First-time Freshman: I Want to Apply

Welcome! We're excited that you're interested in becoming a Roadrunner. This page will take you through the basic information needed to apply to CSU Bakersfield as a first-time freshman student.

Are you a first-time freshman? You are considered a first-time freshman applicant if you are currently enrolled in high school or if you've graduated from high school, but have not enrolled in a college or university since graduation.

CSUB will accept admission applications from first-time freshmen applicants for the Fall semester between October 1st - November 30th at www.calstate.edu/apply. **CSUB will be accepting admissions applications for first-time freshmen applicants for the Spring 2024 semester between August 1st - August 31st at www.calstate.edu/apply.**

• If you are an international applicant who will need a 'F or J' Visa to study in the U.S., please see the International Transfer website.

Plan Ahead and Apply Early!

Here are a few tips to help with the application process.

CHOOSE A MAJOR

College is a time of exploration and self-discovery — and deciding on your major involves both. CSUB has more than 36 bachelor’s degree programs across four academic schools in a variety of different fields to select from. If you can’t decide, you can apply as “undeclared.” Learn more about our academic majors .

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

We are writing our legacy one student at a time and you need to be a part of it. We seek to enroll students who are both academically qualified and demonstrate the potential to contribute to CSUB's diverse community. To be considered for freshman admission to CSUB, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Complete each of the courses in the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory subject requirement with a grade of "C" or higher, prior to high school graduation. Grades of “credit/pass" in ‘A-G’ courses completed in 2020 (winter, spring, summer and fall) and 2021 (winter and spring) will also be considered to fulfill A-G requirements.
2. Must achieve a qualifying overall GPA in the 'A-G' courses completed after the 9th grade. The minimum GPA requirements are:
   • California residents or graduates of CA high schools: 2.50 GPA
   • Non-California residents that are graduates of non-CA high schools: 3.00 GPA

The California State University (CSU) system no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses. If accepted, ACT or SAT test scores can be used as one of the measures to place students in the proper mathematics and written communication courses.

California State University, Bakersfield is not using the CSU multi-factor admissions review process for general admissions.

CAL STATE APPLY APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Before you begin your application, have the following items on hand:

• Unofficial transcripts. You'll be asked to enter all courses you've completed, those currently in progress, and any you plan to take. Enter your grades as they appear on your transcript using your school's grading scale. Admission decisions may be withdrawn for students who misreport academic information or who have not met the terms of the admission offer.
• Social Security Number. Have your social security number ready (if you have one).
• Personal Email. Use your personal email address. Do not use the email that your high school assigned to you.
• Your citizenship status.
• Credit card. The $70 application fee is due at the time of submission and can be paid by credit card if you do not qualify for the fee waiver.
• Annual income. If you are a dependent, then report your parent’s income. If you are independent, then report your income.
• Your parent's employment background and two recommendations. This applies only if you are applying to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). For EOP related questions, please contact our EOP office at 661-654-2276.

APPLY ONLINE AT CAL STATE APPLY

For Fall admission, applicants must apply between October 1st - November 30th. To apply to CSUB, visit Cal State Apply. For Spring admission, applicants must apply between August 1st - August 31st. To apply to CSUB, visit Cal State Apply.

A $70 non-refundable application filing fee (or fee waiver) must be paid at the time of application submission. Application fee waivers allow you to apply to four CSU campuses. Instructions for payment can be found on Cal State Apply.

When you apply for admission to CSUB through Cal State Apply you are automatically considered for an application fee waiver based on the information requested in the application. Click here for more information on the CSU Fee Waiver.

ADMISSIONS NOTIFICATIONS

CSUB makes admission decisions based on self-reported information from the application! All admitted students who intend to enroll at CSUB will be required to submit an official transcript with 7th semester in-progress grades posted to verify eligibility and then final high school transcripts with graduation date posted. Spring applicants are only required to provide final high school transcripts with graduation date posted. CSUB uses email as the official means of communication with applicants. Initial admission communications are sent to the email reported in the Cal State Apply application. Applicants are required to maintain a current email address on file with the University, and to check their email regularly.

To help prevent these important emails from being flagged as spam/junk mail by your email provider, mark the csub.edu domain as a safe sender in your email account.

Offers of admission are normally made in February and March for fall admission, and October for spring admissions. All offers of admission will be provisional and subject to verification based on official transcripts and test scores. Admission offers may be withdrawn if the GPA, completed courses, course grades, or test scores are lower than what is reported, or if you miss any admission deadlines. Please make sure to report accurate information on your application.

Your myCSUB portal allows all applicants to check on the status of their applications and view admissions decisions in their portal.

FIRST-TIME FRESHMAN HOUSING REQUIREMENT

All first-time freshmen students enrolled in 12 or more units for the fall semester and residing more than 30 miles from CSUB, are required to live on campus for their first academic year unless they are exempted. For more information regarding the CSUB Housing Policy Requirement, visit CSUB Student Housing and Residence Life .