What do you mean by "a-g"?
There are 7 subjects , organized from "a-g" that you have to pass in high school (C or better) if you want to be considered for a University of California
(UC) or California State University (CSU) campus. There are 7 subjects, but 15 classes.
Is this the same as high school graduation requirements?
High school graduation requirements and a-g requirements are different, but there is some overlap. For example, most high schools require you to complete 2 years of PE to graduate, but PE is not a part of the a-g requirements; you need 4 years of English to graduate from high school AND 4 years of English are a part of the a-g requirements.
Why should I complete the a - g subject requirements?
Besides being eligible for a UC/CSU, completing these requirements will prepare you for college-level work, regardless of which college you decide to.
How will I know which high school classes count as a-g?
Great question! Not all classes at the high school are considered "a-g approved". To find out which classes at your high school are a-g approved, look at the course list.
What is a course list?
Participating high schools in California provide information about the college prep classes offered at the school to the UC Office of the President (UCOP). UCOP approves the classes as “a-g” and keeps this list updated, with help from the school. You should print the course list for your high school every year. Go to http://doorways.ucop.edu/list. Type in the name of your high school, select the school year, then click Search.
History / Social Science (2 years)
Two years of history/social science, including one year of world history, cultures and geography; and one year of US history, or one-half year of US history AND one-half year of American government.
English (4 years)
Four years of college-preparatory English. One year of ESL-type courses can be used to meet this requirement.
Math (3 years required; 4 years recommended)
Three years of college preparatory mathematics; the minimum pattern is Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Math courses taken in the 7th and 8th grades that the student’s high school accepts as equivalent to its own may be used to fulfill a part of this requirement.
Laboratory Science (2 years required; 3 years recommended)
Two years of laboratory science in at least two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, and physics.
Language other than English (2 years required; 3 years recommended)
Two years of the same language other than English. Courses taken in the 7th and 8th grades may be used to fulfill part of this requirement if the student’s high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses.
Visual and Performing Arts (1 year)
A single yearlong visual or performing arts class such as dance, drama, music, or visual art (drawing, painting, etc.).
College Preparatory Elective (1 year)
One year chosen from additional "a-f" courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements above, or courses that have been approved elective classes.