California A-G requirements

The University of California gives the following definition of A-G Subject requirements.

• History/social science (“a”) – Two years, including one year of world history, cultures and historical geography and one year of U.S. history, or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of  American government or civics.

• English (“b”) – Four years of college preparatory English that integrates reading of classic and modern literature, frequent and regular writing, and practice listening and speaking.

• Mathematics (“c”) –Three years of college-preparatory math, including or integrating the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry.

• Laboratory science (“d”) – Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of the three disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

• Language other than English (“e”) – Two years of the same language other than English or equivalent to the second level of high school instruction.

• Visual and performing arts (“f”) – One year chosen from dance, music, theater or the visual arts.

• College-preparatory elective (“g”) – One year chosen from the “a-f” courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements above, or courses that have been approved solely in the elective area.

Homeschool students have successfully gained admission to the UC and CSU Systems. Since homeschool students do not have access to schools that offer A-G approved classes, they should use the admission by examination option.

Admission by examination requires the student to take the SAT or ACT with writing as well as 2 SAT subject test. The qualifying formula can be found on the UC website. Learn more here.

Even though admission by examination allows a non traditional student to qualify for admission, homeschool students should do as much as possible to be competitive, especially for highly selective schools like Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego. The same requirements apply to the CSUs. For students applying to selective schools, include extra subject tests and take AP classes if possible. This will validate your grades and show the admission committee that you are ready for the rigors of the UCs or CSUs.

Homeschool charters typically offer two paths an A-G path and a customized path. Often parents are told that a student who wishes to attend college must use A-G courses, however, this is not true. A-G simply means taking UC approved courses and is one way of qualifying for admission to the University of California and the California State University systems. A-G is not necessary for out of state or private schools.

Many families prefer a customized or non A-G path. This is also a college preparatory path, however families must plan carefully if a student would like to attend a California State University or University of California campus.

According to the University of California office of the president, a student who attends a public school that offers A-G courses, should fulfill A-G requirements. However, students are not limited to A-G courses, there are other options. A student can use a combination of SAT subject tests, SAT and ACT tests, AP and IB tests, and dual enrollment to fulfill requirements. A full explanation can be found on the University of California website.

Regardless, a student who does not have all their A-G requirements will still have their application read. Each campus decides how they will evaluate an application and the importance of completing an A-G path.