First-Year Students

Who is a First-Year Student? 

You can apply as a first-year student if you are currently in high school and will graduate before enrolling at SDSU, or if you have graduated from high school and have not attended college after the summer immediately following graduation.

Start Your SDSU Journey in the Imperial Valley

Earn your SDSU degree while staying connected to the Imperial Valley community. As a first-year student at SDSU Imperial Valley, you'll have access to personalized support, engaging academic experiences, and a supportive campus community. Opportunities are available for students who wish to study Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Electrical Engineering, Liberal Studies (Education), Nursing, Psychology, Mathematics, and Public Health-Emphasis in Environmental Health. Students may also enter with an undeclared major and be given the opportunity to explore different fields of study.

Interested in Nursing?

Students must be prescreened by SDSU’s School of Nursing faculty prior to applying. Please contact [email protected] to request information. Students admitted to SDSU as undeclared, or as a major other than Nursing, will not be able to change their major to Nursing during their tenure at SDSU.

First-Year Admissions Criteria

To be eligible for admission as a first-year student, you must:

  • Complete, with a grade of C- or higher, the pattern of college preparatory curriculum (A-G courses) by the end of spring of your senior year of high school.
  • If from San Diego or Imperial County, have a minimum GPA of 2.5. This GPA is calculated based on grades earned on 10-12 grade A-G pattern courses only.
  • On track to graduate with high school diploma by spring 2027.
    • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in A – G coursework
    • Minimum grade of B in Intermediate Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry with lab courses. If AP or IB level courses were taken in these areas, applicants must have earned a minimum grade of B.
    • Preference is given to Imperial County applicants who have taken and earned strong grades in science and mathematics courses.
A‑G Subject Years Specifications
A History/Social Science 2 years required
  • 1 year of U.S. History or a combination of Civics or American Government
  • 1 year of Social Science or History
B English 4 years required
  • 4 years college preparatory English composition and literature
C Mathematics 3 years required;
4 recommended
  • 3 years of courses in algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra or algebra II or a 3-year-long sequence such as integrated math 1,2,3
D Laboratory Science 2 years required;
3 recommended
  • 1 year biological science
  • 1 year physical science
E Foreign Language 2 years required
  • 2 years in the same language
F Visual and Performing Arts 1 year required
  • 1 year in the same discipline: arts, dance, theater/drama, or music
G College Prep Electives 1 year required
  • 1 year to be selected from the above A-F areas and other approved electives

Freshman Application Guide (PDF)

Apply Online

  1. Use the CSU common admission application, calstate.edu/apply, to apply.
    • Apply to "San Diego State University" and then choose a major designated at SDSU Imperial Valley.
  2. A nonrefundable filing fee of $70 must accompany your application. Fee waivers are available to those who are qualified.
  3. Open October 1 - November 30

Important Dates

 
Submit Cal State Apply for Fall 2027 Admission
October 1 - November 30
Apply for financial aid with Federal Student Aid; Add SDSU's federal school code: 001151
October 1 - March 1
Admission decisions sent
March
Deadline to submit Intent to Enroll
May 1
Deadline to submit final official transcripts with Spring grades
July 15

Contact Us

Have questions? Please contact us via email.

[email protected]