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Undergraduate Admissions and Standardized Tests

The California State University's Admission Advisory Council (AAC) has recommended the permanent discontinuation of the use of standardized test scores in CSU undergraduate admissions. The AAC, which began its review of standardized tests in spring 2021, found that the SAT and ACT tests provide negligible additional value to the CSU admission process. In addition to consideration of pandemic-related hardships and concerns brought forth by PK-12 school districts and community-based organizations, the committee has considered equity and fairness, academic preparation, Graduation Initiative 2025 goals and research on the topic of standardized testing and college admission as part of its deliberations.

The CSU Board of Trustees voted in favor to amend Title 5 to discontinue standardized test scores in undergraduate admission at its March 2022 meeting. Title 5 is the part of the California Code of Regulations which governs the California State University.

Key Updates

  • Spring 2022: The Admission Advisory Council will provide the interim Chancellor with recommendations related to undergraduate admission eligibility criteria.
  • March 2022: The CSU Board of Trustees voted in favor to amend Title 5 to discontinue standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) in undergraduate admission at its March 2022 board meeting.
  • January 2022: Proposed change to Title 5 to discontinue the use of standardized test scores for CSU undergraduate admission is presented as an information item to the CSU Board of Trustees.
  • January 2022: The CSU Admission Advisory Committee proposes discontinuation of standardized tests scores for CSU undergraduate admission.
  • March 2020: The CSU temporarily suspends the use of standardized test scores (SAT and ACT) for CSU undergraduate admission for academic years 2021-22 and 2022-23.
  • March 2020: Governor Gavin Newsom issues an executive order to suspend sections of the Education Code related to admission due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • January 2020: The CSU Admission Advisory Committee is tasked to explore the role of standardized testing in CSU undergraduate admission.
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Temporary Suspension of SAT/ACT in Admissions

The CSU suspended the use of standardized test scores for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years for undergraduate admission due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the unavailability of examinations for prospective applicants. Learn more about current CSU admission eligibility standards for undergraduate students and read about Frequently Asked Questions .

About the Admission Advisory Council

The Admission Advisory Council is comprised of faculty, administrators and student representatives. Additional ad-hoc members were added to expand expertise and perspective of the Council, including the chair of the CSU Statewide Academic Senate, the president of the California State Student Association and a representative from the California Department of Education.

Contact Information

  • ​​For ​media inquiries, please contact CSU Strategic Communications and Public Affairs at 562-951-4800 or [email protected].​
  • For Title 5 comments, please contact Assistant Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management Services April Grommo at [email protected].

  • ​ For general CSU admission questions, please visit www.calstate.edu/apply.