Academic Preparation

Overview

There are many ways to determine which first-year GE Area 1 (English Communication) and Area 2 (Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning) courses are right for each student. Factors known as “multiple measures” are used to evaluate each student’s academic preparation in these subjects.

Please Note:

The CSU no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses.
If accepted to a CSU campus, ACT or SAT test scores can be used as one of the measures for students to enroll in the appropriate mathematics or English courses.

Academic Preparation for First-Time Freshmen

The CSU requires first-time freshmen to demonstrate preparedness for GE English and math through multiple measures.

Multiple Measures for Placement include:

Standardized Tests including ACT, AP, CAASPP, CLEP, IB, SAT
High School Grade Point Average (GPA)
High School Math GPA
High School and College Coursework

Most students will enroll directly into GE coursework. Students with applicable test scores and/or college credit may advance to the next level courses required by their majors.

Some students may require additional development in English and/or math, and may still enroll in GE courses with embedded supportive instruction.

English and Math Placement

The CSU places admitted first-year students in readiness categories for GE courses based upon which multiple measures or combinations thereof they fulfilled in high school per subject.

Multiple Measures for English Placement

Multiple Measures for Math Placement (Non-STEM Majors)

Multiple Measures for Math Placement (STEM Majors)