We’re committed to making an exceptional college education accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds; it’s part of what makes our community diverse. Students who did not graduate from high school (or complete via homeschooling) are welcome to apply with one of the following test-out equivalents*: GED, HiSet or TASC*. Consideration of other test-out equivalents is on a case-by-case basis.
Refer to these checklists in addition to our application guidelines for an overview of what you should submit as part of your Complete Application, and contact us with questions about your eligibility and circumstances.
Freshman/first-year applicants
- Official score report from the GED, HiSet, or TASC high school equivalency exam (see below)
- An official transcript from the last high school attended
- A personal statement and academic explanation as part of the application
Transfer applicants with fewer than 30 college-level credits since equivalency exam
- Official score report from the GED, HiSet, or TASC high school equivalency exam (see below)
- One official college transcript from every college or university attended during or after high school
- An official transcript from the last high school attended
- The academic explanation within the application is strongly encouraged
Transfer applicants with 30+ college-level credits complete since equivalency exam
- Official score report from the GED, HiSet, or TASC high school equivalency exam (see below) or a copy of the high school equivalency certificate as proof of completion. This document will not be evaluated in the admission decision but is required for federal reporting purposes. Financial aid cannot be released without this documentation on file.
- One official college transcript from every college or university attended during or after high school
- The “academic explanation” short answer prompt within the application is strongly encouraged
Factors we’ll consider when reviewing your application
GED, HiSET or TASC exam results are considered in our review for all freshman applicants and transfers with fewer than 30 college-level credits complete since exam completion. To be eligible for admission, applicants must present the following results as part of a Complete Application:
- GED 2002-2013: Minimum 410 in each content area. (550+ was the previous indicator of being “college ready”)
- GED 2014: Minimum 145 in each content area. (165+ is considered the indicator of being “college ready“)
- HiSET: Minimum 45 combined score with 8 or better in each content area and at least a 2 out of 6 on the essay.
- TASC: Minimum 500 in each content area with at least a 2 out of 8 on the essay.
For all applicants, we consider a range of factors when assessing each applicant’s potential for academic success at CSU, including academic preparation and potential, demonstrated achievement, personal background, personal and professional accomplishments since leaving school, and other components that suggest college readiness. Applicants are encouraged to include a personal statement or academic explanation and a recommendation and support documents such as a résumé, particularly if prior classroom achievement was hampered by extenuating circumstances.
*The TASC Test was discontinued in 2022. For help with exam scores, please contact the testing center where you took the TASC exam or the high school equivalency coordinator in your state.