California Academic Preparation

Master the A-G requirements and prepare for success at California's top universities.

UC and CSU A-G Requirements

California's public universities require completion of specific high school courses for admission eligibility.

A - History

2 Years Required

• 1 year of world history/geography
• 1 year of U.S. history
• AP courses accepted
• Social science electives count

B - English

4 Years Required

• 4 years of college prep English
• Reading and composition focus
• Literature analysis required
• AP English Literature/Language

C - Mathematics

3 Years Required

• Algebra II or higher
• Geometry required
• 4 years recommended
• AP Calculus strongly advised

D - Science

2 Years Required

• 2 years laboratory science
• Biology, chemistry, or physics
• 3 years recommended
• AP sciences highly valued

E - World Language

2 Years Required

• Same language for 2 years
• 3 years recommended
• AP languages preferred
• Native speaker considerations

F - Visual Arts

1 Year Required

• Visual or performing arts
• Drama, music, art, dance
• AP arts courses count
• Portfolio development

G - Electives

1 Year Required

• Additional A-F courses
• Computer science counts
• Advanced coursework
• Career technical education

Strategic Course Planning

Recommended Course Sequence

9th Grade Foundation

• Algebra I or Geometry
• Biology or Physical Science
• English 9
• World History/Geography
• World Language Level 1

10th Grade Building

• Geometry or Algebra II
• Chemistry or Biology
• English 10
• World History (if not taken)
• World Language Level 2

11th-12th Grade Advanced

• Pre-Calculus and Calculus
• AP Sciences (Chemistry, Biology, Physics)
• AP English Literature/Language
• U.S. History (AP recommended)
• AP World Languages

Competitive Advantage Courses

Must-Have for Top UCs

• 4 years of mathematics (through Calculus)
• 3-4 years of laboratory science
• 3+ years of world language
• Multiple AP courses (8+ for top UCs)

Emerging High-Value Courses

• AP Computer Science A/Principles
• AP Statistics
• AP Psychology
• Environmental Science

Dual Enrollment Benefits

• Community college courses
• UC-transferable units
• Advanced coursework opportunities
• Demonstrates college readiness

Standardized Testing Strategy

Test-Optional Policies

Many California universities have adopted test-optional admissions policies, but strong scores can still enhance your application.

Current Status:

• UC system: Test-optional through 2025
• CSU system: Test-optional permanently
• Private colleges: Varies by institution

When to Submit Scores

Strategic submission of test scores can strengthen your application if they're above average for your target schools.

Submit if you have:

• SAT: 1300+ for most UCs
• ACT: 28+ for competitive programs
• Above 75th percentile for target school
• Scores that support your academic profile

AP Exam Strategy

AP exams remain important for demonstrating academic rigor and can provide college credit at California universities.

Target Goals:

• Score 3+ on all AP exams
• Take 6-12 AP courses total
• Focus on your intended major area
• Balance breadth and depth

Academic Planning Timeline

9th

Freshman Year: Foundation Building

Take challenging core courses
Begin world language study
Explore interests and activities

Maintain strong GPA
Meet with school counselor
Plan 4-year course sequence

10th

Sophomore Year: Skill Development

Continue rigorous coursework
Take PSAT for practice
Consider first AP courses

Develop leadership roles
Explore summer programs
Research college interests

11th

Junior Year: Acceleration

Take multiple AP courses
Take SAT/ACT if desired
Focus on standardized tests

Research specific colleges
Visit college campuses
Begin application planning

Ready to Plan Your Academic Success?

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