How to Apply: First Year Students

Before you start your application, you should have an idea of what you’d like to major in at Cal State Monterey Bay. (Don’t worry: you can change this later.) Take some time to explore our 80+ programs to see what’s right for you.

All First Year Students must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a high school graduate.
• Have completed the A-G requirements with grades of C- or better. 
  • A-G courses encompass a mix of high school course requirements, such as history, English, math, lab and social sciences, arts, and languages.
• Have a 2.0 GPA or higher to qualify for regular admission (for California Residents). 
  • Nonresidents must have a 2.45 GPA or higher to qualify for regular admission. 
• Your GPA is based on your college preparatory 10th-12th grades. Honors points may be awarded for up to eight-semester grades of C or better in approved honors courses taken in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.

All admissions requirements must be met by the end of the term/semester prior to enrollment. No summer coursework is allowed for eligibility purposes for fall terms.

Please note: Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission to Cal State Monterey Bay.

To apply to CSUMB, you’ll first need to register for an account with The California State University centralized admissions website, Cal State Apply. Once your account is created, you can immediately begin your application for admission.

Create or Log in to Your Account

Begin your application through Cal State Apply; the website will guide you through the steps. Rest assured; you can save your work and come back later.

You’ll start by selecting the term you wish to apply for, and then you’ll be able to select your campus and desired program. 

To get started, you should have the following information on hand: 

• Unofficial high school transcripts
• Social security number
• Citizenship status
• Annual family income
• Education, work and extracurricular activity information
• Test scores (optional)
• Credit/debit card or PayPal account for $70 application fee

Download the Cal State Apply Guide

In addition to your application, you may be required to submit additional materials, such as official high school and college transcripts, as well as test scores.

Transcripts

These are typically sent electronically directly from the school. If your school prefers to mail your transcripts, they can use this address: 

Office of Admissions
Cal State Monterey Bay
100 Campus Center
Seaside, CA 93955-8001

Test Scores

Test scores are optional at CSUMB, and they can be used for advising and placement purposes.. If you wish to include them with your application for admission, official SAT and/or ACT test scores must be sent via the College Board and/or ACT websites. 

Cal State Monterey Bay's institution codes are:

• SAT code 1945
• ACT code 0321

Be sure to complete the online application and get in any supplemental materials by the deadline for your desired term. 

Once you submit your application through Cal State Apply, you will also receive instructions on how to access your CSUMB dashboard.

You’ll be able to check the status of your application at your CSUMB dashboard, as well as see a checklist of next steps. You will also receive updates and reminders about the process. 

Decisions are released on a rolling basis. 

Students admitted to Cal State Monterey Bay — Future Otters! — will receive information about next steps, including financial aid, housing, and orientation.

Visit Our Admitted Otters Page