A-G Requirements
The University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU) require freshmen applicants to complete 15 units of high school courses-- known as "A-G"-- to be eligible for admission. A unit is equal to one academic year or two semesters. Each course needs to be completed with a grade of 'C' or better. Private and out-of-state universities have similar requirements; however, check with the university for specific requirements. The courses are are follows:
A. History/Social Science- Two years
- one year of world history, cultures and geography (may be a single yearlong course or two one-semester courses), and
- one year of U.S. history or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government
B. English- Four Years
Four years of college-preparatory English that include frequent writing, from brainstorming to final paper, as well as reading of classic and modern literature. No more than one year of ESL-type courses can be used to meet this requirement.
C. Mathematics- Three Years
Three years (four years recommended) of college-preparatory mathematics such as, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and advanced mathematics. Approved integrated math courses may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement, as may math courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades if the high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses.
D. Laboratory Science- Two Years
Two years (three years recommended) of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in two of these three foundational subjects: biology, chemistry and physics.
E. Language other than English- Two years in the same language
Two years, or equivalent to the 2nd level of high school instruction, of the same language other than English are required. (Three years/3rd level of high school instruction recommended).
F. Visual and Performing Arts- One year sequence course
One yearlong course of visual and performing arts chosen from the following: dance, drama/theater, music or visual art.
G. College-Preparatory Elective- One year
One year (two semesters), in addition to those required in "a-f" above, chosen from the following areas: visual and performing arts (non-introductory-level courses), history, social science, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science and language other than English (a third year in the language used for the "e" requirement or two years of another language)
**Please see your counselor if you have any questions regarding your course plan**
