Concerned about San Jose State admissions process

I've been seriously thinking about applying to San Jose State University but I'm a bit clueless on their full admissions process. What are things to watch out for? Any form of advice or helpful info will be seriously appreciated.

Response: Understanding a university's admissions process can be a bit daunting at first, so let's break it down. As far as deadlines go, be aware that the application filing period for San Jose State University, along with all the other Cal State campuses, is from October 1st to November 30th of the year prior to which you plan to attend. So, if you're planning to enroll in Fall 2025, for instance, your application window is from October 1 to November 30, 2024.

Let's move on to the application. The Cal State schools use the CSU Application, which is online, and allows you to apply to multiple Cal State universities at once. The application covers four main areas: personal information, academic history, test scores, and personal experiences.

Given the deep history of STEM at San Jose State University, they are pretty rigorous in their A-G subject requirements to ensure all incoming students are ready to tackle college level courses. A-G subjects are the set of high school courses that are needed to be eligible for admission to California public universities. It's worth noting that the "a-g" courses must be passed with a C- or better.

Then, there's the matter of Standardized Testing. As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, all CSU campuses, including San Jose State University, are test blind. This means that SAT and ACT scores will not be considered at all as part of your application, so you can focus on presenting your strong academic record and extracurricular activities in the best light.

Speaking of extracurricular activities, while the CSU Application doesn't have a dedicated section for listing them like the Common App does, there is a section to provide information about the educational programs you've participated in. Also, SJSU scans for leadership activities and the level of accomplishment in your coursework. So, it's important to highlight these where possible.

Since San Jose State University is a large public university, they primarily focus on academic factors such as your overall GPA, your grades in A-G courses, and the rigor of your course load. However, presenting a well-rounded application by highlighting your commitment to community service and leadership activities will also help your case!

Finally, remember to check the specific requirements for your intended major. Some programs may have additional application materials or prerequisites.

I hope this helps! Applying for college is a big step, but with the right information and planning, you can navigate the process smoothly. Good luck with your application!