do you need an essay for csu application

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

Applying to a Cal-State School? Here’s What You Need to Know About the CSU System/Process

Do you know how to improve your profile for college applications.

See how your profile ranks among thousands of other students using CollegeVine. Calculate your chances at your dream schools and learn what areas you need to improve right now — it only takes 3 minutes and it's 100% free.

Even among large state university systems in the U.S., the California State University system (referred to as Cal State or CSU, although there are other CSUs in the U.S.) is a behemoth. With a population of over half a million students, staff, and faculty members across its roughly two dozen branches, it plays a huge role in educating the state of California, and also attracts students from outside the state.

If you’re used to thinking of colleges as distinct, singular entities, you may find the mechanics of applying to a large state college system like Cal State to be somewhat confusing. If you’re from outside of California, you may also have questions about how your residency affects your application requirements and chance of being accepted.

Never fear, CollegeVine is here! In this post, you’ll find an outline of the Cal State system of colleges, their application processes and requirements, and the factors you’ll need to consider if you’re thinking about applying. Read on for our advice on making wise choices about the Cal State system.

A Brief Introduction to the Cal State System

The Cal State system as it operates today was created by the California Master Plan for Education of 1960 , but the colleges it consists of have existed for much longer under various names and groupings. Originally intended primarily to educate teachers, these colleges now offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in a full range of fields.

Today, the Cal State system consists of 23 distinct campuses, some of which maintain additional “off-campus” branches that extend their reach to a larger number of students. You can find a full list of these campuses and detailed information on each campus on the Cal State website. Cal State also owns a number of other research and laboratory facilities throughout the state, including an observatory and a ship for training future mariners.

Like most state colleges, the Cal State schools were originally created to serve residents of that state. California residents still enjoy preferential treatment in admissions and a lower in-state tuition rate at the Cal State schools. However, students from other states and even other countries are also eligible to apply.

Currently, nearly 479,000 students attend Cal State each year, and the system lays claim to the title of largest (by population) 4-year state college system in the nation. It’s responsible for half the bachelor’s degrees awarded in California every year, and it awards more bachelor’s degrees each year than any other university system in the U.S.

It’s important to keep in mind that the California State University system is not the same as the University of California (UC) system. Both are systems of public universities in California, but each has its own policies, campus choices, and admissions procedures, and the UC schools are generally more selective and more expensive. To learn more about the UC system and its application requirements, visit the CollegeVine blog post How to Write the University of California Essay Prompts 2017-2018.

Applying to the Cal State System

To be eligible for admission to any of the Cal State schools, you must have successfully completed certain college preparatory courses while you were in high school. If you’ve completed these requirements, your high school GPA and your SAT or ACT scores are plugged into an established equation to produce the single number known as your Eligibility Index (EI).

Your EI is the main factor that determines admission to most of the Cal State schools and majors. Each school and major has its own EI cutoff for admission. This threshold may also depend upon where you live; students who come from the immediate area of the college and, more generally, the state of California receive preference in the form of lower EI cutoffs.

Applying to one or more schools in the Cal State system is different from applying to most other colleges in some significant ways. If you’re hoping to get admitted to a Cal State school, particularly one of the more popular campuses, you’ll need to follow the instructions carefully.

First of all, instead of the Common Application, Coalition Application, or another shared application system, the Cal State schools use their own application system, Cal State Apply. You must use this system to apply to any of the Cal State schools, and you can specify multiple Cal State schools on it if you’d like.

If you take a look at the Cal State admissions website , you’ll see that it lists a “priority application filing period” that lasts from October 1 to November 31 for admission in the next fall semester. The term “priority” is a bit of a misnomer here; at some of the more popular campuses, all the available first-year spaces may be taken during this time period.

In order to have the best possible chance at getting admitted to the Cal State college you’re interested in, you should always plan to submit your initial Cal State application during the priority application filing period. Some colleges in the system may continue to accept applications after November 31, space permitting, but this is not guaranteed.

In certain circumstances, you may have to provide additional information as part of your Cal State application. What this might require of you depends on the school and the situation. (We’ll discuss these circumstances in greater detail below.)

If you’re a first-year applicant (not a transfer applicant), you should not submit any additional documents with your initial application. After you submit your initial application, you’ll be contacted directly with instructions if and when more information becomes necessary. Don’t submit anything extra during the basic application process unless you’re specifically told to do so.

Impacted Campuses and Majors

One special piece of terminology that you’ll find used in the Cal State system is “impacted.” If a Cal State college, or a specific major at a Cal State college, is described as impacted, this means that demand for admission to this college or major exceeds the available space, making admission to this college or major much more competitive.

Whether a particular school or major is impacted can vary from year to year, but some campuses, like Cal State Fullerton , are already known to be impacted for the 2017-2018 application season. Impacted Cal State colleges generally require a higher EI for admission than the others, and impacted majors may require a higher EI than other majors at that college.

Impacted schools and majors may also base their admissions decision on additional information, requiring you to submit supplemental documents. Again, if these documents become necessary, the college will inform you and provide instructions for submission. Don’t submit any additional documents during the initial application process.

Admission for Non-California Residents

As we’ve mentioned, the Cal State system was established specifically to provide educational opportunities to students from California. For this reason, preference in admission is given to California residents, especially those living in the local area of a particular college, and to transfer students from the California community college system.

If you’re not from California, you’re still welcome to apply to the Cal State system. However, you should be aware that you’ll be subject to higher admissions standards. The EI threshold for out-of-state applicants is typically higher, meaning you’ll need higher grades and test scores to get in, and you may also need to submit supplemental documents if the college requests them.

As with most state universities and colleges, it’s also more expensive to attend schools in the Cal State system if you’re from out of state. California residents enjoy lower in-state tuition.

Choosing a Cal State Campus

With so many campus options scattered across the entire state of California, you might find it hard to decide which Cal State schools to apply to. While the schools in this system have a lot in common, and are run by the same chancellor and group of administrators, each campus also has a distinct character of its own.

Some of the Cal State schools are located in major cities like Los Angeles, while others are set in suburbs or small towns. Each school offers its own set of majors, and some of the schools are extra-specialized — Cal Maritime, for instance, is a small Cal State school that only offers a few majors related to maritime science.

Fortunately, the Cal State system’s website provides tools that you can use to help make this decision. Along with information on each college and the academic and other programs they offer, this website offers a Campus Match Tool that allows you to search among the 23 different Cal State schools by factors like size, location, and athletic offerings.

For more details about each campus, it’s a good idea to explore the individual websites of the Cal State colleges you’re interested in, and even to visit and speak to current students to get a more personal perspective. You can find links to each of the Cal State colleges on the Cal State website.  

When you submit your initial Cal State application through the Cal State Apply system, you’ll be instructed to specify your campus(es) of choice. If any of the Cal State colleges you choose requires additional information from you in order to make a decision, the individual school(s) will contact you directly and provide more instructions for what to submit and how.

Considering the Cal State system may be a little overwhelming due to its breadth, but within that wide variety of programs, you may very well find one that’s perfect for you. Especially given the early deadlines of the priority application period, if you think any of the Cal State colleges might be a good fit for your less, it’s worth getting to know their process, checking whether you meet their requirements, and putting in your research in advance.

Curious about your chances of acceptance to your dream school? Our free chancing engine takes into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and other data to predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

What You Need to Know About Applying to the CSU

More than half of csus are still accepting applications for the fall 2024 term..

Newswise — With 23 universities across California, the CSU offers more access to diverse higher education pathways than any other public university system in the United States. While the priority application filing period for the fall 2024 term has passed, more than half of CSUs across the state have extended the deadline to apply and are still accepting applications.

Find answers below to some of the most common questions students have when applying to the CSU.

How do I apply to the CSU and when are applications due?

Applicants should start by visiting the  Cal State Apply portal  and creating an account. Students input their information just once to apply to any of the CSU's 23 universities. The priority application filing period for the fall 2024 term has passed, but more than half of CSUs continue to accept applications. Prospective students are encouraged to apply to their desired campus as soon as possible as they are accepting applications on a space-available basis. Visit the Cal State Apply website for a full list of  application dates and deadlines .

Is there a GPA requirement to apply?

Students should have a minimum 2.5 GPA to be admissible into the CSU. However, students who have less than a 2.5 GPA but greater than a 2.0 GPA should still consider applying as they can be considered for admission using  a number of additional factors  or by going through the admission application appeal process.

Where do I get help with submitting my application?

A number of CSU campuses are offering application workshops to assist students. Students are encouraged to check their desired  campus outreach office  or their high school or community college counselor or career center to find out if there are any workshops being offered for them.

Applicants can also take advantage of a chatbot nicknamed “Cassie," which can be found in the bottom right-hand corner of the Cal State Apply portal. Virtual assistants are available 24/7 through the chatbot. They can also get application help via email and phone by contacting  Cal State Apply customer service liaisons .

What does it cost to apply?

It costs $70 to submit an application, and applicants can apply to up to 23 universities. So, for example, if a student wishes to apply to four CSU campuses, the total would be $280. However, the CSU has expanded its California resident undergraduate  application fee waiver , and now almost half of all applicants will qualify to have the $70 fee waived for up to four universities.

The Cal State Apply application will automatically alert students if they're eligible to receive a fee waiver when they're about to submit. If an applicant does not automatically qualify for an application fee waiver, they may file a fee waiver appeal form with their desired CSU campus.

Can international students obtain an acceptance letter without SAT or TOEFL scores?

Applicants do not need an SAT score to apply to the CSU. However,  international students  whose primary language of instruction was not English in the last three years do need to take the Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit those scores to the respective campus they're applying to.

Applicants are also encouraged to visit their desired CSU website for prospective international students to see all of the requirements to obtain admission.

I just applied…. now what?

The first thing applicants should do after applying is check their emails to confirm that the campuses they applied to have received their application. Applicants can also check that information in the Cal State Apply portal under “check status."

Applicants should pay close attention to emails and text messages from the campuses they applied to in case there are any updates to their application. Campuses will send out notice of their admissions decision by March 31, 2024.

Lastly, applicants should apply for financial aid as soon as possible. At the CSU, about 80% of students receive some kind of  financial aid , and 60% of undergraduates have their tuition completely covered by grants or other non-load aid.

Find out more about what to expect  after you've submitted a CSU application.

Is there an option to provide a letter of recommendation?

Applicants do not need to submit any letters of recommendation, resumes or personal statements. A majority of the admissions decisions are based off of academic coursework they enter into the application.

Applicants do need to submit an essay and two letters of recommendation if they are applying to the  Educational Opportunity Program  (EOP), which is a student support services program that provides admission, academic and financial help to historically underserved students throughout California.​

How do I know which CSU is right for me?

Picking the right place to earn your degree is an important part of applying to the CSU.  Get help choosing a campus  by comparing schools, taking an in-person or virtual campus tour or even attending a campus event for future students.

Here are some questions applicants may want to consider when choosing a campus:​

• How far do you want to travel away from home?
• Are you looking for a big school or a small school?
• What kind of research are you interested in? 
• Do you want a school that is close to the beach, or do you want something close to the mountains or the desert?​

​The deadline to apply is quickly approaching, so don't delay! Visit the  Cal State Apply website​  to find your future at the CSU, and discover ways to  fund your CSU education​ .

MEDIA CONTACT

Type of article.

• Experts keyboard_arrow_right Expert Pitch Expert Query Expert Directory
• Journalists
• About keyboard_arrow_right Member Services Accessibility Statement Newswise Live Invoice Lookup Services for Journalists Archived Wires Participating Institutions Media Subscribers Sample Effectiveness Reports Terms of Service Privacy Policy Our Staff Contact Newswise
• Blog FAQ Help

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

CSU Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are CSU's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into CSU and build a strong application.

School location: Fort Collins, CO

This school is also known as: Colorado State University

Admissions Rate: 90.8%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at CSU is 90.8% . For every 100 applicants, 91 are admitted.

This means the school is a nearly open admissions school. They accept nearly all students, so for the most part, you just need to submit an application to get in. But if you don't meet all their application requirements, you'll be one of the very few people who gets rejected.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

CSU GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.7

The average GPA at CSU is 3.7 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.7, CSU requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

CSU hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to CSU will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

CSU SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1178

The average SAT score composite at CSU is a 1178 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes CSU Competitive for SAT test scores.

CSU SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1080, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1280. In other words, a 1080 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1280 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

CSU has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Sitting."

This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider the SAT score from your single highest test date (the sum of math, reading, and writing).

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and CSU only considers your highest score on a single test date, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit your strongest score. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT score is currently below a 1080, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You don't have much to lose, and you can potentially raise your score and significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

CSU ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, CSU likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 26

The average ACT score at CSU is 26. This score makes CSU Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 23, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 23 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to CSU, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 23.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

CSU considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

This school offers nearly open admissions, which means they give almost every student an offer of admission. To be safe, you should aim for a 1080 SAT or a 23 ACT or higher . If you can achieve this, you're pretty much guaranteed a spot in the incoming class.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of CSU here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 1
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $50
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office May 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 1
• Social Studies 2
• Electives 2

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes July 1 September 1
• Yes December 1 January 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 2545 Fort Collins, CO 80523
• Phone: (970) 491-1101 x1101
• Fax: (970) 491-7799
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

You can use the Common Application or CSU's own online application to apply. You can either send your ACT/SAT results from the test agency (which is standard) OR have the scores listed on your transcript. Furthermore, only one letter of recommendation is required.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in CSU, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to CSU.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than CSU. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for CSU, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for CSU, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If CSU is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

If You Liked Our Advice...

Our experts have written hundreds of useful articles on improving your SAT score and getting into college. You'll definitely find something useful here.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get FREE strategies and guides sent to your email. Learn how to ace the SAT with exclusive tips and insights that we share with our private newsletter subscribers.

You should definitely follow us on social media . You'll get updates on our latest articles right on your feed. Follow us on all of our social networks:

Exciting News!

I’ve joined the team at magellan college counseling and now provide an even greater depth and breadth of college guidance. .

• Sep 28, 2022

Applying to a Cal State University in 2023

Updated: Sep 23, 2023

The California State University (CSU) is a public university system made up of 23 college campuses across the state of California​.

Whether your student is applying to one or four of the CSU colleges, they will still apply via the Cal State Apply Application .

Here’s what you need to know for the 2023-24 admissions cycle.

How do students apply to the CSUs?

The application opens Oct. 1 and has "phased deadlines," meaning some campuses will have earlier deadlines than other campuses. Eight campuses will close on November 30th, including Cal Poly San Louis Obispo and San Diego State University. You can verify deadline dates on each campus's website or look it up here.

What is admission based on?

Since 2022, the use of ACT/SAT scores in the admissions process has been suspended for all of the CSU campuses.

As a result, the 23 CSU campuses have implemented a multi-factor review to determine admission eligibility, which includes a combination of:

Completion of the 15-unit comprehensive “A-G” pattern of college prep courses with a qualifying GPA of 3.0 or higher for non-California residents

Supplemental factors

The GPA minimums and the weighting of supplemental information used may vary by campus.

Some CSU campuses are impacted or have programs that are impacted – meaning the number of applications received from qualified applicants is greater than the number of available spaces. These campuses may use a higher GPA minimum in their admissions process.

For example, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo gives extra consideration when students take beyond the minimum number of semesters required in some of the “A-G” subject areas, such as math, lab science, or language other than English. San Diego State University, in addition to considering all of the college-prep coursework students have taken during high school, also considers the performance and the number of units taken in courses most relevant to their intended major (see "Preparation Towards Indicated Area of Study").

The main section of the CSU application asks students to report the average number of hours they participated in extracurricular and/or leadership over the most recent 12 months, as well as the average number of hours they worked per week over the most recent 12 months. Note, students are not asked to list out the activities or work endeavors themselves, simply the amount of time spent engaged in them.

Insider Tip

Students applying to Cal Poly may also be given extra consideration if they indicate they have held a leadership position in any of their extra-curricular activities, or if 25% or more of their work experience is related to their chosen major.

Does CSU consider 9th-grade year grades?

The majority of the CSU campuses use a GPA derived from “A-G” coursework taken in 10th and 11th grades only. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo continues to be the only CSU campus that will also include 9th grade in their GPA calculation.

Will CSU consider test scores, if submitted?

The CSU has made it clear that “in no case will standardized test scores be utilized in making admissions decisions for applicants. There will still be a section on the application where students can submit SAT and ACT scores, alongside AP and IB scores, but the test results will be used only for college-level math and English course placement for admitted students.

Will CSU count “credit” or “pass” pass grades?

Yes! The CSU campuses will consider course grades of “credit” or “pass” as fulfilling “a-g” requirements for those courses completed from the spring 2020 term to the summer 2021 term. Grades of credit/pass or no credit/no pass will satisfy eligibility requirements, but they will not be included in the calculation of high school GPA.

Is an essay required?

Although the CSU campuses will be looking at coursework and non-academic variables such as the hours spent in extra-curricular activities, the CSU system does not require any essays or personal statements and remains as objective as possible in making admissions decisions.

Do I need to submit my transcript or Letters of Recommendation?

Students will self-report their courses and grades in the application and do not submit letters of recommendation.

Where can I learn more about the CSU campuses?

Each CSU campus offers its own events. Find the campuses here and link to their admission events website pages. You can also visit with specific campuses in October:

Where can I learn how to navigate Cal State Apply Application?

Several resources are available to students throughout the admissions process:

Read the Cal State Freshman Application Guide

Read the Cal State Admission Handbook

Students can sign up for a virtual application workshop here . Be sure to scroll down to the very bottom of the page to "other ways to explore" and click on schedule .

Students can also wat ch Cal Poly's series of application videos.

Cal State Apply Coursework Entry Guide

Freshman Admission Requirements

Out-of-State CSU Eligibly Index

Do you have questions about college admissions? Let's talk!

• College Application

Recent Posts

Is Your College Essay on Track?

10 Tips to Trim Your College Essay

College of Business

Application supporting documents.

During the application process for undergraduate students, we may ask for or require supporting documents to help us understand your academic history. Transcripts are the most-common item we need.

You will find complete instructions on how to submit documents below, and we’re always here to help if you have any questions.

Are you missing items?

Transcripts.

Common Application (Freshman/First-Year applicants only)

• Your school can upload a transcript directly to your application record using the secure link included in the email we send.
• Your school can upload an official transcript via a secure site electronic submission service such as Parchment or Naviance.
• Your school can email an official transcript as a PDF to [email protected] .
• Your school can mail your official transcript to Colorado State University, Office of Admissions, 1062 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins CO  80523-1062.

If you already have graduated from high school, you may have to contact your district office rather than your high school to obtain an official copy of your transcript.

Some high schools will not release transcripts to us until you have paid and/or signed a release. Make sure you check with your high school well in advance of the application date.

CSU Application (Transfer student applicants only)

• You or your school can email an official transcript as a PDF to [email protected] .
• You or your school can mail your official transcript to Colorado State University, Office of Admissions, 1062 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins CO  80523-1062.

Electronic submission of college transcripts is supported and preferred whenever possible. We accept electronic transcripts via Parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or any other secure site used by the sending institution.

College officials are welcome to send links to secure site delivery to  [email protected] . Transcripts sent via email and not via a secure server are not considered official.

If necessary or preferred, official college transcripts can be mailed to Office of Admissions Colorado State University, 1062 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins CO 80523-1062.

Test scores

ACT and SAT scores are optional, and all freshmen are reviewed for admission and scholarships using the same criteria, whether they submit scores or not. ACT and SAT scores can be helpful for composition placement purposes.

You can submit official test scores directly through the testing agency. Please allow up to three weeks for CSU to receive official score reports.

• Use school code 0504
• Use school code 4075

You can upload a PDF of your ACT or SAT student score report on “My Application” tab in the Future Ram Dashboard.

You can email your student score report , and we’ll match it to your application. Make sure you include the full report with all of your subscores, the test date(s) and your name visible. We prefer scanned score reports or full PDFs over screenshots or photos.

We’ll accept test scores from your high school transcript as long as all subscores and test date(s) are included.

AP, IB, CLEP, High School Equivalency (GED/HiSET/TASC)

We will consider self-reported AP and IB results in our decision process, but official scores are required in order to be awarded college credit.

• International Baccalaureate (IB)

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) scores and high school equivalency exam results (including GED, HiSET, TASC and other state exams) must be submitted as official score reports. We do not consider self-reported scores in our decision process.

• College-Level Examination Process (CLEP)
• General Educational Development (GED)
• TASC – The TASC Test was discontinued in 2022. For help with exam scores, please contact the testing center where you took the TASC exam or the high school equivalency coordinator in your state.

TOEFL, IELTS, PTE English proficiency results

Evidence of English proficiency is required for international applicants seeking direct admission to CSU.

You can submit official test scores directly through the testing agency. Please allow up to three weeks for CSU to receive the official score reports. We do not consider self-reported English proficiency results in our decision process.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

You can upload a PDF of your TOEFL, IELTS or PTE student score report on “My Application” tab in the Future Ram Dashboard.

You can email your score report , and we’ll match it to your application. Make sure you include the full report with all of your subscores, the test date(s), and your name visible. We prefer scanned score reports or full PDFs over screenshots or photos.

English proficiency can be satisfied using ACT, SAT, AP or IB results as well.

We do not consider self-reported English proficiency results in our decision process.

Immigration documents

Only international students in need of a student visa are required to submit immigration documents.

International applicants are expected to include immigration information as part of their application for admission. Immigration information is not considered in the admission decision, but the official admission packet and I-20 or DS-2019 are shipped only after immigration information has been received, verified, and approved.

Immigration Information Form

• Complete and submit this secure online form using the link emailed within one week of submitting your application or via your application status page in RAMweb .
• You’ll be prompted to specify the sources of your intended financial support, information about any dependents who will be traveling with you, and the shipping address for your immigration documents.
• Securely upload a copy of the identification page of your passport within your application status page in  RAMweb .
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your first day of classes.
• Be sure to submit copies of the identification pages for any dependents traveling with you.

Financial Support

• Securely upload your financial support documents (such as bank statements or funding letters from your government or other agency) within your application status page in  RAMweb .
• You must demonstrate the ability to meet or exceed your estimated expenses .
• Because institutional scholarships do not cover the full cost of attendance, you must be able to demonstrate outside funding.

Immigration documents can also be emailed as a PDF attachment to [email protected] . Be sure your documents clearly list your full name and your CSU ID number to be matched with your application. Your immigration documents will be reviewed and verified after you’ve been admitted.

Application fees and waivers

• Your application will not be reviewed for a decision until your $50 application fee has been submitted or waived if it presents a financial hardship . All Colorado students qualify for Free App EVERY day at CSU.
• Common Application (freshman applicants only): You’ll be prompted to pay your application fee at the same time you submit your application.
• CSU Application: You’ll be prompted to pay your application fee after you submit your application. Look for the payment tool on the confirmation page presented after you submit.

More information about our waivers, fees, and refunds is here .

Essays and letters

What we call a “personal statement” is also known as an essay. Freshman applicants are required to submit personal statement. Other applicants may be prompted to submit one, too.

Freshman applicants can type OR copy and paste their personal statement into the Common Application application. All other applicants who are using the CSU Application can submit theirs as a PDF or Word document attachment emailed to [email protected] .

We do not require a letter of recommendation for any applicants in the admission and scholarship review process.

If you choose to submit a recommendation to support your application, it may be considered during our review, but it will not be given much weight. You may opt to submit a recommendation through the Common Application or as a PDF or Word document attachment emailed to [email protected] .

You can submit your application and support documents in any order. We’ll quickly match your transcripts or other support documents to your application whether they arrive before or after your application is submitted. Shortly after you submit your application, we’ll send instructions for you to check your status online so you can see which materials have been received and which we still need.

Yes. We will send email reminders about what’s needed to complete your application. You can also check your online application status for up-to-date information about missing items. Once we begin processing your application, your online application status will reflect the most current information.

Many materials take time arrive at CSU and then must be matched to your application. Most documents are matched with applications within a day or two, but please allow up to five business days. Check with us before re-sending documents you know you’ve submitted.

These instructions are for undergraduate applicants only. Graduate students seeking guidance on how to submit support documents should refer to graduateschool.colostate.edu/apply/ .

General submission info

Except for official academic records, most additional documents can be uploaded within your online applicant status page or emailed as PDF or Word documents to  [email protected] . Make sure each document includes your full name and date of birth or other identifying information (not SSN).

If necessary or preferred, additional support documents can be submitted by mail to Office of Admissions, Colorado State University, 1062 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins CO  80523-1062.

Application Guide for First-Year

We have compiled this information to guide you through each section of the  Cal State Apply  application.  Within the application, you can also navigate to the blue question circle in the upper right corner for more detailed instructions.  Additional resources are also available directly through Cal State Apply.

Getting Started

Gather materials.

• Transcript(s) from all high schools and colleges (if applicable) that you've attended.
• 12th grade fall and spring course schedules to include in-progress and planned course work. Do not include planned summer courses. They will not be considered on your application.
• Do not send official transcripts unless we request them.

Browser Preferences

Use Google Chrome or Firefox to complete your application. Internet Explorer or Safari are not recommended for Cal State Apply. You must disable your pop-up blocker.

Creating Your Account

• Sign in or create an account. Please do not use a school-based email address under Contact Information .
• In Complete Your Profile , choose “First Bachelor’s Degree,” and then “graduating high school senior or equivalent.” Next, indicate whether or not you have college course work to enter. From there, complete the remaining questions and click Save.
• Scroll down to find "Cal Poly Undergraduate."
• Search for "Cal Poly" (do not search for "San Luis Obispo").
• Click on Filter and choose Cal Poly San Luis Obispo under the Campus selection. 

Program Selection

• All Cal Poly applicants must select a major. Undeclared is not an option for our campus.
• You will be evaluated against other first-year applicants applying to the same major.
• You may select an alternate major, but very few applicants are offered admissions based on their alternate major selection.

Review Your Program Selections

Review your answers, then click on Continue to my Application .

Personal Information

Complete all sections using your full legal name as it will appear on your test scores, transcripts and government issued documents.

Academic History

High schools attended.

• Students whose California based high school is listed with CaliforniaColleges.edu , can import their high school information and course work data directly into the Cal State Apply Application. You must first create an account and register with CaliforniaColleges.edu . Once you have an account, click the “Connect” button and follow the prompts.
• Once your accounts are connected, click “Import” to bring over your data. Once imported, you will receive a success message on the screen. It will be your responsibility to double-check all of the course work and ensure that all grades are entered, all A-G designations are assigned, and accurate course categories are applied.
• If you do not use CaliforniaColleges.edu, you will need to enter all high schools attended manually. 
• Enter any online or distance education providers, if applicable.
• If you were home-schooled, navigate to the Home School tab to enter your curriculum provider.
• Double-check your selection for the diploma Date Received/Expected question to make sure you selected the correct year.
• If your school operates on two different term types such as semester and trimester, enter the school twice under each term type. This will ensure that you get the proper credit for your course work.

Seventh and/or Eighth Grade Course Work

• You can only enter one year of credit per course, even in your middle school split the course into two years (ex., Algebra 1A in seventh and Algebra 1B in eighth). In this case, enter the course work in either the seventh or eighth grade section. 
• Don't enter your middle school as an additional school attended. Instead, choose it as the first high school attended in ninth grade for that academic year. 

Ninth through 11th Grade Course Work

• Remember to list your courses and grades as they appear on your high school transcript and make sure you select the correct course type. If you are not sure which A-G area your course falls under, you can look it up on the UC Doorways A-G course list . If you have taken AP, IB, or Honors courses, select the appropriate option from the dropdown menu of course type. For all other courses, select “None.”

12th Grade Course Work

• Enter all 12th grade course work as either “In Progress” or “Planned” to get credit for those semesters. Dropping Spring course work you report on your application could have an impact on your admissions status.

Failing Grades/Repeating Classes

• Enter all failing grades for courses unless you have successfully repeated the same exact course at the same institution and your transcript reflects this accordingly. In this scenario, you will only report the passing grade. If you are currently retaking a failed course with an in-progress or planned course, you must report the failing grade.

Summer Classes with Two Grades

• Did you take an A–G course over the Summer? Click on "Add Summer Courses" and enter your coursework. If you received one grade, enter that grade in Summer 1 and enter "No Course" in Summer 2. 

Schools with Trimester Systems

• If your school operates on a true trimester system where you receive three grades per course, select trimester as your term type. If your school operates on a trimester system where you only get two grades per course, you will select semester as your term type.

Elective Requirements

• If you do not have two semesters of Electives, you may fulfill the one year requirement by entering one semester of US Government and one semester of Economics (if 4 semesters of Social Science have already been completed). If you do not have US Government and Economics, you may report a course entitled “Elective Credit” with two grades of Pass. Please call our office directly if you have questions or concerns about meeting the area G requirement.

College Course Entry

• If you are using college classes toward your A-G Course work, make sure you add the college to your application. You should enter the course into the College Coursework page. Do not add a second grade if you only took one semester. The system will know to give you one year's worth of credit as long as you enter it properly and assign the appropriate A-G designation on the A-G matching tile.
• Non A-G college courses can be entered on the college coursework page. Do not enter the course on both the High School Coursework and College Coursework pages, as this is considered double-reporting.

Test Scores

• The California State University (CSU) system has permanently suspended the use of ACT/SAT tests in the admissions process. Standardized test scores will only be used for Math and English placement purposes, if you are admitted. 
• College Board institution codes for Cal Poly SLO: (ACT: 0188) (SAT: 4038) (AP: 4038).

Supporting Information

This section covers work experience and extra-curricular activities, as well as the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).

Your work experience can be paid or not. You may also enter internships or volunteer programs in this section. There is no area on the application to give details regarding these activities. It is simply quantified into hours per week, with an indication of leadership roles and major relatedness. Cal Poly reserves the right to request additional documentation to verify your responses if needed.

The EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) provides admission, academic and financial support services to historically underserved students throughout California. Applicants to the program need to fill out all four sections by the EOP Application Deadline. Non-EOP applicants will need to decline the option on the first tile and click on Save to continue. Learn more about EOP .

Program Materials

After selecting your program, followed by the Questions tab:

• Read and click on the Licensure or Credential Acknowledgment. 
• Select "First-Year (Graduating High School)" as Applicant Level.
• Respond to the questions and acknowledgements displayed.
• Save and continue.

You must pay the campus application fee at the time you submit, unless you qualify for an application fee waiver. The application will notify you automatically whether or not you qualify for a fee waiver at the time of submittal. The limit is four fee waivers for California State Universities. After you have used your four fee waivers, you must pay the campus application fee. If you do not currently own a credit card, the system will accept a pre-paid credit card.

Cal State Apply

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Find your future at the California State University.

Cal State Apply is available to accept applications for Spring 2023.  Thank you for your patience.  Be sure to check the Application Dates and Deadlines section for campus specific deadlines and available programs.

With 23 universities spanning the state, and thousands of degrees to choose from, the CSU offers you more choices and connections than any other public higher education institution in the nation. One application opens infinite possibilities. Start your journey today. ​ ​

Select a Term to Apply For Fall 2024 Summer 2024 Spring 2025 Apply

Campuses and programs may have different application deadlines. Visit Application Dates & Deadlines  to find yours. Visit our Applicant Help Center  for additional assistance.

For fall 2022 undergraduate admissions, some campuses have extended their deadlines for Cal State Apply applications to December 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. PST. See Priority Application Deadlines.   

Choose Your Application Path:

Attending high school or graduating this year? You’re a freshman applicant.

Learn More​

Attending a community college or university? You’re a transfer applicant.

Earned your bachelor’s and want to get an advanced degree? You’re a graduate applicant.

International

Do you hold an F or J student visa? You’re an international applicant.

Teaching Credential

Interested in becoming a K-12 teacher? You’re a credential applicant.

Find your place at the CSU. With 23 universities, and over 4,000 majors, there is an opportunity with your name.

The CSU provides a high-quality education at an unparalleled value, preparing students for the future.

The CSU strives to meet all California students where they are, providing exceptional access to an affordable education.

Available to all college prepared California students, a CSU education launches brighter futures with greater impact.

The CSU system is comprised of 23 universities with nearly 500,000 students. It’s more than college, it’s community and culture.

Undergraduate Admission Updates

Learn about the CSU admission guidelines enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges facing student applicants.

Compare CSU campuses, explore degrees, learn about admission requirements and apply for financial aid at the links below. ​

Preparing​ for College

The path to a college degree starts early. Here's what you need to know, starting as soon as s​ixth grade.​

Create an account at CaliforniaColleges.edu ​ to track your classes and then transfer your planner to your CSU application.​​

Access to Quality Education

With 23 universities across California, the CSU offers more access to diverse higher education pathways than any other public university system in the United States. Some CSU locations and programs are more sought after than others, leading to areas of impaction and more selective admissions. Learn more about which universities and programs are affected as you plan your CSU journey.

In the Spotlight

10 Top Tips for Cal State Apply

CSU’s Rankings & Accolades

What is a Polytechnic University?

10 Reasons to Choose the CSU

College of Business

First-year students.

CSU Honors Program Applicants Demonstrate:

• Academic rigor as shown through coursework, including but not limited to: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual-enrollment credits.
• Exemplary academic performance.
• Evidence of meaningful community contributions.
• Knowledge of program values illustrating how these values align with educational aspirations.  
• Excellent communication skills as illustrated by application responses.
• A desire to participate in, and contribute to, an Honors community.

We are looking for highly motivated students who aspire to explore important questions in today’s society, to build healthy and inclusive communities, and to do so within an environment that encourages interdisciplinary connections and effective dialogue. We are seeking applicants who desire to be part of a supportive, inclusive community of engaged students, faculty, and staff. In addition to demonstrating academic excellence and creativity, we look for an interest in interdisciplinary connections and a commitment to community.    

Note:  CSU is test optional, so Honors does not require SAT or ACT scores. CSU also does not require letters of recommendation. You may include these items in your CSU application; however, Honors@CSU does not use these for admission criteria into the program.

Eligibility and Selection Process

• Admitted to CSU.
• Minimum of a 3.8 cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted).
• Thoughtful, complete Honors application submitted prior to the February 1 deadline.

Students admitted to CSU with a minimum 3.8 GPA at the time of application are emailed an invitation t o apply to the Honors Program. The invitation can also be found under the Opportunities tab on eligible students’ Future Rams Dashboard. Any student interested in Honors@CSU is encouraged to request an application through  CSU Admissions .   

Submitting the Honors application does not guarantee admittance into the Honors Program.  All applications will be reviewed holistically and fully considered.  Due to enrollment constraints, admittance to Honors is competitive. While many applicants meet the eligibility criteria to apply, not all applicants will be offered admission.  

The application requires students to provide thoughtful, concise yet illustrative responses to several questions. While prompts change from year to year, it is always a good idea to 1) understand the program values to which you are applying, 2) have a general idea of interdisciplinary thinking (examining connections between multiple subjects or perspectives and drawing insight that furthers knowledge), and 3) showcase your best writing. Please do not rehash your accomplishments, as the review committee has access to all other application materials; instead, highlight your authenticity and original thinking.  Duplicating your essay from the CSU application for the responses on the Honors application is strongly discouraged.

Application Deadlines and Admission Decision Timeline

The Honors application opens in October. The deadline to submit an application is February 1.  Early submission is encouraged.

Reading Honors applications is a thorough process with multiple reviewers carefully considering each application in its entirety.  The review committee has access to and considers all other application materials submitted to CSU in addition to the responses to the Honors application. For some applicants, it is possible to advance through multiple rounds with the same level of scrutiny before a decision is ultimately made. We value thorough evaluation.

Please allow at least ten weeks for an admission decision from Honors . Regrets are likely to be sent before offers of admission. Both regrets and  offers of admission  are delivered via email and can also be found under the Opportunities tab on the Future Rams Dashboard. All decisions will be communicated no later than March 31.

If you are offered admission to Honors@CSU, please confirm your intent to participate. Failure to confirm your intent to Honors on or before May 1st may result in applicant losing their spot in the program or being placed at the bottom of a waitlist.   

Note:  The Honors confirmation process is separate from the CSU confirmation.

Prospective students may apply to Honors only once for a given semester. First-year students who are not extended an offer of admission may enroll at CSU and then apply to Track 2 after first semester grades are released.

Application Timeline

Applications open August 1

Apply to CSU

Before applying to the Honors Program, students must first be admitted to CSU. Therefore, the first step is to apply and be admitted to CSU .

October - February 1

Honors Applications Open

Emails inviting students with a minimum 3.8 GPA to apply to Honors start being sent to admitted students in October. These invitations continue through February 1. All students are welcome to request an application within this window.

Honors Application Deadline

Applications are due by 11:59 pm MST on February 1.

Due to the competitive selection process, it is highly encouraged to submit Honors applications prior to the deadline. Earlier submissions will receive earlier consideration.

Confirm Intent to the Honors Program

The Honors confirmation process is separate from the CSU confirmation. Please confirm intent to participate in Honors by going to your Future Rams Dashboard and selecting the link to confirm your Honors Program plans. The scholarship reserved for Honors students will not be awarded until you have confirmed your intent to participate. Confirm no later than May 1.

Apply as a First-Year Student

Need more direction, ... connect with an ambassador.

Connect with someone who knows what it is like being an Honors student and who can answer your questions from the student perspective.

... Visit the Honors Program

There is no better way for you to get the feel for a place than by setting foot on campus.  We offer in-person tours and virtual information sessions.

... Become a Ram

First-year admitted students with a minimum 3.8 GPA are emailed an application to the Honors Program. Anyone may request an application.

Apply to CSUSB

Join the pack.

California State University, San Bernardino is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in Inland Southern California. Opened in 1965 and set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, the university serves more than 20,000 students each year and graduates about 4,000 students annually.

CSUSB reflects the dynamic diversity of the region and has the most diverse student population of any university in the Inland Empire, and it has the second highest African American and Hispanic enrollments of all public universities in California. Seventy percent of those who graduate are the first in their families to do so.

Cal State San Bernardino is listed among the best colleges and universities in the western United States, according to The Princeton Review, Forbes and U.S. News and World Report, in their respective annual rankings. In addition, it is a "Military Friendly School" according to G.I. Jobs. The Sierra Club named CSUSB one of "America's Coolest Schools." All that is missing is you.

Submitting an application to CSUSB is the first step in becoming a Coyote! To make sure that your application will be successful you should understand what admission requirements you will be asked to meet. Below you can find information for Undergraduate applicants. We admit both First-Year students joining us after high school graduation and Transfer students who have prior college experience. 

Cal State Apply

Use this direct link to access all CSUSB application programs   Cal State Apply CSUSB Programs

All applications to the California State University system campus are submitted through  Cal State Apply . Cal State Apply is a resource for gathering information about particular campuses and programs, understanding impaction requirements and for submission of your application.  

When you are ready to complete your application to Cal State San Bernardino through  Cal State Apply , be sure to  have the following items on hand.

 CSU Apply Application Workshop Videos

Please review the following links to CSUSB application workshop presentations for Cal State Apply:

  First-Year Student Workshop Video

  Transfer Student Workshop Video

First Year Student (Freshmen) Application Checklist

• Unofficial transcripts
• Test scores (SAT, ACT, AP or IB)
• Your Social Security number (if applicable)
• Your citizenship status
• A method of payment
• Your parent's citizenship status
• Annual income: Your parent's if you are a dependent; your income if you are independent
• EOP Applicants Only: Your parent's employment background and two recommendations

Transfer Student Application Checklist

California State University, Fullerton | CSU Fullerton

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at California State University, Fullerton | CSU Fullerton?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

California State University, Fullerton | CSU Fullerton’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?