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A-G College Entrance Requirements

UC/CSU A-G REQUIREMENTS

The A-G College Requirements are a sequence of high school courses that students must complete (with a grade of C or better) to be minimally eligible for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU). They represent the basic level of academic preparation that high school students should achieve to undertake university work. To fulfill the requirement, students must earn a letter grade of C or higher in each course.

 

The following chart summarizes the A-G/College Entrance Requirements:

 

Subject

 Years

                                              Details

(A) 

History/Social Science

   2

Two years, including one year of world history, cultures, historical geography and one year of U.S. history or one half year of U.S. history and one half year of civics or American Government.

(B)

English

   4

Four years of college preparatory English that includes frequent and regular writing, and reading of classic and modern literature.

(C)

Mathematics

   3

Three years of college preparatory mathematics that includes the topics covered in elementary and advance algebra, and two and three-dimensional geometry

(D)

Laboratory Science

   2

Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two or three disciplines: biology, chemistry, and physics.

(E)

Foreign Language

   2

Two years of the same language other than English

(F)

Visual and Performing Arts

  1

One year, including dance, drama/theater, music, or visual art.

(G)

College Preparatory Electives

   1

One year (two semesters), chosen from additional “A-F” courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements above, or courses that have been approved for use as “G” electives

 

Additional Information on the A-G/College Entrance Requirements: 

The purpose of the A-G/College Entrance Requirements are to ensure that entering students:

  • Can participate fully in the first year program at UC and CSU in a broad variety of fields of study;
  • Have attained the necessary preparation for courses, majors, and programs offered at UC and CSU;
  • Have attained a body of knowledge that will provide breadth and perspective to new, more advanced studies and
  • Have attained essential critical thinking and study skills.

 

For further information, please visit the following online resources or visit the high school counselor:

  • A-G Policy Resource Guide - This UC website includes a list of all approved A-G courses ("Search Approved A-G Lists" by high school name)
  • California Colleges – This site provides students with an inclusive guide for college and career paths.