Applying to The Beach FAQ

The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are designed to help undergraduate applicants—including first-time, first-year and transfer students—prepare for and navigate the application process at California State University, Long Beach. These FAQs should be used in conjunction with the guidance and communications provided through Cal State Apply and CSULB. 

If you have any trouble with your application, visit the Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center. 

All Undergraduate 

Question: If I took one or more courses at a community college, do I need to submit an official transcript? 
Answer: Yes. Any coursework you have previously taken needs to be listed on your transcript and submitted with your application to CSULB on Cal State Apply. Note that transcripts uploaded to Cal State Apply are not shared with CSULB. 

Question: How do I change my major after submitting my application? 
Answer: You are unable to change majors after submitting your application. Due to the impaction and competitive nature of our admission process, once your application is submitted, you must maintain the major you selected for that term. Please note that if you are admitted under the current major there is no assurance that you will be allowed to change your major in the future due to our Timely Graduation Policy. 

Question: Do I need to send transcripts when I apply? 
Answer: Not to CSULB.  We will contact you when you need to submit official transcripts.

Question: I submitted my application for the wrong major. Can I cancel my admission and submit a new application? 
Answer: No. Only one application is allowed per term. If you withdraw your application, you cannot submit a second application. 

Question: How do I qualify for an application fee waiver? 
Answer: Fee waiver eligibility is determined through information entered in Cal State Apply, including family income and household size. The system automatically evaluates eligibility during the application process. 

Question: What if I repeated a class? 
Answer: Report both the original and repeated course attempts exactly as they appear on your transcripts. 

Question: Do I report AP, IB, CLEP, or military credits? 
Answer: Yes. Applicants should report qualifying AP, IB, CLEP, and military coursework as requested in the application. CSU campuses may award credit based on approved examinations and military transcripts. 
 

First-Time, First-Year 

Question: What courses do I need to report? 
Answer: Please report all courses completed, in progress and planned. This includes your senior year courses.

Question: Can I use community college courses to meet A-G requirements? 
Answer: Yes. Please make sure you match all college courses to their A-G areas.  

Question: Can I make changes to my application after I submit it? 
Answer: No. Once your Cal State Apply application is submitted, no changes on the application can be made. If you receive an admission offer or are placed on the waitlist, we will ask you to submit your official transcripts. At that time, we will review your updated enrollment information and determine your continued eligibility for admission. 

Transfer 

Question: I’m a transfer student who previously attended an out-of-state, private, or four-year institution. How do I know if the courses I took make me eligible to apply? 
Answer: Students transferring from institutions where formal articulation does not exist should compare course descriptions to determine whether their coursework reasonably meets the objectives of the CSULB admission requirements. Visit Assist to get started. 

Question: Can I make changes to my application after I submit it? 
Answer: No. Once your Cal State Apply application is submitted, no changes on the application can be made. You will be reviewed based on the information you provided in your Supplemental Application for Transfer Students. If you are given an admissions offer or waitlist offer, we will request that you also submit official transcripts. At that time, we will review your updated enrollment. 

Question: How can I determine whether my courses are transferable? 
Answer: Students attending California community colleges should use Assist to review transferability and major preparation requirements. 

Question: What is an Associate Degree for Transfer? 
Answer: An Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) is a California Community College degree designed to provide a streamlined pathway to the California State University (CSU) system. CSULB encourages eligible transfer applicants to complete an ADT. If you are earning an ADT that is similar to your intended major, be sure to report it on your application. Your ADT will be considered as part of your admission eligibility and may provide an admissions benefit.