Admissions

Some tips I would give to prospective students are; come ready to school, have your material, be awake, be aware that it has a lot of stairs so get some comfortable shoes for your first day of class, while you get use to the work out.

If you are an incoming student i suggest the following: TAKE AP/IB CLASSES! They are worth it in the long run, you can get credit for college courses if you pass you AP tests with a 3 or better and your IB tests with a 4 or better. In addition, in the math section of the SAT aim for a 550 which would exclude you from taking any lower level math class that wont count towards your major or General Ed requirements. If you decide to take the ACT aim for a 23 OR higher on the math section for the same reason, and you wont have to take any math placement test. In addition, aim for a 550 or above in the SAT reading/writing portion of the test this will exempt you from the English placement exam and guarantee you entrance to a college level English class. Also, make sure you have the immunizations you need before coming to the university because if you do not the school wont let you apply for spring semester classes until you do. The immunization you need are: Hepatitis B, and Rubella shots. I would also recommend if you are a high school student planning on coming to the university to take some language courses in a community college. By language I'm referring to a language other than English like Italian, Spanish, or french. The school is very flexible with accepting language credit from community colleges and its cheaper to get these courses over with in community college. So, get a head now.

1. Try to be a paid note taker in a class if you can because then you get priority registration
2. Take the computer skills requirement tests your first semester so you don't get a hold on your account.
3. Rent don't buy your textbooks for the first year or two, chances are they aren't going to be books you'll want to keep

Keep trying, never give up! Stay focused and study study study. Know what you want and stick with it. You can do anything you put your mind to.

Keep your grades up, especially when it draws closer to applying for colleges. However, try to not limit yourself to simple academics. Colleges, especially ones such as CSUSM, are interested in other activities that you do as well. Such as sports, community service, or clubs you may be involved in.

I would say go for it in any major except nursing. Great professor and smaller classes leading to better grades. There are many stairs and it does earn its nickname CSU Stair Master, be prepared with walking shoes! Learn to be friendly with your professors, they truly are there to help you excel at whatever class you are in.

Don't look down on the CSU just because it is a state school, CSUSM has so much to offer, if you only give it a chance. A smaller school than its competitors (UCSD) CSUSM really offers the best classroom setting. The students learn to be around each other and learn from one another and the teachers are ALWAYS there to assist,. they even know you by name! :)

Do not take the elevators and you won't need the gym.
Make sure to get involved and take advantage of all the resources the campus has to offer.

Be prepared to work hard because they move fast and the work load is constant.