1. California “a-g” requirements
Who uses them?
What are they used for?
What are they, and how will I meet them?

2. California “a-g” requirements
Remember these numbers:
2 yrs.– Social Sciences
4 yrs.– English
3 yrs.– Math
2 yrs.– Science
2 yrs.– Foreign Language
1 yr.– VPA
1 yr.– College Elective

3. Who uses the “a-g” requirements?
California State System
University of California System
(Public, state schools use the “a-g” requirements. Private colleges and universities may have their own admission requirements.)

4. California State Universities
California Polytechnic University, Pomona
California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
California State University, Bakersfield
California State University, Channel Islands
California State University, Dominguez Hills
California State University, East Bay
California State University, Fullerton
California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Los Angeles
California State University, Monterey Bay
California State University, Northridge
California State University, Sacramento
California State University, San Bernardino
California State University, San Marcos
California State University, Stanislaus
Chico State University
Fresno State University
Humboldt State University
Maritime Academy
San Diego State University
San Francisco State University
San Jose State University
Sonoma State University

5. University of California Campuses
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Davis
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Merced
University of California, Riverside
University of California, San Diego
University of California, San Francisco
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Cruz

6. What are the “a-g” requirements used for?
“The intent of the "a-g" subject requirements is to ensure that students can participate fully in the first-year program at the University in a wide variety of fields of study. The requirements are written deliberately for the benefit of all students expecting to enter the University, and not for preparation for specific majors. UC faculty consider the Subject Requirement to be effective preparation, on many levels, for undergraduate work at the University. This pattern of study assures the faculty that the student has attained a body of general knowledge that will provide breadth and perspective to new, more advanced study. Fulfillment of the "a-g" pattern also demonstrates that the student has attained essential critical thinking and study skills.”
-From UC Office of the President

7. How will I meet these subject requirements?
“a” History/Social Science
(2 years required)
Two years of history/social science, including one year of world history, cultures and geography; and one year of U.S. history or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government.

8. How will I meet these subject requirements?
“b” English
(4 years required)
Four years of college-preparatory English that include frequent and regular writing and reading of classic and modern literature.
ELD 4 counts as 1 year. Lower level ELD courses do not fulfill the requirement

9. How will I meet these subject requirements?
“c” Mathematics
(3 years required, 4 years recommended)
Three years of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry.

10. How will I meet these subject requirements?
“d” Laboratory Science
(2 years required, 3 years recommended)
Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in two of these three core disciplines: biology, chemistry and physics. Advanced laboratory science classes that have biology, chemistry or physics as prerequisites and offer substantial additional material may be used to fulfill this requirement.

11. How will I meet these subject requirements?
“e” Language Other than English
(2 years required, 3 years recommended)
Two years of the same language other than English. Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, composition and culture. Courses in languages other than English taken in the seventh and eighth grades may be used to fulfill part of this requirement.

12. How will I meet these subject requirements?
“f” Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) (1 year required) A single yearlong approved arts course from a single VPA discipline: theater, music, performing or visual arts.

13. How will I meet these subject requirements?
“g” College Preparatory Electives
(1 year required)
One year/two semesters, in addition to those required in "a-f" above, chosen from the following areas: visual and performing arts (non-introductory level courses), history, social science, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science and language other than English (a third year in the language used for the "e" requirement or two years of another language).

14. Grades in A-G courses
Students must receive semester grade of C- or better to fulfill A-G requirement
Quarter Grades are not counted

15. Most common ways students get off track….
Students are required to complete 4 years of college-prep English. One semester with a grade below C- will require a plan to retake English
3 years of math are required including Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II (or higher math)

16. Getting back on track…. TALK TO YOUR HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Possibilities may include:
Retake course during school year
Retake course during summer school
Take a-g approved course at Community College
Take an a-g approved online course

17. Are you on track?

18. On track… By end of 9th grade: By end of 10th grade:
Complete 4 A-G courses with a C- or better
By end of 10th grade:
Complete 7 A-G courses with a C- or better
By end of 11th grade:
Complete 11 A-G courses with a C- or better
By end of 12th grade:
Complete 15 A-G courses with a C- or better

19. “a-g” Requirement Websites
“a-g” courses for your school:
“a-g” courses-general information: