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CSU - Direct Admissions Program

Attention: 12th Grade Students and Parents/Guardians in the San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD)

The CSU Direct Admission Program, sometimes referred to as automatic acceptance, notifies eligible students using academic information provided by SMUHSD and proactively informs those students that they qualify for admission to participating CSU campuses. 

SMUHSD 12th Grade students will receive a personalized communication in the mail from the CSU (see above samples) outlining their options for pursuing a CSU degree. Depending on their academic standing, the communication may inform the student that they are:

  1. Eligible for admission into participating CSU campuses
    1. Students who receive a direct admission notification are encouraged to apply through launching the CaliforniaColleges.edu platform to complete their Cal State Apply application and any additional steps needed to finalize admission. Submitting an application is required to be​ admitted ​to CSUs participating in the program (see list to the right).  
  2. Almost eligible for admission and should work with their school counselor to review their courses, or 
  3. Not currently eligible and should explore the CSU’s Transfer Success Pathway program.  

Launch Your Cal State Apply Application Using CaliforniaColleges.edu 

Launching your application from CaliforniaColleges.edu links your application to your CaliforniaColleges.edu account, which allows you to track your application status.

You can launch your application at any time before you submit your application. 

Launching your application from the platform also allows you to import your courses and grades, which saves you time and helps to prevent errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CSU Direct Admission Program the same as automatic acceptance? 

The CSU Direct Admission Program is sometimes referred to as an automatic admission or automatic acceptance program because eligible students are proactively informed that they qualify for admission to participating CSU campuses. However, students must still submit a Cal State Apply application and complete any required enrollment steps to finalize admission. 

Do I still need to apply if I receive a direct admission notification? 

Yes. Students must still submit a Cal State Apply application and complete any required enrollment steps. Public school students may launch their Cal State Apply application through the California Colleges website. ​

Does automatic ​​admission ​guarantee that I will be admitted to my CSU campus of choice? 

Students who receive direct admission opportunities and continue to meet minimum CSU admission eligibility will be admitted to a CSU campus, provided the student is not selecting an impacted major or campus. Seventeen of the 22 CSU campuses accept students who meet minimum CSU admission eligibility. Impacted majors and campuses will require additional admission requirements. Learn more about admissions ​requirements for freshmen. 

Will every California high school student receive a notification? 

No. Only students who attend California schools and districts that have signed a direct admissions agreement with the CSU and have provided the information needed to identify students for personalized notifications will receive mailed communications.  ​

​​Can I still apply to a campus that is not participating in direct admission? 

Yes. Students may apply to any CSU campus. Campuses​ not participating in the Direct Admission Program may require additional admission requirements. Students are encouraged to apply broadly to any of the CSUs. 

Do I still need to pay the application fee if I receive an offer of direct admission? ​

Yes. Students must still pay the application fee. The cost is $70 per campus. However, all applicants are automatically considered for an application fee waiver based on the information requested in the application. Applicants who are eligible for the application fee waiver may apply to up to four CSU campuses per application term cost-free.  

Contact

Students and families interested in the CSU Direct Admission Program should speak with their high school counselor and visit Cal State Apply for the latest admissions information.

Participating CSUs*

  • CSU Bakersfield
  • CSU Channel Islands
  • Chico State
  • CSU Dominguez Hills
  • Cal State East Bay
  • Fresno State
  • Cal Poly Humboldt
  • Cal State Monterey Bay
  • Cal State Los Angeles
  • Cal Poly Pomona
  • CSU Northridge
  • Sacramento State
  • Cal State San Bernardino
  • San Francisco State
  • Cal State San Marcos
  • Stanislaus State
  • Sonoma State

The following campuses are not participating in the 2026-27 School Year:

  • CSU Fullerton
  • CSU Long Beach
  • San Diego State
  • San José State
  • Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.


*NOTE Some majors at participating campuses may have additional admission requirements

How Are Students Identified?

SMUHSD reviewed student academic records and identified eligible graduating seniors based on CSU admission requirements and the students’ progress toward completing required coursework.