I understand why schools raise their admissions standards for certain programs. What I’m confused on is why a school would be listed as an impacted campus for FTF, but then on the individual’s website there are only certain programs that are listed as impacted for FTF and some of those programs list a minimum index eligibility that is lower than the campus minimum.
Simply supply and demand. There are many more applicants to that campus who meet the eligibility requirements than there are seats - across all majors. Also note, the listed minimum is to qualify for the program. For impacted programs, they stack eligible applicants by eligibility index and accept (high to low) until the seats are full. That approach means the applicant pool sets the threshold.
Thank you NCalRent, I see that you are quick to answer a lot of questions about CSU on these forums. Specifically, I’m concerned for my daughter. Her eligibility index is just shy of 3500 (low test sores, decent GPA) and the out-of-area for Fresno is 3900. Fresno is the only school that has Viticulture (besides Cal Poly and Davis, both of which would be a long shot) so aside from changing her major or college plans entirely, there’s not really much of an option. Viticulture itself isn’t listed as impacted, but does her having a 3500 mean her chances are not likely for admission?
I hate how standardized tests reduce people to a number. I always did great on tests and struggled with the GPA. She’s the opposite, but she cheers competitively for her school year-round, participates in 4-H/FFA, has a part-time job and has made sure to take all of her A-G courses with a good GPA. 
Which campuses are you referring?
Some campuses like SDSU have all their programs impacted which means more qualified applicants than spots and applicants are placed in pre-majors.
Regarding eligibility indexes. If they list a minimum, then anyone below the minimum will not be considered but this EI is in no way indicative of being a competitive applicant for that particular major. EI’s will change based on each FTF in-coming class.
If you post some examples, it could be helpful.
Hi Gumbymom, I’m referring to Fresno State. They have the out of area minimum for fall 2017 as 3900, my daughter is just shy of 3500. She hasn’t been denied YET. But on the same page where they list the minimum eligibility index, they list certain programs that have a lower index than the 3900 minimum. For example, Animal Science-Production Mngmt has and out of area index of 3400. My daughter applied to the Viticulture program, which is not listed on that chart as impacted. Here’s the link to the page I’m looking at:
http://fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/are/impaction/fall2017-impaction.html
My interpretation of the link you have provided is that overall if you are out of the area the minimum EI is 3900. For the 17 programs listed, there is specific EI’s that must be met to be considered which are lower than the overall campus so these must be the exceptions. Since Viticulture is not listed with a program specific EI, then I would “assume” that a 3900 is needed for that program. I would email or call admissions directly to clarify.
This link from CSU website shows all programs impacted: http://www.calstate.edu/sas/impaction-campus-info.shtml
Also this link: https://www.calstate.edu/sas/documents/ImpactedProgramsMatrix.pdf
I recommend always go to the source for the correct information.
Good Luck to you and your daughter.
I will have her call on Monday, but I guess it’s just extra confusing because you get different scenarios from different websites. Like on this link, it says that if you have above a 3.0 GPA, test scores aren’t even necessary. I know that test scores are required to be submitted for CSUs now, but I’m told that’s a pretty new requirement.
http://www.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/grades_tests.asp
Yes I agree but with impaction happening more and more for the CSU’s and their programs, it should be stated as a requirement. I do not think even the non-impacted campuses such as Dominguez Hills, Channel Islands etc… will accept an applicant without test scores.
CSU Mentor needs to update their website.
I just got off the phone with admissions and they basically told me that she wouldn’t be getting in with her eligibility number being too low. How heartbreaking for her, Viticulture is the only major she’s show interest in and Fresno is the only CSU (besides SLO) that offers it. Yes, I know community college is a good option, but I’ve sacrificed and saved for years for her to have a true college experience and she’s worked hard to keep her grades up (doesn’t come easy for her) and once again, the education system in California has reduced her to a number.
@allthatryry: Is there another major she would be interested in pursuing at Fresno State and then try and switch majors later on such as Food Science or something related to Enology/Viticulture? Some of the GE’s and major prep classes in Food Science may overlap with classes in the Enology/Viticulture major?
Regarding your comment about reducing your daughter to a number, CSU’s are only about the numbers (CSU GPA, Test scores and eligibility index). Did she apply to any schools that required essays and LOR’s giving her a more holistic application review?
@Gumbymom they said the 3900 eligibility standard is campus wide, so I don’t see how switching her major would make a difference. It’s all just so frustrating because standardized tests only tell a small portion of a student’s potential.
She did apply at Davis, though she’s not very competitive. I fall into that income bracket where I made about $1500 too much money to qualify for a fee waiver or EOP admission, yet I also didn’t have enough money to pay for more application fees when the reach was so far. I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see.
It sounds like she applied to a couple of programs that are likely to be out of reach. Does she have other options?
She was accepted to our local area school (SFSU), but Fresno is the only one that has Viticulture and that’s the program she really wants to study, plus the housing situation in SF is another obstacle. I work in SF so I know the realities of how expensive and limited it is. She also wants to try out for the Fresno cheer team, as she’s cheered for 10 years now and the D1 football and basketball programs are very appealing. Who knew Fresno would become such a competitive campus