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

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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!

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Submitting and Completing Your Cal State Apply Application

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Before Submitting

Before you submit your application, be aware of the following:

• You cannot make any changes once you submit your application.
• Review and confirm the campus(es), program(s), and application terms to ensure accuracy.
• Do not wait until the last minute. You can submit your application up until 11:59 PM PT on the deadline date; however, ensure you allow for time to complete the required payment section. You must click Submit and complete the final payment information before the deadline in order to guarantee your submission is accepted. Additionally, be aware that during our busiest times you may experience page loading delays, and these may occur outside of customer service's hours of operation. We cannot grant deadline extensions if you miss your deadline; contact your programs directly for more information.

Application Fee Waivers

Check the Cal State Apply Fee Waivers section before submitting to see if you qualify for the available fee waivers.

If you are eligible for an application fee waiver, you will see a Check My Fee Waivers link on the Submit Application page. Click Check My Fee Waivers for more information.

Invitation Codes

Some programs provide invitation codes, which are deadline extensions offered to individual applicants. If you received an invitation code from a program, use the information below to apply to a program whose deadline has already passed.

You can apply your invitation code(s) when you select a program (review the Selecting Cal State Apply Programs section) or are ready to submit your application (steps below). Note that you must use the invitation code before the expiration date (i.e., new deadline date).

Submitting to a Program

• Click the Submit Application tab at the top of the application.
• Click the Enter Invitation Code link for the closed program.
• Enter the invitation code you received from the program.
• Click Submit. To submit to multiple programs, click Submit All .

Application Summary Page

Once you click Submit , you will be brought to your Application Summary Page. The Application Summary Page summarizes the essential academic areas of your application. Be sure to thoroughly review this section before submission.

Submitting Your Payment

When you are ready to submit your application, go to the Submit Application tab and click Submit . Do not submit any payments before submitting your application. Payments can only be made in the application via PayPal, pre-paid credit or debit card, or standard debit or credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Credit card payments cannot be made over the phone.

If you choose to pay via PayPal, once you complete the transaction on PayPal, you must return to your Cal State Apply application and click Submit . Note that you can add money to your PayPal account at select retail locations. Visit the PayPal website for locations and information.

Once you submit your application and payment, click View Payment History for each program on the Submit Application page to confirm your payment's receipt.

After Submitting

You'll receive a confirmation email acknowledging that your application was submitted. Note that submitting does not mean your application is being reviewed by your programs. Be sure to monitor your status on the Check Status page.

You can view your payment details on the Submit Application page, under each program you applied to.

Completing Your Cal State Apply Application

In general, an application is complete when:

• All required recommendations have been completed and submitted to Cal State Apply.
• Your application fee payment was submitted and marked as received.
• You submitted your application and received an email confirming it was successfully submitted.

Note that your selected programs may have specific requirements for completion (i.e., supplemental applications, official transcripts, document uploads, etc.). We recommend contacting your programs directly to ensure you are meeting all requirements. Failure to submit all required materials may jeopardize your eligibility for admission consideration. Review each program's homepage to ensure you are meeting all requirements.

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​ .

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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

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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.

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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.

Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

Tips for writing an effective college essay.

College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.

Want free help with your college essay?

UPchieve connects you with knowledgeable and friendly college advisors—online, 24/7, and completely free. Get 1:1 help brainstorming topics, outlining your essay, revising a draft, or editing grammar.

Writing a strong college admissions essay

Learn about the elements of a solid admissions essay.

Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes

Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays

Brainstorming tips for your college essay

Stuck on what to write your college essay about? Here are some exercises to help you get started.

How formal should the tone of your college essay be?

Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice.

Taking your college essay to the next level

Hear an admissions expert discuss the appropriate level of depth necessary in your college essay.

Student Stories

Student Story: Admissions essay about a formative experience

Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about personal identity

Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about community impact

Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.

This content is licensed by Khan Academy and is available for free at www.khanacademy.org.

Office of Financial Aid

College of business, csu scholarship application (csusa).

The CSUSA is a competitive online scholarship application for many of the scholarships at CSU. Scholarships are available in all class levels (entering freshmen, undergraduates, transfer, 2nd bachelor’s, graduate and Professional Veterinary Medicine.) Applications are reviewed based on your academic record as well as your answers to the questions on the application.

Tips for the CSUSA:

• We recommend typing your essays in a word processing program to take advantage of spell checking and word counting. Once you are done, just copy and paste your text into the application.
• Some scholarships require letters of recommendation and/or other documents. Ensure ample time for these to be completed and submitted by the deadline of March 1 at 11:00 p.m. (MST).

The CSUSA includes both merit-based and financial need-based scholarships.  To be considered for need-based scholarships through the CSUSA, your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted no later than March first. A FAFSA is not required to be considered for merit-based scholarships.

CSUSA Timeline

The CSUSA will be available online on your RAMweb beginning October 1. The deadline is March 1 at 11 p.m. (MST). Go to RAMweb , log in using your eID, and then select the CSU Scholarship Application link.

Steps to Complete the CSUSA

• Log onto RAMweb.colostate.edu with your CSU eID (eName and password).
• Select the CSU Scholarship Application link under the Financial Information heading (available on RAMweb from October 1 to March 1 at 11:00 p.m. MST).
• Alternatively, you may go directly to the CSUSA at any time of the year by logging onto colostate.academicworks.com with your CSU eID.
• Complete and submit the General Application.
• Complete and submit Supplemental Application(s) if required.
• Some scholarships may ask additional questions specific to that particular scholarship. Click the ‘Apply’ button to answer any remaining questions.
• If no action is required on a Recommended scholarship then your General and/or Supplemental application are all that is/are required.

CSUSA & AcademicWorks

The CSUSA is provided through AcademicWorks. You may receive e-mails from AcademicWorks if you are selected for a scholarship or need to provide additional information for a scholarship opportunity. If you are required to submit a letter of recommendation for a scholarship, you are asked to provide an e-mail address of a reference. To ensure proper e-mail delivery, please add [email protected] to spam filters.

AcademicWorks will support only the current and the immediately previous major releases of:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Internet Explorer
• Apple Safari

If you are using a non-supported browser, we would recommend updating your browser to avoid any potential issues.

• How to Update Internet Explorer (for Windows)
• How to Update Mozilla FireFox
• Update Apple Safari
• How to Update Google Chrome

CSUSA Scholarship Contacts

Scholarship contact information.

For more information about the CSUSA, please read the  CSUSA Frequently Asked Questions .

Scholarships Included in the CSUSA

Monfort scholarship.

Requires additional recommendations, details are available on  Scholarships for Entering Colorado Resident Freshmen .

Scholarships from Your College

Your college may require letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc. For further information, visit your CSUSA as soon as possible on or after October 1. Contact the Dean’s Office of your academic college listed below if you have questions.

• Agricultural Sciences
• Engineering
• Health and Human Sciences
• Liberal Arts
• Warner College of Natural Resources
• Natural Sciences
• Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Fostering Success Scholarship

Students who have been invited to participate and/or are meeting minimum program participation requirements of the Fostering Success Program are eligible to apply for the Fostering Success Scholarship. Be sure to complete the Fostering Success section of the CSUSA.

Other criteria include demonstration of financial need as determined by the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), minimum GPA of 2.0 (high school if entering student, CSU GPA if currently enrolled), full-time, and any major or college. Preference given to undergraduates although graduate students may apply.

First Generation Award

Alumni association scholarships.

There are a variety of Alumni Association scholarships available to students at Colorado State University. Visit the Alumni Association  for further details.

Additional Scholarships in the CSUSA

A complete list of scholarships available through the CSUSA is on available on  colostate.academicworks.com .

Home » Colorado State University » Is There An Essay For Csu Applications?

Is There An Essay For Csu Applications?

Table of Contents

CSU spokesperson Elizabeth Chapin said Cal State Apply does not include an essay , but requires general information such as test scores, transcripts, citizen status, etc. to keep it a uniform application for all 23 campuses.

What are the essay prompts for CSU?

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?

What is needed for CSU application?

• Application. All first-year freshman students will submit an application using the Common Application.
• Application fee or waiver. First-year freshman students must submit either:
• Official transcripts. Submit your most recent high school transcript.
• Personal Statement.
• Recommendation.

Do CSU need letters of recommendation?

All freshman applications to Colorado State University must include at least one letter of recommendation . At CSU, we review application materials in well rounded, or holistic way. Your recommendation can be an important resource to help us consider your academic preparation.

Can you get into a UC with an F?

D-F Grades: UC and CSU policy states that courses in which a student has earned a D or F grade cannot be used to satisfy the subject requirement . If a student has earned a D or F grade in a required subject, the deficiency may be satisfied by repeating the course.

Which Cal State is the hardest to get into?

With a record low acceptance rate of 25% in 2019, Cal Poly SLO is by far the most competitive and most exclusive Cal State University.

Does CSU require SAT essay?

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements 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.

What GPA do you need to get into CSU?

California residents and graduates of California high schools will be eligible for admission by earning a 2.50 or greater “a-g” GPA . Any California high school graduate or resident of California earning a GPA between 2.00 and 2.49 may be evaluated for admission based upon supplemental factors.

Do all colleges require essays?

Many colleges choose to only require essays for the most competitive programs , such as honors programs, engineering, and nursing, or for scholarships, where additional information may be more instrumental in making decisions. Specific admissions cutoffs and criteria.

Does CSU accept D’s?

Currently, “D” grades may meet CSU general education certification requirements in some areas . A grade of “D” in English 101, transferable Math, Critical Thinking (like English102), or Speech is unacceptable. Please see a counselor.

Are CSU exams blind?

Both the UC and Cal State system are now “test-blind” — a rarefied club of 86 academic institutions and systems nationwide. Another 1,825 other campuses don’t require test scores but will still assess them if a student submits that information, a concept known as “test-optional.”

Is a 3.4 GPA good in college?

A 3.4 GPA will look good on your college applications . Being above the national average of 3.0 will work in your favor come admission time. That said, it’s a good idea to round out your college application with high standardized test scores and plenty of extra curricular activities to support your strong GPA.

Do Cal States look at senior grades?

CSU also considers your senior year grades and courses before granting final admittance . Students with a GPA below 2.0 are gen- erally not admitted. If you earn a 3.0 GPA or higher, you typically are guaranteed admis- sion to your local campus regardless of your admissions test scores.

What is the highest GPA in high school in California?

A high school GPA is calculated on a 4.00 scale to two decimal places (between 0.00 and 4.00). Do not use a weighted scale. Convert any grades with extra weighting for honors and advanced placement classes to a 4.00 scale before calculating the GPA. GPAs calculated beyond a 4.00 scale will not be accepted .

What is the easiest CSU to get into?

California State University, Dominguez Hills – If you are looking for a Southern California School that isn’t impossible to get into, check out CSU Dominguez Hills.

Are CSU easier than UC?

Selectivity. Overall, the UC schools—being very prestigious and highly ranked—are much more difficult to get into than are the CSU schools , especially UC Berkeley and UCLA, the two highest-ranked schools. In other words, acceptance rates at UC schools are often far lower than those at CSU schools.

What’s the best CSU in California?

Ranked List of the Best Cal State Schools

• 1. California Polytechnic State University | Cal Poly. Location: San Luis Obispo, CA.
• San Diego State University | SDSU. Location: San Diego, CA.
• Long Beach State. Location: Long Beach, CA.
• Cal Poly Pomona.
• San Jose State.
• CSU Fullerton.
• CSU Fresno.
• CSU Northridge | CSUN.

What is a good SAT score for CSU?

CSU SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT) There’s no absolute SAT requirement at CSU, but they really want to see at least a 1090 to have a chance at being considered.

How do CSU applications work?

You start by selecting the programs you wish to apply to, then you submit one application that includes all necessary materials. Once received by Cal State Apply, your application and materials are transmitted to all of your selected programs. Start your 2022-2023 cycle application.

Is Cal Poly test blind?

So, like the UCs, Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo is test-blind for the high school class of 2022 . The most important factors Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo will be considering for admission include GPA, extracurriculars, work experience, and strength of curriculum (what a student does beyond the minimum course requirements).

Do colleges look at 9th grade GPA?

Pretty much every college will see your teen’s grades from the first year of high school as part of their transcript review . Even universities that emphasizes tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade grades when they evaluate applicants for admission will still see ninth grade marks on transcripts.

By Paul Arnold

Paul Arnold is an education expert with over 25 years of experience in the field. He has worked in both public and private schools, as well as colleges and universities. Paul is passionate about helping students learn and grow, and he has written extensively on the topic of education. He currently works as a professor at a local college.

When he's not teaching or writing, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also likes playing golf and watching sports. Paul is a big fan of the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots.

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How do i install office 365 as a student, where do i send my transcripts to csu, do csu students get free microsoft office.

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Guest Essay

Elite College Admissions Have Turned Students Into Brands

By Sarah Bernstein

Ms. Bernstein is a playwright, a writing coach and an essayist in Brooklyn.

“I just can’t think of anything,” my student said.

After 10 years of teaching college essay writing, I was familiar with this reply. For some reason, when you’re asked to recount an important experience from your life, it is common to forget everything that has ever happened to you. It’s a long-form version of the anxiety that takes hold at a corporate retreat when you’re invited to say “one interesting thing about yourself,” and you suddenly believe that you are the most boring person in the entire world. Once during a version of this icebreaker, a man volunteered that he had only one kidney, and I remember feeling incredibly jealous of him.

I tried to jog this student’s memory. What about his love of music? Or his experience learning English? Or that time on a summer camping trip when he and his friends had nearly drowned? “I don’t know,” he said with a sigh. “That all seems kind of cliché.”

Applying to college has always been about standing out. When I teach college essay workshops and coach applicants one on one, I see my role as helping students to capture their voice and their way of processing the world, things that are, by definition, unique to each individual. Still, many of my students (and their parents) worry that as getting into college becomes increasingly competitive, this won’t be enough to set them apart.

Their anxiety is understandable. On Thursday, in a tradition known as “Ivy Day,” all eight Ivy League schools released their regular admission decisions. Top colleges often issue statements about how impressive (and competitive) their applicant pools were this cycle. The intention is to flatter accepted students and assuage rejected ones, but for those who have not yet applied to college, these statements reinforce the fear that there is an ever-expanding cohort of applicants with straight A’s and perfect SATs and harrowing camping trip stories all competing with one another for a vanishingly small number of spots.

This scarcity has led to a boom in the college consulting industry, now estimated to be a $2.9 billion business. In recent years, many of these advisers and companies have begun to promote the idea of personal branding — a way for teenagers to distinguish themselves by becoming as clear and memorable as a good tagline.

While this approach often leads to a strong application, students who brand themselves too early or too definitively risk missing out on the kind of exploration that will prepare them for adult life.

Like a corporate brand, the personal brand is meant to distill everything you stand for (honesty, integrity, high quality, low prices) into a cohesive identity that can be grasped at a glance. On its website, a college prep and advising company called Dallas Admissions explains the benefits of branding this way: “Each person is complex, yet admissions officers only have a small amount of time to spend learning about each prospective student. The smart student boils down key aspects of himself or herself into their personal ‘brand’ and sells that to the college admissions officer.”

Identifying the key aspects of yourself may seem like a lifelong project, but unfortunately, college applicants don’t have that kind of time. Online, there are dozens of lesson plans and seminars promising to walk students through the process of branding themselves in five to 10 easy steps. The majority begin with questions I would have found panic-inducing as a teenager, such as, “What is the story you want people to tell about you when you’re not in the room?”

Where I hoped others would describe me as “normal” or, in my wildest dreams, “cool,” today’s teenagers are expected to leave this exercise with labels like, Committed Athlete and Compassionate Leader or Environmentally Conscious Musician. Once students have a draft of their ideal self, they’re offered instructions for manifesting it (or at least, the appearance of it) in person and online. These range from common-sense tips (not posting illegal activity on social media) to more drastic recommendations (getting different friends).

It’s not just that these courses cut corners on self-discovery; it’s that they get the process backward. A personal brand is effective only if you can support it with action, so instead of finding their passion and values through experience, students are encouraged to select a passion as early as possible and then rack up the experience to substantiate it. Many college consultants suggest beginning to align your activities with your college ambitions by ninth grade, while the National Institute of Certified College Planners recommends students “talk with parents, guardians, and/or an academic adviser to create a clear plan for your education and career-related goals” in junior high.

The idea of a group of middle schoolers soberly mapping out their careers is both comical and depressing, but when I read student essays today, I can see that this advice is getting through. Over the past few years, I have been struck by how many high school seniors already have defined career goals as well as a C.V. of relevant extracurriculars to go with them. This widens the gap between wealthy students and those who lack the resources to secure a fancy research gig or start their own small business. (A shocking number of college applicants claim to have started a small business.) It also puts pressure on all students to define themselves at a moment when they are anxious to fit in and yet changing all the time.

In the world of branding, a word that appears again and again is “consistency.” If you are Charmin, that makes sense. People opening a roll of toilet paper do not want to be surprised. If you are a teenage human being, however, that is an unreasonable expectation. Changing one’s interests, opinions and presentation is a natural part of adolescence and an instructive one. I find that my students with scattershot résumés are often the most confident. They’re not afraid to push back against suggestions that ring false and will insist on revising their essay until it actually “feels like me.” On the other hand, many of my most accomplished students are so quick to accept feedback that I am wary of offering it, lest I become one more adult trying to shape them into an admission-worthy ideal.

I understand that for parents, prioritizing exploration can feel like a risky bet. Self-insight is hard to quantify and to communicate in a college application. When it comes to building a life, however, this kind of knowledge has more value than any accolade, and it cannot be generated through a brainstorming exercise in a six-step personal branding course online. To equip kids for the world, we need to provide them not just with opportunities for achievement, but with opportunities to fail, to learn, to wander and to change their minds.

In some ways, the college essay is a microcosm of modern adolescence. Depending on how you look at it, it’s either a forum for self-discovery or a high-stakes test you need to ace. I try to assure my students that it is the former. I tell them that it’s a chance to take stock of everything you’ve experienced and learned over the past 18 years and everything you have to offer as a result.

That can be a profound process. But to embark on it, students have to believe that colleges really want to see the person behind the brand. And they have to have the chance to know who that person is.

Sarah Bernstein is a playwright, a writing coach and an essayist.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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First-Year Application Process

Application timeline.

We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2024.

St. Thomas offers two admissions types – Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD). Both are free and completely non-binding, so you don't have to commit to St. Thomas until May 1.

• November 1 – Early Action Deadline
• January 15 – Regular Decision Deadline
• After January 15 – Applications reviewed on a rolling basis

What are we looking for?

There's no single thing we look for in an application. Each is evaluated holistically with your academic, extracurricular and personal achievements all considered.

We encourage students to provide a variety of details in their applications, including your academic records and insight into the experiences that have made you who you are.

Overall, the goal of our admissions process is to identify students who will succeed in the classroom while also contributing to our university and the broader community in diverse and meaningful ways.

How to Apply

Apply online (for free) using the Common App or our application for First-time, First-year Students:

• Start a New Application
• Continue Existing Application
• Contact Admissions

Does this sound like you?

To give you a sense about what successful applicants look like, here are some facts about our most recent first-year class:

• Middle 50 percent high school GPA: 3.4-3.9
• Middle 50 percent ACT: 24-29
• Middle 50 percent SAT: 1120-1360

Note: St. Thomas is a test optional school and students are not required to submit ACT or SAT test scores as part of their application. See our test optional policy for guidance on whether or not to submit your scores.

Parts of the Application

Transcript(s), test scores, essay questions, letters of recommendation, transcript(s) (required).

We require high school transcripts be sent to us before your application can be reviewed. This transcript must include your entire set of high school grades and courses to date.

We will accept unofficial transcripts for your application. You may submit an unofficial transcript by downloading it from your school system and sending it to [email protected] or your admissions counselor .

If you've attended multiple high schools – and your entire record isn't included on the transcript of your current high school – you're required to submit an official transcript from your previous high school(s) as well.

If you've taken college classes before, we recommend you submit official college transcripts as well – though this IS NOT required.

Students who are admitted and enroll: Please note that an OFFICIAL transcript will be required prior to starting classes at St. Thomas. This official transcript will need to be sent directly from your school and include your graduation date.

Impacts from COVID-19 We know that COVID-19 may have affected the way your school awards grades. We encourage you to share your story when applying for admission. Let us know how COVID-19 impacted your learning and grades/GPA.

Test Scores (Optional)

St. Thomas is a test optional school, which means that students are not required to submit ACT or SAT test scores as part of their application.

Our test optional page has more information about this policy and offers guidance about whether or not to submit your scores. Please contact your admissions counselor if you have any questions.

If you do choose to submit your test scores, you can self-report your highest composite and subject scores for the ACT and/or SAT on the application. Your scores DO NOT need to be officially sent to us during the application process.

Essay Questions (Recommended)

Though you aren't technically required to answer our essay questions, we highly recommend that you do – especially if you apply without test scores.*

Responses to these questions are used to understand the demographics of our applicant pool and may also be used for other limited purposes after an admission decision (for example, communication about student clubs or organizations that may be of interest) Your information regarding gender, pronouns, race and ethnicity will not be visible to the admissions committee and are not considered during the University of St. Thomas application review.

Below are the current essay prompts. You can choose to write about them or to submit a different personal essay of your choosing. We want to learn a little about you as a person, so please submit an essay that will help us do that.

• Discuss a meaningful contribution you have made through involvement in school, church, community activities or family responsibilities.
• Describe an event, a person or an educational experience that has had a major impact on your life and why.
• Share additional information about your personal story that would be beneficial to the application review process. What do you want the readers to know about you apart from courses and academic credentials?
• Provide an explanation of your transcript record. Is there anything on your transcript that you would like to share more information about with the admissions committee?

We recommend that your essay be one to two pages long.

We also ask a second essay question about your experience with diversity and inclusion. This essay is also optional, but will give you a chance to reflect and speak from your heart.

* If you're applying without a standardized test, we strongly recommend submitting both essays to provide a more well-rounded understanding of your experience.

Letters of Recommendation (Recommended)

Though it's not required, we suggest that you submit one or two letters of recommendation from teachers or other people in your life who can help us get to know you better as we review your application.

Recommenders can email letters to [email protected] or your admissions counselor .

I reviewed my Yale admissions file to see what the Ivy League school really thought about my application. What I learned surprised me.

• I reviewed my Yale admissions file to see what the Ivy League school thought about my application. 
• Most of my scores weren't that impressive, but they really liked my genuine attitude and excitement.
• Reviewing my application reminded me how far I have come as a student. 

"Brian spoke so fast it was electrifying."

This was the first quote from my Yale interviewer. She wrote those words in my admissions file, a document I finally got my hands on three years after being accepted into Yale University .

I remember that interview like it was yesterday. It was a Zoom call — my application cycle happened at the crux of pandemic remote learning — and I was wearing my father's old, oversize dress shirt. The interviewer was lovely. Some of my answers to her questions probably didn't make sense, and she was right. I definitely forgot to breathe in between my sentences.

But viewing my admissions file years later gave me a peek into what my interviewer was actually thinking that day, and I learned what really got me into Yale.

I reviewed my application as a junior with the registrar

Every student in the US can review their college admissions file under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. I emailed my university registrar, and within 45 days, a member of their support staff reached back out to schedule a virtual meeting. Picture-taking and recording were not allowed, so I jotted notes by hand.

There was very little verbal interaction between me and the staff member. She screen-shared my admissions file and let me read in silence. Something told me she understood the emotional weight of this moment for students, and I appreciated that. It is intimidating for any teenager to package their identity into a 650-word common application essay and a questionnaire — but it is arguably even more so to witness retrospectively how everything was judged.

I got a behind-the-scenes look into Yale admissions when they read my application

Each aspect of my application was rated out of nine points. My readers gave me a six for my extracurriculars and for my first teacher recommendation. They gave me a seven for my second teacher recommendation and my counselor's recommendation. I received an "outstanding" for my interview and a 2++ for my overall rating. The overall rating is given on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 being the highest, and pluses were a good sign.

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In all, my ratings weren't exactly bad, but they weren't extraordinary either. The numbers on the pages stared back at me — cold, formulaic, and transactional. It felt strange to be reduced to a system of numbers, knowing that something as qualitative as extracurricular activities could still be broken down and scored.

Beyond the ratings, however, what truly stood out were the comments left by the admissions officers . Many of the comments were on my character, my essays, and the possible contributions I would make as a student.

"I teared up reading Essay 1," one reader wrote of my common application essay. Another said of the same essay: "His Chinese New Years are untraditional in that they remind him of his family's financial struggles."

I got emotional. All the memories of writing that essay came flooding back. I remembered how difficult it was to start it. I knew there was no easy way for someone to understand me without first knowing my background. I wanted to prove that I deserved a seat at the table where legacy students and the wealthy continue to outnumber their first-generation, low-income peers like myself.

I kept reading and found more comments from admissions officers that moved me: "He treats his mom well;" "He seems to have a truly good heart;" "One of the most intelligent, sincere, jovial students ever met;" "I have no doubt that Brian would push his peers at Yale to stand up for what's right;" and "I come away with compelling impressions that the student would contribute significantly to the undergrad community."

I searched for a negative comment. There were none.

I didn't deserve this, I muttered under my breath. Here I was, a junior in college, no longer a 4.0 student , my post-grad plans murky, balancing two part-time jobs and hoping to make it out of midterms alive. It felt good knowing that someone had rooted for me to be here.

The process reminded me how far I have come

Coming from an underserved household where no one had gone to college, I had always looked at the Ivy League application process skeptically.

Without the resources to enroll in SAT test prep and the financial safety net to pursue unpaid leadership positions and resume-boosting activities at school, I had doubted the "holistic" admissions process many colleges boast. My critiques about Yale remain numerous.

But at least in their comments, the admissions committee gave me grace in that they reviewed my application in light of my circumstances. I might never know exactly what happened in that reading room. Still, a couple of lessons ring true, based on my own viewing experience and my conversations with others who had done the same: Good character and potential are the key; I didn't need to be perfect.

And finally, I — not anyone else — needed to give me the fighting chance of applying in the first place.

"GPA is outstanding, especially in context," an admissions officer said. "This is a home run."

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Colorado State University | CSU’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Additional info essay.

If your cumulative GPA is below 3.0/B- average (on a 4.0 scale), if you have any D or F grades, or if you are missing units in our CSU Recommended Courses, this is your opportunity to explain. Tell us about the situation and/or what happened, what you did to fix it, and how your experience will help you be academically successful at CSU.

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.

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