GENERAL COLLEGE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
 
Parents and students should understand that the colleges and universities, not the high school, dictate the entrance requirements. These requirements are not uniform; they differ from one institution to another.
 
Early in their high school careers, students should plan their courses to include all requirements. The THS Counselors are available to help you make informed decisions on a selection of schools.

Eligibility for California public community colleges is as follows: Any person who has graduated from high school or who is 18 years of age or older may be admitted to California public community colleges.

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Torrance High School has an "A-G" course list certified by the California State Universities. Students should refer to this annually approved course list when choosing college-preparatory classes for scheduling.

"A-G" subject requirements for the CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM are as follows: (NOTE: All subjects must be completed with a “C” or better.) These are minimum requirements; however, competitive state colleges will recommend higher levels in each category.

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• ENGLISH - four years or eight semesters of college preparatory English with a grade of "C" or better.

• MATHEMATICS - A minimum of three years of college preparatory mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II) with a minimum grade of "C" or better. (Four years are recommended and certain majors may recommend more math.)

• UNITED STATES HISTORY & SOCIAL SCIENCE - Two years.

• SCIENCE - Two years of laboratory science: one year biological (Biology) and one year physical, including: Physical Science of the Earth, Chemistry, and Physics.

• FOREIGN LANGUAGES - Two years of the same language or demonstrated equivalent competency in a foreign language.

• VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS - One year.

• ELECTIVES - One year of courses selected from English, Advanced Mathematics, Social Studies, History, Laboratory Science, Agriculture, Foreign Language, and the Visual, Practical and Performing Arts.

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APPLYING TO A CSU CAMPUS

• CSU applications become available on October 1st.

• Applications can be submitted between October 1 – November 30.

Torrance High School has an "A-G" course list certified by the University of California. Students should refer to this annually approved course list when choosing college-preparatory classes for scheduling.

The minimum entrance requirements for the University of California are described in the following paragraphs. Most campuses in the University of California system currently require more than minimum entrance qualifications due to an impacted system. (NOTE: All subjects must be completed with a “C” or better.)

A-G SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION BASED ON GRADES 9-12

• Two years of History/Social Science, including one year of U.S. History or one half year of U.S. History and one half year of Civics or American Government; and one year of World History, Cultures and Geography.

• Four years of college preparatory English courses which meet the University of California requirements in English. For approved Torrance High School courses please refer to A-G course list.

• Three years of Mathematics required, four years recommended, consisting of a minimum of Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II.

• Two years of laboratory science: one year biological (Biology) and one year physical, including: Chemistry and Physics. PHYSICAL SCIENCE OF THE EARTH IS NOT INCLUDED. One year of laboratory science in the ninth grade may be used to meet this requirement.

• Two years of Foreign Language required (in one language), three years is recommended.

• One year: Visual and Performing arts.

• College Preparatory Electives: one year required in addition to those required in “A-G” above, chosen from the following areas: History, English, Advanced Mathematics, Laboratory Science, Foreign Language, Social Sciences and Advanced Level Visual and Performing Arts.

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APPLYING TO THE UC’S

• University of California applications become available October 1st.

• UC Applications can be submitted between Novermber 1-30.

• Application deadline is November 30.

• Private colleges and universities have their own admissions requirements.

• Admissions deadlines may vary by institution.

• Visit the school’s website

• Students should plan to take as many skill subjects as possible in an area chosen and show completion by receiving a high school diploma.

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• Specialized fields frequently require two years of college. Community Colleges will meet this requirement. Interested students should visit the College and Career Center in A106.