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:
Priority Application Dates
| Term | First-Year Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 Priority Period | Aug 1 - Sept 30 | Aug 1 - Sept 30 |
| Fall 2026 Priority Period | Oct 1 – Dec 1 | Oct 1 – Apr 30 |
Note: Application periods may extend past priority deadlines. All dates are tentative and subject to change.
Review Impacted and Additional Criteria 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:
- Email: [email protected]
- Or call (857) 304-2087
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 Requirements | Subject | Years |
|---|---|---|
| A | U.S. History/Social Science: 2 years, including 1 year US history/government and 1 year social science (world history, geography, etc.) | 2 |
| B | English: 4 years (8 semesters) of college preparatory English composition and literature | 4 |
| C | Mathematics: 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) |
| D | Laboratory Science: 2 years, including 1 year of physical science (chemistry, physics, etc.) and 1 year of biological science (biology, zoology, anatomy, etc.) | 2 |
| E | Language Other than English: 2 years in the same language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence) | 2 |
| F | Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year: art, dance, drama/theatre, or music (2 semesters in the same discipline) | 1 |
| G | College Preparatory Elective: One more year of any college preparatory subject | 1 |
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 to verify that the course taken will meet requirements
- If eligible, these courses may earn you credit upon review of official transcripts
Students with Disabilities
- Contact our Outreach and Recruitment Counselors for application support.
- If you are experiencing technical issues, with your application, please contact:
- Email: [email protected]
- Or call (857) 304-2087
- To explore services for students, please visit Disability Services for Students.
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.
ECE as an option for course to course evaluation. Make a note that we will continue to accept SpanTran for Spring 26 applications.