A-G Requirements
The 15-course college-prep sequence required for admission to the University of California and California State University systems.
The A-G requirements are a 15-course college-preparatory sequence required for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. The sequence consists of: (a) 2 years of history/social science, (b) 4 years of English, (c) 3 years of math (4 recommended), (d) 2 years of laboratory science (3 recommended), (e) 2 years of a single language other than English, (f) 1 year of visual or performing arts, (g) 1 year of a college-preparatory elective.
Each course must be on the school's UC-approved A-G course list. UC and CSU calculate GPA only from these approved courses taken in 10th and 11th grade.
For California families, verifying that a teen's schedule meets A-G requirements is one of the most important early-high-school planning tasks. Missing a single requirement can disqualify an applicant from the UC and CSU systems regardless of overall GPA. Schools publish their A-G approved course list at hs-articulation.ucop.edu.
Related terms
View all terms- UC GPAThe University of California's recalculated GPA, capped at 4.4 weighted with limited honor-points credit. Used by all UC campuses and CSUs.
- APAdvanced Placement. College-level courses and exams offered in U.S. high schools by the College Board. Strong AP scores can earn college credit.
- IBInternational Baccalaureate. A two-year college-prep program offering individual course exams or a comprehensive Diploma Programme.
- Dual EnrollmentA program that lets high school students take college courses for both high school and college credit, often at a local community college.