First-Time, First-Year Student CSULB Index
Your CSULB Index for Fall is calculated using your cumulative grade point average (GPA), Math GPA, and English GPA. The score will help tell you if you’re eligible for admission to the CSU. The CSU does not use standardized testing (SAT and/or ACT) for purposes of admission. Students may submit their official SAT and/or ACT should they be offered admission to be used for placement purposes, but the standardized tests will not be considered in the admission decision.
The CSULB Index is a result of a formula that combines your achievement in your high school college preparatory subjects, along with your cumulative GPA in grades 10 through 12. The formula is a combination of using your cumulative GPA, along with your Math and English subject GPAs.
The CSULB Index for CSULB ranking is calculated as follows:
- (College Preparatory Grade Point Average* X 200) + (500 x HS Math Subject GPA) + (500 x HS English GPA).
- Refer to the College Preparatory Grade Point Average section below for details on how this GPA is calculated.
The STEM Index is a result of a formula that combines your achievement in your high school college preparatory courses in the subjects of Math and Science. The STEM Index is used by CSULB for admission to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) majors. The purpose of the STEM Index is to place additional weight on quantitative skills required for success in these majors.
The STEM Index for CSULB ranking in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) majors is calculated as follows:
- (600 x HS Math Subject GPA) + (600 x HS Science Subject GPA).
- Refer to the College Preparatory Grade Point Average section below for details on how this GPA is calculated.
The GPAs listed above are calculated based on grades earned in all approved college preparatory (A-G) courses taken after grade 9. Bonus points may be awarded for up to eight grades of C or better in approved honors courses taken in grades 10 to 12, including up to two (2) International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP), or honors courses taken in tenth grade.
Initial admission decisions are based on self-reported information provided in the admission application. As a result, they are based on the grades earned as of that time (normally grades 10 and 11). All offers of admission will be provisional and subject to verification based on official final high school transcripts. Admission offers may be withdrawn if the final GPA, completed courses, or course grades are lower than what is reported at the time of application. It is essential that senior year courses be completed successfully!
The California State University requires first-time, first-year applicants to complete the following comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. All courses in the comprehensive pattern must be completed with a grade of C or better in each course prior to high school graduation. A unit equals one year of study in high school.
| Area | Subject | Years |
|---|---|---|
| a. | History and Social Science (including 1 year of U.S. history or 1 semester of U.S. history and 1 semester of civics or American government and 1 year of social science) | 2 |
| b. | English (4 years of college preparatory English composition and literature) | 4 |
| c. | Math (4 years is recommended) including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or higher mathematics (take one each year) | 3 |
| d. | Laboratory Science (including 1 biological science and 1 physical science) | 2 |
| e. | Language - other than English (2 years of the same language; American Sign Language is applicable) | 2 |
| f. | Visual and Performing Arts (dance, theater, music, or visual art) | 1 |
| g. | College Preparatory Elective ( Additional year of any college preparatory subject) | 1 |
| Total | Required Subjects | 15 |
