My son really wants to get into a CSU school, but doing the math - GPA 2.26 x 800 and 980 on the critical reading/math portions of the SAT - I come up with 2,788, which puts him a little short of the 2900-point minimum threshold. Is that 2900 minimum threshold set in stone or does he still have a chance at some of the lesser-known CSUs like Sonoma or Stanislaus? His final second-semester junior grades are not out yet – he has finals next week and is pushing hard to get those grades up – but this is where we stand at this point. And, again, I fully understand that California residents must have a minimum eligibility index of 2900 using SAT scores or 694 using ACT scores. (The SAT score component for CSU is the sum of the mathematics and critical reading scores. Neither ACT nor SAT writing scores are included in the calculation of the CSU Eligibility Index.) My question is, if you are bubbling under the minimum, is there any flexibility?
It is a hard floor - so, do what you can to raise his index.
I’d also say, in my experience, a student who doesn’t meet the threshold probably isn’t ready to go away to school and balance the social/academic challenges presented to on-campus freshmen. A couple of years at a CC can allow him to mature, develop study habits and open up many more opportunities.
Your son needs to retake the SAT and get a 1100 on Critical Reading and Math combined.
https://secure.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/cal_residents.asp
Discipline him in senior year, because the success of senior year plays a huge role in college. If he messes around and doesn’t take it seriously, like NCalRent said - go to CC, especially if he’s undecided also.
Good luck! May the best for your son come true!