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CSU, Fresno
MESA Schools Program

2220 East San Ramon Avenue, M/S EE94
Fresno, California 93740-8028
Phone: 559.278.2976
Fax: 559.278.4517


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, current freshmen and sophomores (classes of 2012 and 2013) will need to complete eleven of the fifteen a-g requirements by the end of their junior years. Visit the University of California and CSU websites for specific requirements, classes that satisfy each area, and more information. 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.

  • For current juniors and seniors, (classes of 2010 and 2011), the UC system requires either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment plus Writing and two SAT Subject Tests.
  • For current freshmen and sophomores, 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 10, 2009 September 9, 2009 September 23, 2009
November 7, 2009* October 1, 2009 October 15, 2009
December 5, 2009 October 30, 2009 November 12, 2009
January 23, 2010 December 15, 2009 December 30, 2009
March 13, 2010** February 4, 2010 February 18, 2010
May 1, 2010 March 25, 2010 April 8, 2010
June 5, 2010 April 29, 2010 May 13, 2010

*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 12, 2009 August 7, 2009 August 8-21, 2009
October 24, 2009 September 18, 2009 September 19-October 2, 2009
December 12, 2009 November 6, 2009 November 7-20, 2009
February 6, 2010 January 5, 2010 January 6-15, 2010
April 10, 2010 March 5, 2010 March 6-19, 2010
June 12, 2010 May 7, 2010 May 8-21, 2010