What are the toughest Cal State universities to gain admission into?

Hey guys, I'm a junior from SoCal and I've been diligently working on my college list. I'm primarily looking at applying to Cal State universities but I was wondering, which Cal State universities are known to be the hardest to get into because of their high competitiveness or strict admission standards? I want to challenge myself and apply to some reach schools in the Cal state system. Thanks in advance!

Hi there! It's definitely a great approach to challenge yourself by applying to some of the more competitive CSU (Cal State) campuses. Also, remember that not all Cal State universities have the same admission standards, as they vary based on the specific campus and the major.

To answer your question, some of the notable harder-to-get-into CSUs due to their lower acceptance rates and/or high competition would be:

1. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Known for its strong programs in engineering and architecture, this university is regarded as one of the most selective within the CSU system.

2. San Diego State University: It popular for its business and health-related programs. The demand for spots tends to be pretty high, making admission competitive.

3. Cal State Long Beach: Has a strong reputation for its programs in fine arts and design, and it has a history of competitive admissions.

4. Cal Poly Pomona: It's another polytechnic university with strong programs in engineering, architecture, and agriculture, so admissions can be competitive, especially for these popular majors.

Keep in mind that admissions competitiveness can also come down to the specific program you're applying to. For example, many CSU schools have competitive nursing programs due to the limited number of spots available.

Also, be sure to consider your fit with these schools beyond just their selectivity. Look at factors like location, size, available majors, and campus culture. These aspects can contribute significantly to your college experience. Finally, remember to balance your college list with a mix of 'reach', 'target', and 'safety' schools to maximize your chances of success. Best of luck with your applications!