Okay guys, I'm applying to Cal State Long Beach and going crazy about getting my application just right. I've heard it's getting super competitive, so can anyone tell me what the GPA requirements are? Are they strict about it or is there some wiggle room?
Cal State Long Beach, like other Cal State campuses, has a minimum GPA requirement for applicants. For California residents, the minimum GPA is a 2.5 and for out-of-state applicants, the requirement is a 3.0. Although this is the minimum threshold to apply, it's important to remember that admission is competitive and the actual GPAs of admitted students tend to be higher.
"Eligibility Index" is used in the Cal State system to determine admission, which combines your GPA and your SAT/ACT scores (though note that as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, Cal State Long Beach is test-blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all). However, GPA still plays a significant role, so it's important to work towards maintaining the highest grades you can.
Keep in mind, Long Beach is one of the more competitive Cal State schools, so to increase your chances of admission, aim for a GPA that's at or above the average for accepted students, which has historically been around a 3.7. The stronger your GPA, the better your chances. But remember, admission is not solely determined by your GPA, other factors such as your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and more come into play especially as CSU Long Beach takes a holistic approach to admissions.
Basically, while there is a stated minimum GPA requirement, the admitted student profile can be considerably higher because of the competitive nature of the admissions process. Good luck with your application!
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