Hey, I'm planning on applying to CSU Long Beach. Any advice or tips on the application – the do's and don'ts? Would appreciate any help!
Sure, I'd be glad to give some pointers! CSU Long Beach, like other California State University schools, uses the Cal State Apply application, which primarily focuses on your academic history and your personal information. The application does not require an essay or letters of recommendation. Here are a few tips:
1. Academic History: Be meticulous when filling out this section. You'll need to list all the schools you've attended since ninth grade, as well as the courses you've taken each year. Ensure that all the information is accurate and reflects your transcripts. This is how they will assess your GPA and eligibility for admission.
2. Extracurricular Activities: In the activities section, include all of your high school extracurricular activities, work experiences, internships, volunteer work, or other significant commitments. While CSU Long Beach does not focus on this as heavily as some other universities, it's still important to demonstrate your engagement outside of the classroom.
3. Meet the A-G requirements: CSU schools have a group of courses labeled "A-G" that you need to fulfill during high school in order to be eligible for admission. Ensure you meet these course requirements, which include history, English, math, science, foreign language, visual/performing arts, and a college-prep elective.
4. Major Selection: When you select your intended major, make sure it aligns with the courses you've taken and your strengths. Some programs at CSU Long Beach are impacted, meaning they have more qualified applicants than available spaces, so admission will be more competitive. If you're applying to an impacted program, it could be particularly important to demonstrate an interest in, and aptitude for, your chosen field.
5. Test Scores: As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, CSU Long Beach is test-blind, which means they do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
6. Submit by the Deadline: Make sure to submit your application within the filing period, which typically stretches from October 1 to November 30.
Remember, consistency and clarity in your application is key. Good luck with your application!
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.