CSULB!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.