My GPA meets CSU admission requirements, so does my SAT score. But I have 3 D’s (1 from a math class; 2 from science classes). Do I even have a shot at being admitted to a CSU?
It depends upon whether you’ve had enough math and science with grades of C or higher to meet the minimum standard. You need at least 3 years of math, through Algebra 2. You also need at least 2 years of lab science, including a physical and a bio science. Any class you received a D in won’t count toward those minimums. If you don’t meet the A-G minimums, no CSU will accept you regardless of GPA and SAT score.
https://secure.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/subjects.asp
CSU’s allow grade validation for Math, so if you have a D in a Math class but have passed a higher level of Math with a C or higher, the D is validated.
See validation matrix on page 16: http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/quick-reference-2014.pdf
Here are the a-g minimum course requirements as noted in the above post for reference:
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/csu-uc-a-g-comparison-matrix.pdf
Just remember the D’s are calculated into your CSU GPA unless you have repeated the class.
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/csu-uc-a-g-comparison-matrix.pdf (page 2) shows the validation policy (which is slightly different for CSU and UC).
The good news is, you have until the end of your Sr year to check all the boxes. So, if you are short a course or two because of your Ds - you can re-take the courses now.
Assuming you complete the a-g requirements, admission will come down to your CSU Index. You can read all about it here: https://secure.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/elig_index_calculator.asp
They simply combine your SAT/ACT and GPA to create a numeric index for each student.
CSU GPA800 + math and reading SAT. (for ACT it is CSUGPA *200 + ACT10)
They use your CSU GPA - which is essentially, from your academic courses in grades 10 and 11. They drop +/- and cap your AP bonus pts. This link explains it quite well:
https://secure.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/gpa_calculator.asp
If you have an index of 2900 SAT or 694 ACT, in most cases, you’ll be admitted into your local CSU as well as non-impacted CSU campuses like San Bernardino. Some impacted campuses, like Sacramento, are nominally more selective, a 3000//720 will get you in most programs. Others like SDSU are much more selective, requiring a 4100/1000 index to gain admission to most programs. SJSU is unique in having widely varying thresholds and in posting them on-line here: http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/narr/static/admission/frosh-f2015impact.html
Many people with a sub 3000/720 index are probably better served at a local Community College where they can take a few remedial courses, develop college level study skills and get a complete reset of their academic record before having to deal with food/roommates/etc. CCs are also cheaper…
Triple check and be sure you can mark them all complete, calculate your index and post again for more guidance.
http://www.csus.edu/admissions/impaction.html
CORRECTION on Sac State: Looks like Sacramento is now 3100/770 for out of area freshman applicants. That’s the first time I’ve seen a hard campus-wide floor for transfers and freshman applicants. It is an interesting move by their new president.
I love the transparency.
Note, however, that the same page lists majors that are impacted, so they may have higher thresholds than the campus impaction threshold of 3100/770 for out-of-area frosh applicants.
I come up with a 3,300 index, with my current GPA and SAT scores. I’ve taken 3 years of math & 3 years of science. But I got D’s in 1 Math class and 1 Science class. I feel like I’m in between. Is it still worth it to apply?
Which math course and which science course did you get D grades in, what other math and science courses did you take and get C or higher grades in, and what math and science courses will you take in 12th grade? You need to determine whether you meet the CSU a-g requirements using courses you earned C or higher grades in, or lower level courses validated by higher level courses.
Seriously, if you don’t complete the required courses, your index doesn’t matter. You’ll be rejected from every CSU campus
it might help if you post your courses and semester grades.