GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, BY SUBJECT AREA
High school seniors who fulfill the following three requirements will be entitled to a comprehensive review of their applications at each UC campus to which they apply.
- Complete 15 A-G courses, with 11 of those done prior to the start of 12th grade
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better
- Take the ACT with Writing or SAT Reasoning test
The A-G requirements can be summarized as follows:
A History / Social Science
Two years required, including one year of world history, cultures, and geography and one year of U.S. history or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government.
B English
Four years of college-preparatory English that includes frequent and regular writing, and reading of classic and modern literature.
C Mathematics
Three years of college preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry (students are required to take 1 year of Geometry).
D Laboratory Science
Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of these three disciplines: biology (which includes anatomy, physiology, marine biology, aquatic biology, etc.), chemistry, and physics.
E Language Other Than English
Two years of the same language other than English.
F Visual & Performing Arts
One year, including dance, drama/theater, music, or visual art.
G College Preparatory Elective
In addition to those courses required in “a-f” above, one year (two semesters) of college-preparatory electives are required, chosen from advanced visual and performing arts, history, social science, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science, and language other than English.
Applicants from California high schools: The courses taken to fulfill requirements must be certified by the University as meeting the requirements and must be included on the high school UC certified course list. Lists for all California high schools are available on the web (Click here).
UC/CSU Freshmen Eligibility Requirements
While the University of California and California State high school course requirements for freshmen applicants are the same, there are some differences in other freshmen eligibility requirements between the two systems. Find out more information on the following websites:
California State University – Admissions
University of California – Admissions
Examinations for College-Bound Students
Listed below are some of the many standard tests offered to college-bound students.
PSAT: Taken at the beginning of the junior year, the PSAT/NMSQT is offered once each year and is the pre-curser test to the SAT I. The results of the PSAT are diagnostic and used to determine National Merit Scholar standing as well as eligibility for a number of national scholarship awards. This exam is offered at Springs Charter Schools in October of each year. Students register through the guidance office and preference for spaces is given to juniors. Sophomores may take the PSAT at the Springs for practice. There is a small fee.
SAT I & ACT: Both SAT I and ACT are national college admissions examinations that measure a student’s ability to do college-level work. Colleges and Universities may require either test for admissions and many colleges will take the better score of the two exams. Students are allowed to take each test multiple times without penalty. Students are encouraged to begin taking these tests in the spring of their junior year. Check with the college or university of your choice to determine which exams you should take.
Practice Tests
Practicing for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams helps improve test scores. Two websites that provide free practice exams are www.collegeboard.com and www.act.org.
Fee Waivers
Some students are eligible for SAT and ACT fee waivers that exempt them from exam registration costs. Contact your Springs counselor for more information.
