Hey folks! I'm starting to prepare my application for California State University Long Beach. How's the application process like? Is there anything, in particular, they place a strong emphasis on? Could really use some advice here.
The application process for CSU Long Beach, like all Cal State schools, is fairly straightforward. It involves completing the online application through the Cal State Apply portal. Just be sure you're meeting the October 1 to November 30 application filing period, which applies to all CSU schools.
Since CSUs give primary consideration to your GPA and classes taken in high school, it's crucial to ensure you're meeting the minimum academic standards. For CSU Long Beach, you'll ideally want to have taken the recommended preparatory coursework in high school, which includes areas like English, Math, Social Science, Science, Language other than English, Visual and Performing Arts, and College Preparatory Electives.
It's also important to ensure you're meeting Cal State's minimum GPA requirement, which is 2.5 for California residents and 3.0 for out-of-state applicants. If you exceed these minimums, that's even better, as CSUs do tend to be more selective with out-of-state applicants.
Remember, CSUs, including Long Beach, do not require essays as part of their application process. This means your academic record and the courses you've taken will have a strong impact on your chances of admission.
Also, keep in mind that for the 2024-2025 application cycle, CSU Long Beach is test-blind, which means the school does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. This can be a positive if standardized test-taking isn’t your strongest suit or if you didn't get a chance to test due to the current circumstances.
Lastly, if you have any non-academic aspects like work experience or community involvement you want to highlight, there are sections on the application to input that information. While it isn’t weighed as heavily as your academic credentials, it can certainly add to your overall profile.
Good luck with your application!
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