Hey guys! I'm interested in applying to California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and I'm curious about their admissions requirements. What GPA and test scores should I have to be considered competitive?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) primarily looks at two factors in their admissions process: GPA and completion of a college preparatory academic curriculum known as the "a-g" courses. As a part of the California State University (CSU) system, CSUN is test-blind for the 2024-2025 application cycle, which means they will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admissions decisions.
In terms of GPA, CSUN tends to admit students with a wide range of GPAs, often from around 2.5 to 4.0, with the average admitted GPA being close to 3.5. However, your GPA plays a role alongside other factors, such as completion of the required "a-g" coursework and your personal profile (e.g., extracurricular activities, essays, or letters of recommendation if requested). Keep in mind that admissions can be more competitive for certain majors or the university's honors program.
The "a-g" coursework requirements for CSU campuses, including CSUN, are as follows:
A) History/Social Science — 2 years required
B) English — 4 years required
C) Mathematics — 3 years required, 4 years recommended
D) Laboratory Science — 2 years required, 3 years recommended
E) Language Other than English — 2 years required, 3 years recommended
F) Visual and Performing Arts — 1 year required
G) College Preparatory Elective — 1 year required
Make sure you complete these courses with a grade of "C" or better to be considered for admission.
Lastly, although CSUN might not have minimum requirements for extracurricular activities, having a strong profile in this area can help you stand out in the admissions process, especially if you have leadership roles, community service, or other valuable experiences.
So, to be a competitive applicant for CSUN, aim to maintain a strong GPA (ideally above 3.5), complete the "a-g" coursework requirements, and develop a well-rounded extracurricular profile that demonstrates your interests and skills. Good luck with the application process!
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