First-Time Freshman Admissions
You're the type of student we're looking for. You're talented, passionate and inquisitive. You want to make a difference in your community and in the world. You're determined to succeed and you won't let anything stand in your way. You're ready to become a Matador.
How to Apply as a Freshman
You'll apply as a first-time freshman if:
- You're a current high school student on track to graduate the spring before you plan to attend CSUN.
- You've already earned your high school diploma but haven't taken any college courses since graduating.
- You've earned a certificate for one of the California state high school proficiency exams — General Education Development (GED) or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET).
If you are an international student, please visit the International First-time Admission page to find information to help you apply.
f you are a veteran student, please visit the Undergraduate Veteran Students Admission page to find information to help you apply.
We will accept first-time freshman applications each year between Oct. 1 and Jan 31 for the coming fall semester.
You'll also want to make sure you apply for financial aid and scholarships in a timely fashion.
Make sure you've taken the required high school courses. Learn what our Eligibility Index is and how it differs if you're a California resident or an out-of-state student. Find out what it means to apply to an impacted major.
Explore our majors and decide which program you'll select on your application. If you don't know what major to choose, don't worry. You can choose "Exploratory" and change your major later. Every year, some competitive majors receive more applicants than we can accept. These majors will have higher Eligibility Index minimums. Review this year's impacted programs.
It's a good idea to get everything you'll need for your application ready. As a first-time freshman applicant, you'll need:
- Unofficial transcripts. You will be required to enter all completed courses as well as those currently in progress and those you plan to take in the future.
- Social Security number, if you have one.
- Your citizenship status. Please note this is for CSU tuition purposes and will not affect your admission application.
- A credit or debit card. The $70 application fee is due at the time of submission and can only be paid by credit or debit card. If you are a California resident, the online application will automatically calculate your eligibility for an application fee waiver.
- Annual income. If you are a dependent, then you'll report your parents’ or guardian’s income. If you are independent, report your income.
Educational Opportunity Program: For students that are historically low-income, historically educationally disadvantaged, first generation college students. EOP has created an application worksheet to help you get prepared to complete your EOP application.
Once you're ready, create an account and complete your application on Cal State Apply, the CSU's online application system. Be sure to carefully review your information before submitting.
After you apply, watch for an email from our office with the info you'll need to activate your CSUN Portal and email account. Once you've set up an account, you can check your application status. You can expect your admission decision to be available in the CSUN Portal by mid-March.
Please send us your official transcripts at the right time. Here are some guidelines:
- Send us your preliminary, work-in-progress transcripts only if the CSUN Office of Admissions emails you to request them. So please check your email regularly.
- Send us your final, official high school transcripts as soon as your graduation date is posted. Your final high school transcript is required.
- Official transcripts for any college courses you’ve taken while in high school, including spring grades.
- Optional test scores for AP, CLEP, IB, or SAT/ACT. These test scores are not required for admission but will help with your placement in first-year math and writing courses once you are admitted.
Log in to the CSUN Portal regularly to review your Checklist for the transcripts CSUN requires. Also check your email regularly for any messages from the CSUN Office of Admissions.
Any courses listed as "in progress" or "planned" on your admissions application must be completed with a grade of C- or higher by the end of your spring semester of high school. Additionally, you must maintain the overall GPA reported on your application.
If your GPA drops below that reported on your application, you earn a grade of D or F during your senior year or you misreported a required course, your admission could be withdrawn. Should your admissions status change to denied due to one of the above-mentioned items, your only option would be to go through an appeals process.
International First-time Students
As an incoming international student, you'll have a few extra steps to follow. Get the information you need to apply.
If you're a first-time freshman who is a veteran or the dependent of a veteran, our Office of Veterans Affairs will review your benefits documents and guide you through the application process.
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students
As one of the largest communities of Deaf and hard-of-hearing college students in the country, we have tons of extra resources. If you're an incoming first-time freshman who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing, explore NCOD: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and fill out our supplemental application.
Find out everything you need to know about the cost of attendance, and get help applying for financial aid.