CSU announced key changes to their application for the Class of 2021 on Tuesday. While the application for Fall 2021 enrollment doesn’t open until October, the changes should affect how you view summer activities and their admission for the CSU system.

1- CSU, as previously stated, will NOT be requiring any test scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their Eligibility Index. Even if a student provides a score, it will NOT be reviewed.

2- CSU by campus will be adding questions as “ Supplemental Factors” to the application. They could be asking about some/all of these areas:

work experience
extracurricular activities
exceeded courses within core curriculum (did you take more courses than the CSU minimum requirements in math, English, or sciences)
Participation in educational programs such as AVID (school based college support programs)

3- There will be NO essay or any writing prompts added to the application

These factors will be finalized in “July/August”, according to CSU spokesperson. And, additional webinars for both counselors and students/families will be held during the summer as the details firm up. When they are announced, I will send out a notice so you can hear the information!

What can students do NOW to help improve their admissions prospect for the CSU system? Change what is in YOUR control, and think about the following options:

1- Take a community college or other UC approved course this summer in your favorite area (remember, community colleges especially in the summer are accelerated, so it needs to be a topic where you can keep up with the pace).

2- Think about your Fall course choices - can you increase the rigor and still maintain strong grades? Don’t ‘protect’ your GPA - colleges are looking to see if you challenged yourself, especially in senior year, with courses in your area of interest or strength.

More to come...I will be keeping track of updates and sending them to you throughout the summer. If you want to read more, the CSU has a FAQ section with regards to Covid19 updates and the campus opening options for this fall, but none of the information covered in the counselor webinar stated above has been posted yet about the changes for the Class of 2021 application. Stay tuned! :)