Mar 19, 2024  
2018-19 CATALOG 
    
2018-19 CATALOG [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admission and Application



Requirements for admission to California State University San Marcos are in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. Complete information is available at www.calstate.edu.

All CSU applications must be submitted online at www.calstate.edu/apply. An acknowledgement will be sent to the applicant when the online application has been submitted.

Reservation

The University reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the University or any of its programs at the University, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate based on an applicant’s suitability and the best interests of the University.

Importance of Filing Complete, Accurate, and Authentic Application Documents

California State University San Marcos advises prospective students that they must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residency questionnaire, and financial aid forms. Further, applicants must, when requested, submit authentic and official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documents may result in denial of admission, cancellation of registration or academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301, Article 1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations).

Admissions and Student Outreach

The Office of Admissions and Student Outreach offers a full array of services from the time of first contact until students register for their first semester.

All pre-enrollment services are housed in Cougar Central. Admissions and Student Outreach is responsible for processing admission applications and for the evaluation of high school and transfer credits, but also offers a wide variety of services to prospective students who have not yet applied. Admissions information sessions, and campus tours are available to students seeking information about the University. Questions about majors offered, support services available, or the future development of the campus can also be addressed. In addition to the professional staff, the Pride Ambassadors are a group of continuing CSU San Marcos students who are available for these services.

Enrollment Management Services Operations/Registrar

The Office of EMS Operations/Registrar is responsible for registration, grade reporting, maintenance of the official academic record, name, address, and major changes, outgoing transcripts, incoming transcript evaluation, class rosters, enrollment verification, registration status, leaves of absence, and graduation processing. Application for services related to the above may be obtained from Cougar Central in Craven Hall. The official name, address, and major changes for a student must be requested in Cougar Central. All official academic records for students are maintained in EMS Operations/Registrar, including academic transcripts, academic status, degree information, grade changes, and petitions for exceptions to academic regulations.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Freshman Requirements

Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for first-time freshman admission if they meet the following requirements:

  1. Have graduated from high school, have earned a Certificate of General Education Development (GED), or have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination; and:
  2. Have a qualifiable minimum eligibility index (see Eligibility Index); and
  3. Have completed, with grades of C or better, each of the courses in the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory subject requirements, also known as the “a-g” pattern (see “Subject Requirements”).

Eligibility Index

The eligibility index is the combination of the high school GPA and scores on either the ACT or the SAT. GPA is based on grades earned in courses taken during the final three years of high school. Included in calculation of GPA are grades earned in all college preparatory “a-g” subject requirements, and bonus points for approved honors courses.

Up to eight semesters of honors courses taken in the last three years of high school, including up to two approved courses taken in the tenth grade, can be accepted. Each unit of A in an honors course will receive a total of 5 points; B, 4 points; and C, 3 points.

A CSU Eligibility Index can be calculated by multiplying a GPA by 800 and adding the total score on the SAT exam (mathematics and critical reading on the old SAT, or mathematics and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing on the new SAT). For students who took the ACT, multiply the GPA by 200 and add 10 times the ACT composite score. Persons who are California high school graduates (or residents of California for tuition purposes) need a minimum index of 2900 using the old SAT, or 2950 using the new SAT or 694 using the ACT. The Eligibility Index Table illustrates several combinations of required test scores and averages. The university has no current plans to include the writing scores from either of the admission tests in the computation of the CSU Eligibility Index. 

Persons who neither graduated from a California high school nor are a resident of California for tuition purposes, need a minimum index of 3502 using the old SAT, 3570 using the new SAT or 842 using the ACT. Graduates of secondary schools in foreign countries must be judged to have academic preparation and abilities equivalent to applicants eligible under this section. An applicant with a grade point average of 3.00 or above (3.61 for nonresidents) is not required to submit test scores. However, all applicants for admission are urged to take the SAT or ACT and provide the scores of such tests to each CSU campus to which they seek admission. Campuses use these test results for advising and placement purposes and may require them for admission to impacted majors or programs. Impacted CSU campuses require SAT or ACT scores of all applicants for freshman admission.

High School Students

High school students may be considered for enrollment in certain special programs if recommended by the principal and the appropriate campus department chair, and if preparation is equivalent to that required of eligible California high school graduates. Such admission is only for a given specific program and does not constitute a right to continued enrollment.

Transfer Policies of CSU Campuses

Most commonly, college level credits earned from an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency is accepted for transfer to campuses of the CSU; however, authority for decisions regarding the transfer of undergraduate credits is delegated to each CSU campus.

California Community Colleges and other authorized certifying institutions can certify up to 39 semester (58.5 quarter) units of General Education-Breadth (GE-Breadth) or 37 semester (55.5 quarter) units of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for transfer students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for any CSU campus prior to transfer.

“Certification” is the official notification from a California Community College or authorized institution that a transfer student has completed courses fulfilling lower-division general education requirements. The CSU GE-Breadth and the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certification course lists for particular community colleges can be accessed at www.assist.org.

CSU campuses may enter into course-to-course or program-to-program articulation agreements with other CSU campuses, any or all of the California community colleges, and other regionally accredited institutions. Established CSU and CCC articulations may be found on www.assist.org. Students may be permitted to transfer no more than 70 semester (105 quarter) units to a CSU campus from an institution which does not offer bachelor’s degrees or their equivalents, for example, community colleges. Given the university’s 30-semester (45-quarter) unit residency requirement, no more than a total of 90-semester (135-quarter) units may be transferred into the University from all sources.

Transfer Requirements

Applicants who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester college units (fewer than 90 quarter units) are considered lower-division transfer students. Applicants who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) are considered upper-division transfer students. Applicants who complete college units during high school or through the summer immediately following high school graduation are considered first-time freshmen and must meet the CSU minimum eligibility requirements for first-time freshman admission. Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses and accepted as such by the campus to which the applicant seeks admission.

Provisional Admission First-Time Freshman

California State University San Marcos may provisionally admit first-time freshman applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and planned for the senior year. The campus will monitor the final two terms of study to ensure that admitted students complete their secondary school studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school. Students are required to submit an official transcript after graduation to certify that all course work has been satisfactorily completed. Official high school transcripts must be received prior to the deadline set by the University. In no case may documentation of high school graduation be received any later than the census date for a student’s first term of CSU enrollment. A campus may rescind admission decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts, and cancel any university registration for students who are found not to be eligible after the final transcript has been evaluated.

Applicants will qualify for regular (non-provisional) admission when the university verifies that they have graduated and received a high school diploma, have earned a qualifiable minimum eligibility index, have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory “a-g” subjects, and, if applying to an impacted program or campus, have met all supplementary criteria.

The CSU uses only the ACT composite score, the mathematics and critical reading scores on the old SAT, or the mathematics and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores on the new SAT in its admission eligibility equation. The SAT or ACT writing scores are not currently used by CSU campuses.
 

Eligibility Index Table for California High School Graduates or Residents of California

These NEW SAT Eligibility Index tables will be effective for the upcoming 2018 - 2019 admissions cycle

(A GPA of 3.00 and above qualifies for any score in SAT)

GPA NEW SAT
SCORE
GPA NEW SAT
SCORE
GPA NEW SAT
SCORE
2.99 560 2.66 830  2.33  1090 
2.98  570 2.65 830  2.32  1100
2.97 580  2.64  840  2.31  1110
2.96  590 2.63  850  2.30  1110
2.95  590 2.62  860  2.29  1120
2.94  600  2.61  870  2.28 1130
2.93  610  2.60  870  2.27  1140 
2.92  620  2.59  880  2.26  1150 
2.91  630  2.58  890  2.25  1150 
2.90  630  2.57  900  2.24  1160 
2.89  640  2.56  910  2.23  1170 
2.88  650  2.55 910  2.22  1180 
2.87  660  2.54  920  2.21  1190
2.86  670  2.53  930  2.20  1190
2.85  670  2.52  940  2.19 1200 
2.84  680  2.51  950  2.18  1210
2.83  690  2.50  950  2.17  1220 
2.82 700  2.49  960  2.16  1230 
2.81  710 2.48  970  2.15  1230 
2.80  710  2.47  980  2.14  1240 
2.79  720  2.46  990  2.13  1250 
2.78  730  2.45 990  2.12  1260 
2.77  740  2.44  1000  2.11  1270 
2.76  750 2.43  1010  2.10  1270 
2.75  750  2.42  1020  2.09  1280 
2.74  760  2.41  1030  2.08  1290 
2.73  770  2.40  1030  2.07  1300 
2.72  780  2.39  1040  2.06  1310
2.71  790  2.38  1050 2.05  1310 
2.70  790 2.37  1060 2.04  1320 
2.69  800  2.36 1070  2.03  1330 
2.68  810  2.35  1070  2.02  1340 
2.67  820  2.34  1080  2.01  1350 
        2.00  1350

GPA below 2.0 does not qualify for admission

*For admissions purposes, the CSU uses only the new SAT scores for mathematics and evidence based on reading and writing.

 

Eligibility Index Table SAT Table - Non-Resident or Non-Graduates of California

These NEW SAT Eligibility Index tables will be effective for the upcoming 2018 - 2019 admissions cycle

(A GPA of 3.61 and above qualifies for any score in SAT)

GPA NEW SAT
SCORE
GPA NEW SAT
SCORE
GPA NEW SAT
SCORE
3.60 690 3.21 1010  2.82 1320
3.59 700 3.20  1020  2.81 1330
3.58 710 3.19  1020  2.80 1330
3.57 720 3.18 1030 2.79  1340
3.56  730 3.17 1040  2.78 1350
3.55  730 3.16  1050 2.77 1360
3.54  740 3.15  1050 2.76 1370
3.53   750 3.14 1060 2.75 1370
3.52    760   3.13 1070  2.74 1380
3.51   770  3.12 1080  2.73 1390
3.50   780   3.11 1090  2.72 1400
3.49   780  3.10  1090  2.71 1410
3.48   790 3.09 1100  2.70 1410
3.47  800 3.08 1110  2.69 1420
3.46  810 3.07  1120 2.68 1430
3.45   810  3.06  1130 2.67 1440
3.44   820   3.05 1130  2.66 1450
3.43  830  3.04 1140  2.65 1450
3.42  840  3.03  1150 2.64 1460
3.41  850   3.02  1160 2.63 1470
3.40  860  3.01  1170  2.62 1480
3.39  860  3.00  1170  2.61 1490
3.38  870   2.99  1180  2.60 1490
3.37  880 2.98  1190  2.59 1500
3.36  890 2.97  1200  2.58 1510
3.35  900   2.96  1210  2.57 1520
3.34  900    2.95 1210 2.56  1530
3.33   910  2.94 1220 2.55  1530
3.32  920 2.93 1230 2.54 1540
3.31   930 2.92 1240  2.53 1550
3.30   930 2.91  1250 2.52 1530
3.29  940  2.90  1250 2.51 1570
3.28  950 2.89 1260  2.50 1570
3.27 960 2.88 1270 2.49 1580
3.26 970 2.87 1280 2.48 1590
3.25 970 2.86 1290 2.47 1600
3.24 980 2.85 1290    
3.23 990 2.84 1300    
3.22 1000 2.83 1310    

GPA below 2.47 does not qualify for admission

*For admissions purposes, the CSU uses only the new SAT scores for mathematics and evidence based on reading and writing.

 

Eligibility Index Table

ACT Table - CA High School Graduates or Residents of California

(A GPA of 3.00 and above qualifies for any score in ACT)

GPA ACT SCORE GPA ACT SCORE GPA ACT SCORE
2.99 10 2.66 17 2.33 23
2.98 10 2.65 17 2.32 23
2.97 10 2.64 17 2.31 24
2.96 11 2.63 17 2.30 24
2.95 11 2.62 17 2.29 24
2.94 11 2.61 18 2.28 24
2.93 11 2.60 18 2.27 24
2.92 11 2.59 18 2.26 25
2.91 12 2.58 18 2.25 25
2.90 12 2.57 18 2.24 25
2.89 12 2.56 19 2.23 25
2.88 12 2.55 19 2.22 25
2.87 12 2.54 19 2.21 26
2.86 13 2.53 19 2.20 26
2.85 13 2.52 19 2.19 26
2.84 13 2.51 20 2.18 26
2.83 13 2.50 20 2.17 26
2.82 13 2.49 20 2.16 27
2.81 14 2.48 20 2.15 27
2.80 14 2.47 20 2.14 27
2.79 14 2.46 21 2.13 27
2.78 14 2.45 21 2.12 27
2.77 14 2.44 21 2.11 28
2.76 15 2.43 21 2.10 28
2.75 15 2.42 21 2.09 28
2.74 15 2.41 22 2.08 28
2.73 15 2.40 22 2.07 28
2.72 15 2.39 22 2.06 29
2.71 16 2.38 22 2.05 29
2.70 16 2.37 22 2.04 29
2.69 16 2.36 23 2.03 29
2.68 16 2.35 23 2.02 29
2.67 16 2.34 23 2.01 30
        2.00 30
GPA below 2.0 does not qualify for admission

Eligibility Index Table

ACT Table - Non-Resident or Non-Graduates of California

(A GPA of 3.61 and above qualifies for any score in ACT)

GPA ACT SCORE GPA ACT SCORE GPA ACT SCORE
3.60 13 3.21 20 2.82 28
3.59 13 3.20 21 2.81 28
3.58 13 3.19 21 2.80 29
3.57 13 3.18 21 2.79 29
3.56 13 3.17 21 2.78 29
3.55 14 3.16 21 2.77 29
3.54 14 3.15 22 2.76 29
3.53 14 3.14 22 2.75 30
3.52 14 3.13 22 2.74 30
3.51 14 3.12 22 2.73 30
3.50 15 3.11 22 2.72 30
3.49 15 3.10 23 2.71 30
3.48 15 3.09 23 2.70 31
3.47 15 3.08 23 2.69 31
3.46 15 3.07 23 2.68 31
3.45 16 3.06 23 2.67 31
3.44 16 3.05 24 2.66 31
3.43 16 3.04 24 2.65 32
3.42 16 3.03 24 2.64 32
3.41 16 3.02 24 2.63 32
3.40 17 3.01 24 2.62 32
3.39 17 3.00 25 2.61 32
3.38 17 2.99 25 2.60 33
3.37 17 2.98 25 2.59 33
3.36 17 2.97 25 2.58 33
3.35 18 2.96 25 2.57 33
3.34 18 2.95 26 2.56 33
3.33 18 2.94 26 2.55 34
3.32 18 2.93 26 2.54 34
3.31 18 2.92 26 2.53 34
3.30 19 2.91 26 2.52 34
3.29 19 2.90 27 2.51 34
3.28 19 2.89 27 2.50 35
3.27 19 2.88 27 2.49 35
3.26 19 2.87 27 2.48 35
3.25 20 2.86 27 2.47 35
3.24 20 2.85 28 2.46 35
3.23 20 2.84 28 2.45 36
3.22 20 2.83 28    
GPA below 2.45 does not qualify for admission

 

Subject Requirements

The CSU requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of C- or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A “unit” is one year of study in high school.

  • 2 years of social science, including 1 year of U.S. history, or U.S. history and government.
  • 4 years of English.
  • 3 years of math (algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra; four years recommended).
  • 2 years of laboratory science (1 biological and 1 physical, both must include laboratory instruction).
  • 2 years in the same foreign language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence).
  • 1 year of visual and performing arts: art, dance, drama/theater, or music.
  • 1 year of electives: selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science, history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts, or other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU “a-g” list.

The California Promise 

The California Promise Program enables a specific number of CSU campuses to establish pledge programs for entering first-time students who are both interested and able to complete baccalaureate degrees in 4 years. All campuses have established programs for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer from any California Community College to complete their baccalaureate degrees in 2 years. The program is limited to students who are residents of California.

Students who commit to enter either the 4-year or 2-year pledge will be given a priority registration appointment for each state-supported enrollment period and will be provided with routine and thorough academic advisement. In order to remain in the program, students must meet with their advisors as prescribed, develop an enrollment plan, and complete 30 semester units or the quarter equivalent within each academic year, including summer. Participating campuses may stipulate other requirements as well. Interested students entering the CSU should contact campus offices or visit www2.calstate.edu/apply/freshman/getting_into_the_csu/pages/the-california-promise-program.aspx.

Foreign Language Subject Requirement

The Foreign Language Subject Requirement may be satisfied by applicants who demonstrate competence in a language, other than English, equivalent to or higher than expected of students who complete two years of foreign language study. Consult with your school counselor or any CSU campus’ Admissions Office for further information.

Subject Requirement Substitution for Students with Disabilities

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to complete college preparatory course requirements if at all possible. If an applicant is judged unable to fulfill a specific course requirement because of his or her disability, alternate college preparatory courses may be substituted for specific subject requirements. Substitutions may be authorized on an individual basis after review and recommendation by the applicant’s academic advisor or guidance counselor in consultation with the Director of Disability Support Services. Although the distribution may be slightly different from the course pattern required of other students, students qualifying for substitutions will still be held for 15 units of college preparatory study. Students should be aware that course substitutions may limit later enrollment in certain majors, particularly those involving mathematics. Further information can be obtained from the Director of Disability Support Services.

Undergraduate Transfer Applicants

Transfer Requirements

Applicants who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester college units (fewer than 90 quarter units) are considered lower-division transfer students. Applicants who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) are considered upper-division transfer students. Applicants who complete college units during high school or through the summer immediately following high school graduation are considered first-time freshmen and must meet the CSU minimum eligibility requirements for admission. Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses and accepted as such by the campus to which the applicant seeks admission.

Lower-Division Transfer Requirements

Due to increased enrollment demands, most CSU campuses do not admit lower-division transfer applicants.

Generally, applicants will qualify for CSU admission consideration as a lower-division transfer if they have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all transferable units attempted, are in good standing at the last college or university attended, and meet any of the following standards:

  1. Will meet the freshman admission requirements (GPA and subject requirements) in effect for the term to which they are applying (see “Freshman Requirements”); or
  2. Were eligible as a freshman at the time of high school graduation except for missing college preparatory subject requirements, have been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation, and have made up the missing subject requirements with a 2.0 or better GPA.

Applicants who graduated from high school prior to 1988 should contact the admission office to inquire about alternative admission programs.

Lower-division applicants who did not complete subject requirements while in high school may make up missing subjects in any of the following ways:

  1. Complete appropriate courses with a C or better in adult school or high school summer sessions.
  2. Complete appropriate college courses with a C or better. One college course of at least three semester or four quarter units will be considered equivalent to one year of high school study.
  3. Earn acceptable scores on specified examinations, e.g., SAT subject tests.

Please consult with the CSU campus admission office, to which you are applying for further information about alternative ways to satisfy the subject requirements.

Upper-Division Transfer Requirements

Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for upper-division transfer admission if they meet all of the following requirements:

  1. Cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in all transferable units attempted;
  2. In good standing at the last college or university attended; and
  3. Completed at least sixty (60) transferable semester (90 quarter) units of college level coursework with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and a grade of C- or better in each course used to meet the CSU general education requirements in written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning, e.g. mathematics.

The 60 units must include at least 30 units of courses that meet CSU general education requirement including all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (both oral and written) and critical thinking and the requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning* (usually 3 semester units) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements in English communication and mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.

*CSUSM currently recognizes a statistics course taken outside of the CSU system and the California Community Colleges as satisfying the requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning if the course is certified by a California community college or has an explicit intermediate algebra prerequisite.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T OR AS-T)

The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AST) degrees offered at the California Community Colleges (CCC) are designed to provide California Community College students the optimum transfer preparation and a clear admission pathway to those CSU degree majors.

CCC students who earn an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) are guaranteed admission with junior standing to a CSU and given priority admission over other transfer applicants when applying to a local CSU campus or non-impacted CSU program. AA-T or AS-T admission applicants are given limited priority consideration based on their eligibility ranking to an impacted campus/program or to campuses/programs that have been deemed similar to the degree completed at the community college. Students who have completed an AA-T/AS-T in a program deemed similar to a CSU major are able to complete remaining requirements for graduation within 60 semester (90 quarter) units. It is the responsibility of the student who has earned an AA-T/AS-T to provide documentation of the degree to the CSU campus.

Provisional Admission Transfer Applicants

California State University San Marcos may provisionally or conditionally admit transfer applicants based on their academic preparation and courses planned for completion. The campus will monitor the final terms to ensure that those admitted complete all required courses satisfactorily. All accepted applicants are required to submit an official transcript of all college-level work completed. Campuses may rescind admission for any student who is found not to be eligible after the final transcript has been evaluated. In no case may such documents be received and validated by the University any later than a student’s registration for their second term of CSU enrollment.

Adult Students

As an alternative to regular admission criteria, an applicant who is 25 years of age or older may be considered for admission as an adult student if he or she meets all of the following conditions:

  1. Possesses a high school diploma (or has established equivalence through either the General Educational Development or California High School Proficiency Examinations).
  2. Has not been enrolled in college as a full-time student for more than one term during the past five years.
  3. If there has been any college attendance in the last five years, has earned a 2.00 GPA or better in all college work attempted.

Consideration will be based upon a judgment as to whether the applicant is as likely to succeed as a regularly admitted freshman or transfer student and will include an assessment of basic skills in the English language and mathematical computation.

Other Applicants

An applicant not admitted under the provisions cited in this catalog should consider enrollment at another appropriate institution. Only under the most unusual circumstances will such applicants be permitted to enroll in the University. Permission is granted only by special action of the University.

International Student Admission Requirements

The California State University must assess the academic preparation of international students. For this purpose, international students include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students or exchange visitors or in other nonimmigrant classification.

The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of international students. Verification of English proficiency (see the section on the English Language Requirement for under graduate applicants), financial resources, and academic performance are each important considerations for admission. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file at least four weeks before registration for the first term and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations. Complete information can be found at www.csusm.edu/global/.

Insurance Requirement

Effective August 1, 1995, all F 1 and J 1 visa applicants must agree to obtain and maintain health insurance as a condition of registration and for continued enrollment in the CSU. Such insurance must be in amounts as specified by the California State University System. Information about required coverage and which insurance policies meet these criteria may be obtained from the Office of Global Education.

Returning Students

Undergraduate students in good standing may re-enroll in the University after an absence of one term (see Out One Term  ).

The application for admission and fee of $55 are required if the student was not enrolled in any of the two terms (not including summer) prior to the term for which the student is seeking admission, or if the student was enrolled in another institution during the absence from CSU San Marcos (see Leave of Absence  ). Returning students who must reapply must be fully eligible as an upper-division transfer student before they will be admitted to CSU San Marcos. Students must reapply through www.calstate.edu/apply during the following period for the semester they plan to attend.

Fall semester: October 1 - November 30
Spring semester: August 1 - August 31

Students should send official transcripts to the Office of Admissions & Student Outreach from all schools attended since their last semester at CSU San Marcos.

Readmission of Previously Disqualified Students

Students who have been academically disqualified must submit a Petition for Reinstatement and may be required to reapply for admission. The petition for reinstatement, as well as important deadlines and instructions, can be found online.

Intrasystem and Intersystem Enrollment Programs

Fully matriculated students enrolled at any CSU campus have access to courses at other CSU campuses on a space available basis unless those campuses/programs are impacted. This access is offered without students being required to be formally admitted to the host campus and in most cases without paying additional fees. Students should consult their home campus academic advisors to determine how such courses may apply to their specific degree programs before enrolling at the host campus.

There are two programs for enrollment within the CSU and one for enrollment between CSU and the University of California or California Community Colleges. Additional information about these programs is available from the Office of Enrollment Services.

CSU Fully Online Courses – Matriculated students in good standing may request enrollment in one course per term, offered by a CSU host campus. Enrollment requests will be granted based on available space, as well as completion of any stated prerequisites. Credit earned at the host campus is electronically reported to the student’s home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

CSU Visitor Enrollment – Matriculated students in good standing enrolled at one CSU campus may enroll at another CSU campus for one term. Credit earned at the host campus is reported at the student’s request to the home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

Intersystem Cross Enrollment – Matriculated CSU, UC, or community college students may enroll on a “space available” basis for one course per term at another CSU, UC, or community college and request that a transcript of record be sent to the home campus.

There are two programs for enrollment within the CSU and one for enrollment between CSU and the University of California or California Community Colleges. Additional information about these programs is available from the Office of Registration and Records.

CSU Concurrent Enrollment

CSU Visitor Enrollment — matriculated students in good standing enrolled at one CSU campus may enroll on a space-available basis at another CSU campus for one term. Credit earned at the host campus is reported at the student’s request to the home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

Intersystem Cross Enrollment — matriculated CSU, UC, or community college students may enroll on a space-available basis for one course per term at another CSU, UC, or community college and request that a transcript of record be sent to the home campus.

Admission to Teaching Credential Programs

Admission to the University as a student does not constitute admission to a teaching credential program, and vice-versa. Students must be admitted to both in order to enroll in classes. Students who intend to work toward the Multiple or Single Subject Credential must also apply for admission to the credential program. For details regarding the admission requirements, please refer to the School of Education section.

Post-baccalaureate students must file official transcripts with both the Office of Admissions and Student Outreach and the School of Education if they plan to enter a credential program. Students must include transcripts from each college attended (including extension, correspondence, summer session, or evening courses).

Second Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements

Students who have a previous bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education may apply to receive a second bachelor’s degree (on a space-available basis). Applicants must have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.5, or a grade point average of 2.5 in the last 60 units attempted. Due to campus enrollment demands, enrollment of students seeking a second bachelor’s degree may be limited to majors designated as “areas of critical need” by the CSU Chancellor’s Office. Please note that students may not receive a second bachelor’s degree by taking a second concentration within a previous degree program.

Undergraduate Application Procedures

Prospective students applying for part-time or full-time undergraduate programs of study must submit a completed undergraduate application. The $55 nonrefundable application fee should be paid online at the time of application via credit card, e-check, or PayPal and may not be transferred or used to apply to another term. An alternate major may be requested on the application if desired from the campus. The applications of persons denied admission to an impacted campus may be redirected to another campus at no cost, but only if the applicant is CSU eligible.

Application Filing Periods

(Most campuses do not admit students to summer term.)

Each non-impacted campus accepts applications until capacities are reached. Many campuses limit undergraduate admission in an enrollment category due to overall enrollment limits. If applying after the initial filing period, consult the campus admission office for current information.

Undergraduates are encouraged to apply during the initial filing period to facilitate the campus’ early review and response. If applying after the initial filing period, the student should consult with the Office of Admissions for current information.

Semester/Session

Terms Applications First Accepted
   
Fall October 1
Winter June 1
Spring August 1
Summer February 1

Application Acknowledgement

On-time applicants may expect to receive an acknowledgment from the campuses to which they have applied within two to four weeks of filing the application. The notice may also include a request that applicants submit additional records necessary to evaluate academic qualifications. Applicants may be assured of admission if the evaluation of relevant qualifications indicates that applicants meet CSU admission requirements, and in the case of admission impaction, supplemental criteria for admission to an impacted program. Unless specific written approval/confirmation is received, an offer of admission is not transferable to another term or to another campus.

Notification of Admission

Applicants who have received an application acknowledgment and have submitted all required admission materials will begin to receive admission decisions electronically. If the processing schedule permits, some applicants may be notified in advance of these dates.

Cancellation of Admission

Admission will be cancelled automatically if a student who received a notice of admission for a given semester does not register for that semester. If the student wishes to undertake studies at the University at a later date, the student must file a new application, pay a new application fee, and meet the current admission requirements.

Materials supporting the application for admission, such as transcripts and entrance examination scores, are retained for one year only. Additional documentation will be required of studies done in the interim to complete the student’s application file.

Filing Official Transcripts

Applicants must file the following official transcripts with the Office of Admissions:

  1. Freshmen – May be required to submit seventh semester high school transcripts prior to graduation but must send final official transcripts with graduation date listed by July 15 for Fall admission.
  2. Transfers – Request official transcripts be sent directly from all colleges or universities previously attended (even if no coursework was completed at the time of application). Transcripts must be received in sealed envelopes from each institution attended. Official score reports from Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or CLEP, or CLEP exams must also be submitted. Applicants should keep personal copies of all transcripts and test scores to complete the admission application and for academic advising sessions. Applicants may be asked to submit high school transcripts if admissibility cannot be determined on the basis of college or university transcripts. Final official transcrips must be received by July 15 for Fall admission.
  3. Photocopy of the military separation form DD-214, evaluation of military training form DD-295, or SMART transcript if applicant wants transfer credit for active military service.

A transcript will be considered official and accepted to meet the regulations governing admission only if forwarded directly to California State San Marcos by the institution attended, or if delivered to the Office of Admissions and Student Outreach in an original sealed, official envelope. Transcripts or documents labeled “Unofficial” are not accepted. All records or transcripts received by the University become the property of the university and will not be released to a third party.

Student Identification Numbers

Students enrolled at CSUSM will be issued a unique student identification number. This number will be used on all forms, identification cards, petitions, class rosters, and University records. It will be utilized for all student services and campus transactions.

Use of Social Security Number

Applicants are required to include their correct Social Security numbers in designated places on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Section 41201, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6109). The University uses the Social Security number to identify students and their records including identification for purposes of financial aid eligibility and disbursement and the repayment of financial aid and other debts payable to the institution. Also, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires the University to file information returns that include the student’s Social Security number and other information, such as the amount paid for qualified tuition, related expenses, and interest on educational loans. This information is used by the IRS to help determine whether a student, or a person claiming a student as a dependent, may take a credit or deduction to reduce federal income taxes.

Test Requirements

Freshman and transfer applicants who have fewer than 60 semester or 90 quarter units of transferable college credit are strongly encouraged to submit scores, unless exempt (see “Eligibility Index”), from either the ACT or the SAT of the College Board. Persons who apply to an impacted program may be required to submit test scores and should take the test no later than November or December. Test scores also are used for advising and placement purposes. Registration forms and dates for the SAT or ACT are available from school or college counselors or from a CSU campus testing office. Or, students may contact:

The College Board (SAT)
Registration Unit, Box 6200
Princeton, New Jersey 08541 6200
(609) 771 7588
www.collegeboard.org

ACT Registration Unit
P.O. Box 414
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 337 1270
www.act.org

Undergraduate English Language Requirement   

All undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English, and who have not attended schools at the secondary level or above for at least three years full-time where English is the principal language of instruction, must present a score of 61 or above on the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score no lower than 19 on the Writing section, and no section score below 14.

Alternatively, applicants may present a score of 500 or above on the paper-based TOEFL, or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5 or above.

Individual degree programs may require a higher score.

Assessment of Academic Preparation and Placement

The CSU requires that all entering freshmen students be evaluated in terms of their preparation to complete first-year courses in written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning. This evaluation will utilize the broadest set of multiple measures including high school grades as well as performance scores on standardized exams such as the ACT or SAT. This evaluation of academic readiness is not a condition for admission to the CSU, but it is an important step for determining the best course placement for entering students.

Successful completion of general education (GE) written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning courses in the first year of CSU enrollment establishes a foundation for continuous learning. Unless the requirements have been completed, freshmen shall enroll in GE written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning courses appropriate to each student’s major and skill level, as demonstrated by applicable systemwide standards utilized in the review of academic preparation. 

Students whose skill assessments indicate academic support will be needed for successful completion of GE in written communication or mathematics/quantitative courses shall enroll in appropriate college-level, baccalaureate credit-bearing courses that strengthen skills development to facilitate achieving the appropriate general education student learning outcomes. Supportive course models may include, among others, co-requisite approaches, supplemental instruction or “stretch” formats that extend a course beyond one academic term. In these approaches, instructional content considered pre-baccalaureate may carry a maximum of one unit and shall be offered concurrently with a college-level, baccalaureate credit-bearing course.

Multiple Measures Assessment for General Education Written Communication

Based on the systemwide assessment standards for GE written communication below, freshmen shall enroll in appropriate GE written communication courses during their first academic year unless the requirement has been fulfilled.

  • Students who have met the following requirements have fulfilled the GE Written Communication requirement in preparation for advanced courses:
    • A score of 3 or above on either the Language and Composition examination or the Composition and Literature examination of the College Board Scholastic Advanced Placement Program
    • Completion and transfer to the CSU of the credits for a college course that satisfies the CSU GE requirement in written composition, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C- or better
  • Students who have met the following requirements are ready to enroll in a course that meets the GE Written Communication requirement
    • A result of ‘Standard Exceeded: Ready for CSU or participating CCC college-level coursework in English’ earned on the CAASPP Early Assessment Program (EAP) exam
    • A score of 550 or higher on the Evidence Based Reading and Writing section of the new SAT Reasoning Test sponsored by the College Board
    • A score of 500 or higher on the Evidence Based Reading and Writing section of the old SAT Reasoning Test sponsored by the College Board
    • A score of 22 or above on the ACT English test
    • Completion of an approved 12th grade, year-long, English course with a grade of C- or better AND a score of 510 – 540 on the Evidence Based Reading and Writing section of the new SAT Reasoning Test or a score of 460-490 on the Evidence Based Reading and Writing section of the old SAT Reasoning Test
    • Completion of an approved 12th grade, year-long, English course with a grade of C- or better AND a score of 19-21 on the Act English test
    • A result of ‘Standard Met: Conditionally Ready for CSU or participating CCC college-level coursework in English’ on the CAASPP Early Assessment Program (EAP) exam AND completion of an approved 12th grade, year-long, English course with a grade of C- or better
    • Achievement of a weighted high school GPA ≥ 3.3 OR a high school GPA ≥ 3.0 and completion of an approved 12th grade, year-long, English course (AP, IB, ERWC) or Honors English or more than 5 years of high school English
  • Students who have met the following requirements are ready to enroll in a course that meets the GE Written Communication requirement and includes supported instruction:
    • Completion of 4+ years of standard college preparatory high school English courses AND a score of 510-540 on the Evidence Based Reading and Writing section of the new SAT Reasoning Test or a score of 460-490 on the Evidence Based Reading and Writing section of the old SAT Reasoning Test or a score of 19-21 on the ACT English test
    • Achievement of a weighted high school GPA ≥ 3.0 and 4 years of standard college preparatory high school English courses
  • Students who have met the following requirements are required to participate in the Early Start Program and are ready to enroll in a course that meets the GE Written Communication requirement and includes supported instruction:
    • A score less than 510 on the Evidence Based Reading Writing section of the new SAT Reasoning Test or a score less than 460 on the old SAT Reasoning Test AND achievement of a high school grade point average of ≤ 3.0
    • A score less than 19 on the ACT English test and the achievement of a high school GPA of ≤ 3.0

 

Multiple Measures Assessment for General Education Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning

Based on the systemwide assessment standards for GE mathematics/quantitative reasoning below, freshmen shall enroll in appropriate general education mathematics/quantitative reasoning courses during their first academic year unless the requirement has been fulfilled.

  • Students who have met the following requirements have fulfilled the GE Math/Quantitative Reasoning requirement and are permitted to enroll in the next level of math:
    • A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Calculus AB or Calculus BC tests
    • A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Statistics test
    • A score of 4 or above on the International Baccalaureate Mathematics Higher Level (HL)
    • A score of 50 or above on the College Board College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, or Trigonometry
    • Completion and transfer to the CSU of the credits for a college course that satisfies the CSU General Education requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C- or better
  • Students who are in algebra-intensive majors (STEM majors, Business Administration, Kinesiology – Movement Science Option, and Economics) and have met the following requirements are ready to enroll in a course that meets the GE Math/Quantitative Reasoning requirement: 
    • A result of ‘Standard Exceeded: Ready for CSU or participating CCC college-level coursework in mathematics’ on the CAASPP Early Assessment Program (EAP) exam
    • A score of 570 or above on the mathematics section of the new SAT Reasoning Test
    • A score of 550 or above on the mathematics section of the old SAT Reasoning Test
    • A score of 550 or above on the SAT Subject Test in Mathematics (level 1 or level 2)
    • A score of 23 or above on the ACT Mathematics test
    • Completion of a 12th grade mathematics course beyond algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better and a score of 520-560 on the new SAT mathematics test or a score of 490-540 on the old SAT mathematics test
    • Completion of a 12th grade mathematics course beyond algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better and a score of 20-22 on the ACT Mathematics test
    • A result of ‘Standard Met:  Conditionally Ready for CSU or participating CCC college-level coursework in mathematics’ on the CAASPP Early Assessment Program (EAP) exam AND completion of a 12th grade mathematics course with a grade of C- or better
    • Achievement of a weighted high school GPA ≥ 3.7
    • Achievement of a weighted high school mathematics GPA ≥ 3.5 and 5+ years of mathematics or quantitative reasoning courses
    • Achievement of a weighted high school mathematics GPA ≥ 3.5 and completion of an approved senior year course
  • Students who are in Non-STEM/non-algebra-intensive majors who have met the following requirements are ready to enroll in a course that meets the GE Math/Quantitative Reasoning requirement:
    •  A result of ‘Standard Exceeded:  Ready for CSU or participating CCC college-level coursework in mathematics’ on the CAASPP Early Assessment Program (EAP) exam
    • A score of 570 or above on the mathematics section of the new SAT Reasoning Test
    • A score of 550 or above on the mathematics section of the old SAT Reasoning Test
    • A score of 550 or above on the SAT Subject Test in Mathematics (level 1 or level 2)
    • A score of 23 or above on the ACT Mathematics test
    • Completion of a 12th grade mathematics course beyond algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better and a score of 520-560 on the new SAT mathematics test or a score of 490-540 on the old SAT mathematics test
    • Completion of a 12th grade mathematics course beyond algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better and a score of 20-22 on the ACT Mathematics test
    • A result of ‘Standard Met:  Conditionally Ready for CSU or participating CCC college-level coursework in mathematics’ on the CAASPP Early Assessment Program (EAP) exam AND completion of a 12th grade mathematics course with a grade of C- or better
    • A result of ‘Standard Met:  Conditionally Ready for CSU or participating CCC college-level coursework in mathematics on the CAASPP Early Assessment Program (EAP exam) and 4 years of mathematics or quantitative reasoning courses  
    • Achievement of a weighted high school GPA ≥ 3.7
    • Achievement of a weighted high school GPA ≥ 3.5 and 4+ years of mathematics or quantitative reasoning courses
    • Achievement of a weighted high school mathematics GPA ≥ 3.0 and completion of 5+ years of mathematics or quantitative reasoning courses
    • Achievement of a weighted high school mathematics GPA ≥3.0 and completion of an approved senior year course
  • Students who are algebra-intensive majors (STEM majors, Business Administration, Kinesiology – Movement Science Option, and Economics) and have met the following requirements are ready to enroll in a course that meets the GE Math/Quantitative Reasoning requirement and includes supported instruction:
    • Achievement of a high school mathematics GPA ≥ 3.3
  • Students who are in Non-STEM/non-algebra-intensive majors who have met the following requirements are ready to enroll in a course that meets the GE Math/Quantitative Reasoning requirement and includes supported instruction:

    • Achievement of a high school mathematics GPA ≥ 3.3
    • Achievement of a high school GPA ≥ 3.0
  • Students who have met the following requirements are required to participate in the Early Start Program and are ready to enroll in a course that meets the GE Math/Quantitative Reasoning requirement and includes supported instruction:
    • A score less than 510 on the mathematics section of the new SAT Reasoning test or a score less than 490 on the mathematics section of the old SAT Reasoning test AND a high school GPA ≤ 3.2
    • A score less than 20 on the ACT Mathematics test AND a high school GPA ≤ 3.2

Early Start Program

The Early Start Program is designed for admitted CSU freshmen who need to improve their skills in English and Mathematics before the beginning of the Fall term. Participation in the Early Start Program is required for students needing skills development in these areas; students will be expected to enroll in a written communication course or a mathematics/quantitative reasoning course (but not both) during the summer period prior to the start of the Fall term. Students required to participate in the Early Start Program may choose to enroll at any CSU campus; the earned baccalaureate credit will be transferred seamlessly to the student’s destination campus. 

The goals of the Early Start Program are to:

  • Better prepare students in written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning before the start of the Fall semester of the freshman year;
  • Add an important and timely assessment tool in preparing students for college; and
  • Improve the opportunity for students to successfully complete their college degrees in a timely matter.

CSU Immunization Requirements

Entering CSU students are required to present proof of the following immunizations to the CSU campus they will be attending before the beginning of their first term of enrollment.

Measles and Rubella: All new and readmitted students must provide proof of full immunization against measles and rubella prior to enrollment. Full immunization is two (2) doses of measles/rubella vaccine that has been given after 12 months of age and at least one month apart. If you need further details or have special circumstances, please consult CSUSM Student Health and Counseling Services (760/750-4915; for the deaf: 760/750-4924; or shcs@csusm.edu).

Hepatitis B: All new students who will be 18 years of age or younger at the start of their first term at a CSU campus must provide proof of full immunization against Hepatitis B before enrolling. Full immunization against Hepatitis B consists of three timed doses of vaccine over a minimum 4 to 6 months period. If you need further details or have special circumstances, please consult CSUSM Student Health and Counseling Services (760/750-4915; for the deaf: 760/750-4924; or shcs@csusm.edu).

Meningococcal Disease Information: Each incoming freshman who will be residing in on-campus housing will be required to return a form indicating that they have received information about meningococcal disease and the availability of the vaccine to prevent contracting the disease and indicating whether or not the student has chosen to receive the vaccination. Students must sign the response form prior to returning it with all housing documents to the campus housing office. If you need further details or have special circumstances, please consult University Village Apartments – 760/750-3711; uva@csusm.edu or The Quad – 760/750-3730; quad@csusm.edu.

The immunization requirements are not admission requirements, but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU. Students can submit their documentation of compliance with the Measles and Rubella and/or Hepatitis B requirement to Student Health and Counseling Services during normal business hours, by faxing the documentation to 760/750-3181, or via email to shcs@csusm.edu. For documentation submitted via fax or email, the documents must include student name, date of birth, student ID number, and student contact phone number. Documentation that is not received prior to priority registration will result in a registration hold. First time freshman who will reside in university housing, must submit their meningococcal disease information form with their housing contract documents to campus housing.

Immunization Holds

Enrollment Management Services has the task of placing registration holds on students’ records if documentation of full immunity has not been presented to Student Health and Counseling Services. Holds are placed if proof has not been submitted approximately four weeks prior to the start of priority registration. If a hold is placed on registration, this hold will be lifted if immunization documents are submitted, proof of immunity is submitted, or if the student receives the injection. Holds will be temporarily lifted for one semester for those students who have signed the waiver for exemptions. Students who sign the waiver for exemption, must sign the waiver each semester that they are enrolled. Questions can be directed to Student Health and Counseling Services at (760) 750-4915.

Veterans and Veterans’ Dependents

Many veterans, dependents of deceased or disabled veterans, and reservists are eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs’ education benefits. Additionally, many dependents of deceased or disabled veterans are eligible for a complete waiver of application and most mandatory registration fees through the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

The programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs are:

Post 9/11 GI Bill. Veterans who served after 9/11 may be eligible to receive all or a portion of this benefit. The benefit will include tuition and fees paid directly to the school, a monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school, and an annual books and supplies stipend of $1000 paid proportionately based on enrollment. For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit the GI Bill web site at www.gibill.va.gov/.

VEAP. For veterans who entered active duty between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985, and who contributed to the program while on active duty.

Montgomery G.I. Bill (Active Duty). For veterans who entered active duty beginning July 1, 1985, and who participated in the twelfth-month pay reduction while on active duty.

Montgomery G.I. Bill (Selected Reserve Program). For undergraduates and graduates enlisted in the reserves who have made a six-year commitment to the selected reserves.

Dependents. For spouses or children of veterans who died on active duty, whose death was caused by a service-connected disability, or who are rated 100% permanently disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

California Department of Veterans Affairs

College Fee Waiver Program for Veterans’ Dependents (CALVET). Dependents of deceased or disabled veterans may have all state-mandated tuition and fees waived at Cal State San Marcos. Not included are any campus-based, non-resident, or Extended Education course fees. Those wishing to apply for the College Fee Waiver Program may contact the County of San Diego Veterans Service Office, Tom Splitgerber, County Veterans Service Officer, 5560 Overland Ave., Suite 310, San Diego, CA 92123, or the veterans’ representative in the Veterans Center.

Vocational Rehabilitation. For veterans with a service-connected disability, or who are rated 100% permanently disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Students should be aware that the Veterans Administration will pay educational benefits only for those courses which are part of an approved degree or certificate program, and which have not been previously and successfully completed. Students are required to attend classes regularly and maintain satisfactory grades. For clarification of Veterans Administration policies on withdrawals, incompletes, course repeats, etc., please contact the veterans’ representative located in the Veterans Center.

Students wishing to apply for the programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs can obtain an application. Veterans who enroll at CSU San Marcos are encouraged to call or visit the veterans representative in the Veterans Center for instructions prior to signing up for benefits. Dependents of deceased or disabled veterans who wish to apply for the fee waiver program may contact the County of San Diego Veterans Service Office, 5560 Overland Ave., Suite 310, San Diego, CA 92123, or the veterans’ representative in the Veterans Center.

Determination of Residency for Tuition Purposes

University requirements for establishing residency for tuition purposes are independent from those of other types of residency, such as for tax purposes, or other state or institutional residency. These regulations were promulgated not to determine whether a student is a resident or nonresident of California, but rather to determine whether a student should pay University fees on an in-state or out-of-state basis. A resident for tuition purposes is someone who meets the requirements set forth in the Uniform Student Residency Requirements. These laws governing residency for tuition purposes at the California State University are California Education Code sections 68000-68085, 68120-68133, and 89705-89707.5, and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41900- 41916. This material can be viewed by accessing The California State University’s website at www.calstate.edu/GC/resources.shtml.

Each campus’ Admissions Office is responsible for determining the residency status of all new and returning students based on the Application for Admission, Residency Questionnaire, Reclassification Request Form, and, as necessary, other evidence furnished by the student. A student who fails to submit adequate information to establish eligibility for resident classification will be classified as a nonresident.

Generally, establishing California residency for tuition purposes requires a combination of physical presence and intent to remain indefinitely in the State of California. An adult who, at least 366 days prior to the residency determination date for the term in which enrollment is contemplated, can demonstrate both physical presence in the state combined with evidence of intent to remain in California indefinitely may establish California residency for tuition purposes. A minor normally derives residency from the parent(s) with whom he/she resides or most recently resided.

Evidence demonstrating intent may vary from case to case but will include, and is not limited to, the absence of residential ties to any other state, California voter registration and voting in California elections, maintaining California vehicle registration and driver’s license, maintaining active California bank accounts, filing California income tax returns and listing a California address on federal tax returns, owning residential property or occupying or renting a residence where permanent belongings are kept, maintaining active memberships in California professional or social organizations, and maintaining a permanent military address and home of record in California.

A nonresident student seeking reclassification is required to complete a supplemental questionnaire that includes questions concerning his/her financial independence. Financial independence is required, in addition to physical presence and intent to remain indefinitely, to be eligible for reclassification. Financial independence is established if in the calendar year the reclassification application is made - and in any of the three calendar years preceding the reclassification application - the student:

  • Has not and will not be claimed as an exemption for state and federal tax purposes by his/her parent(s);
  • Has not and will not receive more than $750 per year in financial assistance from his/her parent(s); and
  • Has not lived and will not live longer than six (6) weeks in the home of his/her parent(s).

A nonresident student who has been appointed as a graduate student teaching assistant, a graduate student research assistant, or a graduate student teaching associate on any CSU campus and is employed on a 0.49 or more time basis is exempt from the financial independence requirement.

Non-citizens establish residency in the same manner as citizens, unless precluded by the Immigration and Nationality Act from establishing domicile in the United States.

Exceptions to the general residency requirements are contained in California Education Code sections 68070-68085 and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41906- 41906.6, 41910. Whether an exception applies to a particular student can be determined only after the submission of an application for admission and, as necessary, additional supporting documentation. Because neither campus nor Chancellor’s Office staff may give advice on the application of these laws, applicants are strongly urged to review the material for themselves and consult with a legal advisor.

Residency determination dates are set each term. They are:

Fall September 20
Spring January 25
Summer June 1

Cal State TEACH operates on a trimester system. The residency determination dates for the Cal State TEACH are as follows:

Fall September 20
Spring January 5
Summer June 1

Students classified as nonresidents may appeal a final campus decision within 30 days of notification by the campus. Information on the appeal process may be found at http://www.calstate.edu/sas/residency/appeals.shtml. A campus residency classification appeal must be submitted via the InfoReady online Residence Appeal Form to the California State University Chancellor’s Office at: https://calstate.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1760156:


Appeals via email, fax and U.S. mail will not be accepted. A student with a documented disability that prohibits the student from submitting an appeal through the InfoReady site should contact Student Academic Services:

California State University
Attn: Student Academic Services
401 Golden Shore, 6th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802-4210
Email: residencyappeals@calstate.edu

 

The Chancellor’s Office can either decide the appeal or send the matter back to the campus for further review. Students incorrectly classified as residents or incorrectly granted an exception from nonresident tuition are subject to reclassification as nonresidents and payment of nonresident tuition in arrears. If incorrect classification results from false or concealed facts, the student is also subject to discipline pursuant to Section 41301 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.

Resident students who become nonresidents or who no longer meet the criteria for an exception must immediately notify the Admissions Office. Changes may have been made in the rate of nonresident tuition and in the statutes and regulations governing residency for tuition purposes in California between the time this information is published and the relevant residency determination date. Students are urged to review the statutes and regulations stated above.

 

Impacted Programs

Office of Admissions and Student Outreach
(760) 750 4848
www.csusm.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/impaction/index.html

The CSU designates programs as impacted when more applications from regularly eligible applicants are received in the initial filing period (October and November for Fall terms, June for Winter terms, August for Spring terms, February for Summer terms) than can be accommodated. Some programs are impacted at every campus where they are offered; others are impacted only at a few campuses. Candidates for admission must meet all of the campus’ specified supplementary admission criteria if applying to an impacted program or campus.

The CSU will announce during the Fall filing period those campuses or programs that are impacted. Detailed information on campus and program impaction will be available at www2.calstate.edu/attend/impaction-at-the-csu.

Campuses will communicate their supplementary admission criteria for all impacted programs to high schools and community colleges in their application service area and will disseminate this information to the public through appropriate media. This information will also be published on the CSU campus web site and made available at www.calstate.edu.

Applicants must file applications for admission to an impacted program during the initial filing period. Applicants who wish to be considered for impacted programs at more than one campus should file an application at each campus for which they seek admissions consideration.

Supplementary Admission Criteria

Each campus with impacted programs or  class-level admission categories uses supplementary admission criteria in screening applicants. Supplementary criteria may include rank-ordering of freshman applicants based on the CSU eligibility index or rank-ordering of transfer applicants based on verification of the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science Transfer (AS-T) degrees, the overall transfer grade point average (GPA), completion of specified prerequisite courses, and a combination of campus-developed criteria. Applicants for freshman admission to impacted campuses or programs are required to submit scores on either the SAT or the ACT regardless of GPA. For Fall admission, applicants should take tests as early as possible, but no later than November or December of the preceding year.

The supplementary admission criteria used by individual campuses to screen applicants are made available by the campuses to all applicants seeking admission to an impacted program.

Evaluation of Academic Records

Transfer Credits

Credit for work completed at regionally accredited institutions, other than coursework identified by such institutions as remedial or in other ways as being nontransferable, will be accepted toward the satisfaction of baccalaureate degree and credential requirements at CSU San Marcos within limitations of residence requirements, community college transfer maximums, and in accordance with directives from Executive Orders and Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, the CSUSM Academic Senate, and the appropriate academic discipline.

Undergraduate Tests and Examinations

CSU San Marcos grants up to a maximum of thirty (30) semester units of credit to those students who pass examinations that have been approved for credit systemwide. These include International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and some CLEP examinations. The total credit earned in external examinations (excluding Advanced Placement) that may be applied to a baccalaureate shall not exceed 30 units. No credit for any examination will be awarded to a student who has either 1) taken the examination previously within the past year; 2) earned equivalent credit through regular coursework credit by another examination, or other instructional processes, such as correspondence study or military training; or 3) earned credit previously in a course or by examination more advanced than the level represented by the examination in question.

Credit for Advanced Placement

CSU San Marcos grants credit towards its undergraduate degrees for successful completion of examinations of the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. Students who present scores of three or better will be granted up to six semester units (nine quarter units) of college credit. The table below indicates which General Education and other university requirements are satisfied by students who present scores of 3, 4, or 5 on Advanced Placement examinations.

Students receiving a score of 3, 4, or 5 on either the English Language and Composition or the English Literature and Composition AP examinations have fulfilled their A2 written communication requirements for graduation.

Students receiving a 3, 4, or 5 on either Calculus AB, Calculus BC, or Statistics AP examinations have fulfilled their B4 mathematics requirements for graduation.

 

AP Exam Passed with a Score of 3, 4, or 5 General Education (GE) Requirements Satisfied Semester Units Awarded CSUSM Course Equivalent (If Applicable) Other University Requirements Satisfied (If Applicable)
Art History C1 (Arts) 6    
Biology B2 (Life Science). Also satisfies B3 (laboratory) only if the AP course was taken with a lab. 6 GES 102    
Calculus AB B4 (Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning) 5* MATH 160    
Calculus BC B4 (Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning) 9 MATH 160  & MATH 162    
Calculus AB AND Calculus BC B4 (Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning) 9 MATH 160  & MATH 162    
Chemistry (Score of 3) B1 (Physical Science). Also satisfies B3 (laboratory) only if the AP course was taken with a lab. 6 GES 101    
Chemistry (Score of 4,5) B1 (Physical Science). Also satisfies B3 (laboratory) only if the AP course was taken with a lab. 6 CHEM 150    
Chinese Language & Culture C (Arts and/or Humanities) 6   Satisfies LOTER (Language Other Than English Requirement)
Computer Science A B4 (Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning) 3**    
Computer Science AB B4 (Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning) 6    
Economics: Macro D (Discipline-Specific or Second Interdisciplinary Social Science Course) 3 ECON 202    
Economics: Micro D (Discipline-Specific or Second Interdisciplinary Social Science Course) 3 ECON 201    
English Language & Composition A2 (Written Communication) 6 GEW 101   
English Literature & Composition A2 (Written Communication) and C2 (Humanities) 6 GEW 101  & LTWR 100    
English Language & Composition AND English Literature & Composition A2 (Written Communication) and C2 (Humanities) 9 GEW 101  & LTWR 100    
Environmental Science B1 (Physical Science) or B2 (Life Science), but not both. Also satisfies B3 (laboratory). 6    
European History D (Discipline-Specific or Second Interdisciplinary Social Science Course) 6    
French Language C (Arts and/or Humanities) 6 FREN 201   Satisfies LOTER (Language Other Than English Requirement)
French Literature C (Arts and/or Humanities) 6 FREN 202   Satisfies LOTER (Language Other Than English Requirement)
German Language C (Arts and/or Humanities) 6 GRMN 201   Satisfies LOTER (Language Other Than English Requirement)
Government & Politics: Comparative D (Discipline-Specific or Second Interdisciplinary Social Science Course) 6    
Government & Politics: United States Dh (U.S. History) and Dc (U.S. Constitution) 6    
Human Geography D (Discipline-Specific or Second Interdisciplinary Social Science Course) 3    
Italian Language & Culture C (Arts and/or Humanities) 6   Satisfies LOTER (Language Other Than English Requirement)
Japanese Language & Culture C (Arts and/or Humanities) 6 JAPN 201   Satisfies LOTER (Language Other Than English Requirement)
Latin Literature C (Arts and/or Humanities) 6   Satisfies LOTER (Language Other Than English Requirement)
Latin: Vergil C (Arts and/or Humanities) 6   Satisfies LOTER (Language Other Than English Requirement)
Music Theory C1 (Arts) 6    
Physics B B1 (Physical Science). Also satisfies B3 (laboratory) only if the AP course was taken with a lab. 8*** PHYS 101    
Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism B1 (Physical Science). Also satisfies B3 (laboratory) only if the AP course was taken with a lab. 6 PHYS 202    
Physics C: Mechanics B1 (Physical Science). Also satisfies B3 (laboratory) only if the AP course was taken with a lab. 6 PHYS 201    
Psychology D (Discipline-Specific or Second Interdisciplinary Social Science Course) 3 PSYC 100    
Spanish Language (score of 3) C (Arts and/or Humanities) 6 SPAN 201   Satisfies LOTER (Language Other Than English Requirement)
Spanish Language (score of 4 or 5) C (Arts and/or Humanities) 6 SPAN 202   Satisfies LOTER (Language Other Than English Requirement)
Spanish Literature C (Arts and/or Humanities) 6 SPAN 315   Satisfies LOTER (Language Other Than English Requirement)
Statistics B4 (Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning) 3 MATH 242    
Studio Art: 2-D Design C1 (Arts) 3    
Studio Art: 3-D Design C1 (Arts) 3    
Studio Art: Drawing C1 (Arts) 6    
United States History Dh (U.S. History) and Dc (U.S. Constitution) 6 HIST 130  & HIST 131    
World History D (Discipline-Specific or Second Interdisciplinary Social Science Course) 6    

*0 if the Calculus BC exam is also passed

**0 if the Computer Science AB exam is also passed

*** 4 if one Physics C exam is passed, and 0 if both Physics C exams are passed

Recording of Credit

Credit earned by examination will be identified as such on the student’s permanent record. The name of the examination and the score earned will be included as well.

Hardship Petitions

The campus has established procedures for consideration of qualified applicants who would be faced with extreme hardship if not admitted. Petitioners should write the Office of Admissions and Student Outreach regarding specific policies governing hardship admission.

Appeal of Admission Decision

Section 89030.7 of the California Education Code requires that the CSU establishes specific requirements for appeal procedures for a denial of admission. Each CSU campus must publish appeal procedures for applicants denied admission to the University. The procedure is limited to addressing campus decisions to deny an applicant admission to the University.

Admissions appeal procedures must address the basis for appeals, provide 15 business days for an applicant to submit an appeal, stipulate a maximum of one appeal per academic term, provide specific contact information for the individual or office to which the appeal should be submitted, and indicate a time estimate for when the campus expects to respond to an appeal. The appeal procedures must be included in all denial of admission notifications to students, and must also be published on the campus web site.

Credit for College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Graduation Credit

Students receive units of credit toward graduation. The total credit earned through CLEP examinations and all other external examinations (excluding Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate) that may be applied to a baccalaureate degree shall not exceed 30 units.

A student may not receive graduation credit for subsequently taking a course which is articulated with the CLEP credit that s/he has received, nor for a course which is a prerequisite to such a course.

Recording of Credit

A student who has taken CLEP examinations should request that scores be sent to the Office of Admissions.

Credit earned by examination will be identified as such on the student’s permanent record. The name of the examination and the score earned will be included as well.

EXAMINATION PASSING SCORE CREDIT GRANTED
BUSINESS
Accounting, Principles of 50 6
Business Law, Introductory 50 3
Information Systems and Computer Applications 50 3
Marketing, Principles of 50 3
Management, Principles of 50 3
COMPOSITION AND LITERATURE
American Literature 50 6
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature 50 6
Composition, Freshman College 50 6
English Composition with or without Essay (score of 3) 50 6
English Literature (score of 4 or 5) 50 6
Humanities 50 6
MODERN LANGUAGES
French 50
59
6
12
German 50
60
6
12
Spanish 50
63
6
12
SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HISTORY
American Government 50 3
Educational Psychology, Introduction to 50 3
History of the United States I 50 3
History of the United States II 50 3
Human Growth and Development 50 3
Macroeconomics, Principles of 50 3
Microeconomics, Principles of 50 3
Psychology, Introductory 50 3
Social Sciences and History 50 6
Sociology, Introductory 50 3
Western Civilization I 50 3
Western Civilization II 50 3
SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
Algebra, College 50 3
Algebra — Trigonometry, College 50 3
Biology 50 6
Calculus 50 3
Chemistry 48
50
3
6
Mathematics, College 50 6
Natural Sciences 50 6
Precalculus 50 3
Trigonometry 50 3

Credit for International Baccalaureate Certificates or Diplomas

CSU San Marcos awards six units of credit for each International Baccalaureate Higher Level subject examination passed with a score of 4 or better (except that three units of credit are awarded for the Psychology examination).

A student may not receive graduation credit for subsequently taking a course which is articulated with the IB credit that s/he has received, or for a course that is a prerequisite to such a course.

IB credit may not be awarded when course credit has been granted at a level more advanced than that represented by the examination.

To receive credit, applicants who plan to enroll at CSUSM should request that a copy of their IB transcript of grades be sent to the Office of Admissions for evaluation. IB examinations not covered by the IB course articulation table will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, via petition to the Director of Registration and Records.

Credit for Noncollegiate Instruction

Cal State San Marcos grants undergraduate degree credit, appropriate to the baccalaureate degree, for successful completion of noncollegiate instruction, either military or civilian, that has been recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education. The number of units allowed are those recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services and the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs. The Office of Admissions and Student Outreach provides students with specific details about individual military credit after evaluation of the documents submitted for admission purposes.

Community College Credit

A maximum of seventy (70) semester units earned in a community college may be applied toward the degree, with the following limitations: (a) no upper-division credit may be allowed for courses taken in a community college; (b) no credit may be allowed for professional courses in education taken in a community college, other than introduction to education courses.

Open University/Special Session Credit

The maximum amount of transferable credit earned through Open University or Special Session programs which may be applied toward the minimum requirements for the bachelor’s degree is twenty-four (24) semester units. This credit does apply toward the 30 units of residence credit required for all undergraduate degrees.

Catalog Rights for Degree Requirements

If a student does not graduate within ten (10) years from the beginning of his/her catalog rights, the major advisor may review all upper-division major courses for applicability.