First-time freshmen admission requirements

Preparatory class completion

Complete the required A-G preparatory classes with a grade of C- or better.

A-G Preparatory Class Requirements
AreaSubjectYears Required
AHistory and Social Science (must include one year of U.S. history OR one semester of U.S. history and one semester of government)2
BEnglish4
CMath (algebra, intermedia algebra, geometry or higher)3
DLaboratory Science (one physical, one biological) 2
ELanguage other than English (2 years of the same language or 2 one-year courses in different languages; possible waiver)2
FVisual and Performing Arts1
GCollege preparatory elective (chosen from the school’s A-G list)1

Minimum GPA

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is calculated using all A-G college preparatory courses completed after 9th grade.

GPA Requirements by Residency or High School
Residency or High SchoolGPA Requirement
California resident or graduate of a California high school2.50 or greater
Non-California3.00 or greater

Applicants below these GPA minimums and applicants to competitive ("impacted") majors may be evaluated for admission based on supplemental factors."


Multi-factor admission review

SFSU will perform a multi-factor admission review for applicants who meet the following eligibility requirements.

Multi-Factor Admission Review 


Graduate from high school 

All applicants must be a high school graduate (or equivalent, such as having taken and passed the GED exam).

High school graduation date must be listed on your final official high school transcript.


Research impacted majors

Some majors at SFSU are impacted, where the number of fully eligible applicants exceeds the number of spaces available in that major. It is important to have an alternate major in mind for when you go to submit your application.

Impaction