A-G Requirements

In order to be eligible to attend any school in the University of California (UC) or the California State University (CSU) systems as a freshman, you must take certain classes in high school. These classes are known as the "A-G Subjects:"

1. History/Social Science - 2 years required: One year of U.S. History or ½ year of U.S. History and ½ year of civics or American Government. CSU requires one additional year of Social Science. UC requires one year of world history, cultures, and geography.
2. English - 4 years required: Four years of college preparatory English
3. Mathematics - 3 years required, 4 years recommended: Classes must include the topics of algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra. Approved integrated math courses can also fulfill this requirement.
4. Laboratory Science - 2 years required, 3 years recommended: CSU requires one biological and one physical. UC requires classes in at least two of the following areas: biology, chemistry, and physics.
5. Language Other Than English (Foreign Language) - 2 years required, 3 years recommended: At least two years of the same language.
6. Visual & Performing Arts - 1 year required: One yearlong course in dance, drama/theatre, music, or visual art.
7. College Preparatory Electives - 1 year required: One additional year in any of the above A-F areas or other approved elective.

You must get a "C" or better in each of these classes. Additionally, you will need to complete eleven of the fifteen a-g requirements by the end of your junior year in order to be UC-eligible. Visit the University of California and CSU websites for specific requirements, classes that satisfy each area, and more information. You can also click here for a brochure explaining the new requirements for the class of 2012 and beyond. Many private colleges and universities require similar high school classes, but be sure to check out these schools' websites for specific information. You'll want to work with your Guidance Counselor and MESA Advisor to make sure you're signing up for the right classes and that you're on track to complete all A-G requirements by the time you graduate from high school.

Testing Requirements

In addition to the A-G Requirements, the UC and CSU systems-as well as many private schools-require certain tests as part of the college application process.

• The UC system requires either the SAT Reasoning Test of the ACT Assessment plus Writing. SAT Subject Tests are not required, but may be submitted.
• The CSU System uses either the SAT or ACT to calculate freshman eligibility.

Registration information is available on the College Board (SAT) and ACT websites. We have SAT fee waivers available to juniors and seniors. You must have a completed enrollment form on file in order to be eligible for a fee waiver.

You can submit your SAT scores to any CSU campus through the CSU Mentor code (3594). Go to the College Board website for a list of all SAT codes and the ACT website for a list of all ACT codes.

Be sure to prepare for these tests. Check to see if your school offers any practice tests (like the PSAT). You can also find practice questions and tests online.

SAT Dates:

Test Date	Regular Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline
October 1, 2011	September 9, 2011	September 21, 2011
November 5, 2011*	October 7, 2011	October 21, 2011
December 3, 2011	November 8, 2011	November 20, 2011
January 28, 2012	December 30, 2011	January 13, 2012
March 10, 2012**	February 10, 2012	February 24, 2012
May 5, 2012	April 6, 2012	April 20, 2012
June 2, 2012	May 8 , 2012	May 22, 2012

*Language Tests with Listening are offered only on this date and only at selected test centers
**SAT Subject Tests are not offered on this date

ACT Dates:

Test Date	Regular Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline
September 10, 2011	August 12, 2011	August 13-26, 2011
October 22, 2011	September 16, 2011	September 17-30, 2011
December 10, 2011	November 4, 2011	November 5-18, 2011
February 11, 2012	January 13, 2012	January 14-20, 2012
April 14, 2012	March 9, 2012	March 10-23, 2012
June 9, 2012	May 4, 2012	May 5-18, 2012