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First-Year Student

Start Your Story at Sonoma State University

Your future starts here and we’re excited to be part of it! At Sonoma State, we welcome driven, curious students ready to take that first bold step into college life.

We’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you from application to enrollment, making your transition to college as smooth as possible. With personalized support and a welcoming community, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Who is Considered A First-Year Student?

You can apply as a first-year student if:

  • You're on track to graduate from high school in the fall or spring term prior to your application or
  • You’ve already graduated and haven’t enrolled in college courses beyond the summer after graduation.

Let Sonoma State be the place where your college journey begins and where your future takes shape.

Your Roadmap to SSU Success

We’ve created tailored resources to help you transition confidently into life at Sonoma State. Explore the tools designed with your success in mind.

Apply to Join Our Community

Start your application today on the California State University website:

Apply to SSU

Priority Application Dates

TermFirst-Year StudentsInternational Students
Spring 2026 Priority PeriodAug 1 - Sept 30Aug 1 - Sept 30
Fall 2026 Priority PeriodOct 1 – Dec 1Oct 1 – Apr 30

Note: Application periods may extend past priority deadlines. All dates are tentative and subject to change.

Review the Impacted and Additional Majors

Missed an Application Deadline?

No worries! Request a Late Application.

Application Support

For application support, please contact the Sonoma State Outreach and Recruitment Counselors.

If you are experiencing technical issues with your application, please contact:

First-Year Admissions Criteria

To meet minimum admission requirements, First-Year students must complete 15 year-long high school courses with a grade of “C” or higher (this is known in California as A-G requirements).

Note: A "unit" is roughly equivalent to one year of high school coursework.

A-G RequirementsSubjectYears
AU.S. History/Social Science: 2 years, including 1 year US history/government and 1 year social science (world history, geography, etc.)2
BEnglish: 4 years (8 semesters) of college preparatory English composition and literature4
CMathematics: Courses may be part of a traditional sequence (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2) or an integrated sequence (Mathematics I, II, and III). In addition, acceptable courses may be combinations of algebra, geometry, and other algebra-based advanced-level math courses.3 (4 years recommended)
DLaboratory Science: 2 years, including 1 year of physical science (chemistry, physics, etc.) and 1 year of biological science (biology, zoology, anatomy, etc.)2
ELanguage Other than English: 2 years in the same language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence)2
FVisual and Performing Arts: 1 year: art, dance, drama/theatre, or music1
GCollege Preparatory Elective: One more year of any college preparatory subject1

Important Information for First-Year Admissions 

  • All required high school courses must be completed with a C or better before graduation. Courses must be certified by your high school as meeting A-G requirements.
  • GPA is calculated using A-G courses from the 10th through 12th grades.

Learn More About A-G Requirements

See our Multi Factor Score Information website for more details. 

College Courses Before High School Graduation

You may use college coursework to:

  • Make up for missing A-G classes
  • Courses must:
    • Be at least 3 semesters or 4 quarter units
    • Be listed on your application
    • Be graded (not Pass/No Credit)
    • Be pre-approved by Admissions
    • If eligible, these courses may earn you credit upon review of official transcripts. 

Students with Disabilities

Domestic & International Coursework

If you’ve completed international coursework, you can request a course-by-course evaluation by WES or SpanTran. Contact the Admissions Office for assistance.