Speedy admission for freshmen

By Carrie Porche Jones, On-Line Forty-Niner

Wednesday, October 7, 1998

The stress of waiting for the letter of admission to Cal State Long Beach will be eliminated for qualified first-time freshmen who participate in the 49er Express Freshmen Admissions Day Oct. 31.

Students who meet California State University eligibility requirements and have the proper documents will be admitted to CSULB on the same day.

The students will be able to sit down with counselors who will help them to complete the admission process.

"After the process is completed, it feels good to be able to reach across the table, shake hands and say 'Welcome to CSULB' to the student," said Valerie Bordeaux, director of University Outreach and School Relations.

To qualify for on-site admission, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet the CSU subject pattern requirements that include four years of English, three years of mathematics, one year of U.S. history or U.S. government, one year of lab science, two years of a foreign language, one year of visual and performing arts and three years of approved electives.

Bordeaux said the event drew about 300 students last year. She said she expects more students this year.

"We have quality programs to offer. President Maxson, our No. 1 cheerleader, strongly supports the enrollment process," Bordeaux said. "He is striving to make CSULB the university of choice.

She describes the 49er Express Freshmen Admissions Day as a "one-stop, on-site admission process". Students and families can gather information about the campus, what CSULB has to offer and educational opportunities. They can also take a tour of the campus.

Express admission does not, however, guarantee admission to impacted programs or the Educational Opportunity Program.

Required documents are a completed CSU application and a check or money order for the $55 application fee or completed fee waiver signed by a parent. Students under 19 years of age must provide documentation of residency.

The program is scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. in The Pyramid. An appointment is necessary, although walk-ins will be accommodated on a space available basis only.

The deadline for applications is Oct. 21.

For more information or an appointment, one may call the University Outreach office at (562) 985-5358.