The California State University (CSU) application dates page shows that the priority application filing period for fall 2027 runs from August 1, 2026, to November 30, 2026, and the application fee is $70 per campus, with fee waivers available for some students. Seniors in the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) have 22 days until the priority deadline.
Who Is Affected by the CSU November 30 Deadline
The deadline applies to every student who plans to enter the CSU as a first-time freshman in fall 2027. Students who complete college courses while in high school are still freshman applicants regardless of the units earned. The CSU states that many campuses and majors still accept applications after the priority period, but availability must be checked campus by campus, and impacted campuses and majors may apply higher or additional admission criteria.
The 22 CSU universities use three factors to determine freshman eligibility:
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| A-G courses | At least 15 year-long courses, each with a grade of C or better |
| A-G GPA | 2.50 or higher for California residents or graduates of California high schools; 2.00 to 2.49 evaluated on supplemental factors |
| High school graduation | Graduation from high school |
The GPA is calculated from A-G courses completed after the 9th grade. The 15 courses consist of 2 years of history and social science, 4 years of English, 3 years of mathematics (4 years highly recommended), 2 years of laboratory science, 2 years of a language other than English, 1 year of visual and performing arts, and 1 year of college preparatory elective.
What CSU Applicants Should Do Now
Enter courses directly from the transcript. The High School Coursework and A-G Matching sections of Cal State Apply became available when application submission opened on October 1. Students should enter each course from the transcript and confirm that it matches the school’s A-G course list.
Test scores do not affect admission. The CSU no longer uses the SAT or ACT to determine admission eligibility; after admission, scores can be used for placement in mathematics and written communication courses. Students who choose to send SAT scores can use the CSU systemwide code 3594 so that all campuses can access them.
Check campuses and majors first. Some campuses use local admission policies for graduates of high schools in their service areas, and Irvine families can look up the campus that serves their school in the CSU local admission and service area materials before deciding where to apply.
For the differences among CSU, University of California, and private college applications, see UC, CSU, Private Colleges: Three Applications Compared; for the application opening, see Brief: CSU Applications Open for Submission October 1. For college list and application planning, see the EDUBUS College Planning service.
Sources
- California State University: Application Dates & Deadlines (accessed November 8, 2026)
- California State University: Freshman (accessed November 8, 2026)
- California State University: Freshman Admission Requirements (accessed November 8, 2026)
- California State University: Freshman Testing Requirements (accessed November 8, 2026)
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