I'm looking at CSUN as one of my top choices and wanted to get some insider info. Has anyone gone through the admissions process with them? What did you find was the most challenging part? Thanks!
Responding as a high school counselor, I've worked with several students who have applied to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and navigated their admissions process. From collective experiences, students usually find it straightforward due to their clear admission criteria.
However, the challenging part that they often report is showing their personal fit for CSUN, since CSU schools, including CSUN, do not require or review personal essays or letters of recommendation as part of their admissions process.
From an academic standpoint, CSUN primarily considers GPA in A-G courses from sophomore through junior years. They do not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions, in line with the rest of the CSU system.
Additionally, CSUN tends to prioritize applicants from service areas near the campus. If you live in this service area, you might have a specific GPA cutoff to be aware of.
All in all, it comes down to making sure you satisfy the academic requirements, choosing the right major you're truly interested in (since your chosen major could influence your admission outcome), and, if possible, demonstrating interest and fit by engaging in CSUN's community in ways like attending virtual events or connecting with current students or alumni.
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