The A-G requirements are a set of college preparatory courses that are required for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. These courses are designed to provide students with the academic foundation they need to succeed in college-level coursework.
What Courses Are Required for A-G?
The A-G requirements are divided into seven subject areas:
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 3 years, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
- Science: 2 years, including Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
- History/Social Science: 3 years, including World History, US History, and Civics/Government
- Foreign Language: 2 years of the same language
- Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
- Electives: 1 year
Students must take a total of 15 A-G courses in order to be eligible for admission to a UC or CSU campus.
When Can I Say My Class is A-G?
Your class is considered A-G when it meets the following criteria:
- The course is offered by an accredited high school.
- The course is taught by a qualified teacher.
- The course content meets the A-G requirements for that subject area.
- The student earns a grade of C or better in the course.
How Do I Know if My Course Meets the A-G Requirements?
The best way to determine if your course meets the A-G requirements is to check with your high school counselor. Your counselor can review your course transcript and let you know which courses meet the A-G requirements.
You can also check the UC and CSU websites for more information on the A-G requirements.
Why Are the A-G Requirements Important?
The A-G requirements are important because they help ensure that students are prepared for college-level coursework. Students who complete the A-G requirements are more likely to succeed in college and earn a degree.
According to the UC, students who complete the A-G requirements are:
- More likely to be admitted to a UC campus
- More likely to earn a higher GPA in college
- More likely to graduate from college in four years
What if I Don’t Complete the A-G Requirements?
If you do not complete the A-G requirements, you may still be able to attend a UC or CSU campus. However, you may be required to take additional coursework before you can enroll in college-level courses.
You should talk to your high school counselor about your options if you do not complete the A-G requirements.
Conclusion
The A-G requirements are an important part of the college application process. Students who complete the A-G requirements are more likely to be admitted to a UC or CSU campus and succeed in college.
If you are not sure whether your class meets the A-G requirements, be sure to check with your high school counselor.