Glossary of Terms

Academic Advisement Center: Assists undergraduates in planning their academic course work and in making progress towards their General Education (GE) and other graduation requirements. Other departments will help with major and/or career selections.

Academic Eligibility Index: The CSU Eligibility Index is a combination of your academic GPA and your highest SAT or ACT score as reported to Cal State Fullerton upon application to the university for general admission. This index is the number used to evaluate applicants in the admission phase and when applying for scholarships. You can calculate your eligibility index by multiplying your grade point average by 800 and adding your total score on the SAT I. Or, if you took the ACT, multiply your grade point average by 200 and add ten times the ACT composite score.

ACT: The ACT Assessment Test is designed to assess high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The tests cover English, mathematics, reading, and science. The tests are curriculum based - directly related to what you have learned in your high school courses in English, mathematics, and science.

Admissions: The 8-10 week process that takes place once you've submitted your online application. The admissions department will notify you if your application has been accepted. Submitting your application between October 1 and November 30, meeting the proper requirements and submitting transcripts and other required documents in a timely manner will help to speed the process along.

A-G Course List: All Cal State Universities and UCs require that specific courses (commonly referred to as A-G) be completed in high school before admission as a first-time freshman. A grade of C or higher is required for each course to meet the subject requirement.

Campus Tour: Until you visit a campus in person, you can't really get a feel of what it's like to attend school there. Campus tours are provided to give prospective students and parents a chance to visit, ask questions and see things first-hand.

College Board: a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Among its best-known programs are the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT and the Advanced Placement Program. The College Board web site provides an online form for registration for your SAT testing.

CSU Mentor: CSUMentor is an online resource designed to help students and their families learn about the Cal State University system, select a campus to attend, plan their finances and apply for admission. CSUMentor is free to use. The student will only pay the application fee charged directly by the CSU campus when an application for admission is submitted.

Eligibility Index: The CSU Eligibility Index is a combination of your academic GPA and your highest SAT or ACT score as reported to Cal State Fullerton upon application to the university for general admission. This index is the number used to evaluate applicants in the admission phase and when applying for scholarships. You can calculate your eligibility index by multiplying your grade point average by 800 and adding your total score on the SAT I. Or, if you took the ACT, multiply your grade point average by 200 and add ten times the ACT composite score.

ELM – Entry Level Math (ELM) is a college entrance test designed to assess the skill levels of entering CSU students in the areas of mathematics typically covered in three years of preparatory mathematics courses in high school. Those undergraduates who do not demonstrate college-level skills will be directed to courses or programs designed to help them attain these skills.

EPT – English Placement Test (EPT) is a college entrance test designed to assess the level of reading and writing skills of entering undergraduate students so students can be placed in appropriate courses. Those undergraduates who do not demonstrate college-level skills will be directed to courses or programs designed to help them attain these skills.

FAFSA - The U.S. Department of Education offers a variety of student financial aid programs including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The first step is to fill out the Pre-application Worksheet to determine your eligibility. The FAFSA school code for Cal State Fullerton is 001137.

Fee Waiver - If you cannot afford the application fee, you may request a fee waiver. The fee waiver process is built in CSU Mentor so you will not need to file a separate Request for an Application Fee Waiver. In some cases where the online application is unable to determine your eligibility to apply for a fee waiver, you will have to submit the request to the campus. The campus will inform you if you do not qualify for the waiver. Only California residents are eligible.

Financial Aid - On every college campus, the Financial Aid department assists students with information regarding financial assistance that is available through loans, grants and scholarships. Based on the expected costs of your education minus what you or your parents can contribute, your need is established. Priority for financial aid funding is given to students who demonstrate the highest financial need and who meet the priority filing date.

Financial Aid Award - The award is the financial assistance given to you based on your need. Awards include grants, loans and scholarships. Some scholarships are based on financial need and others on academic performance.

General Education (GE) Requirements - These are the core education courses required to obtain your Bachelor's degree at most colleges and universities. Most of these courses will be outside of your area of concentration (major subject). They cover the basic knowledge areas including English, math and science.

GPA – Grade point average (GPA) is the calculation figured by dividing the grade points earned by the number of credits attempted resulting in the average grade earned by a student.

Housing - Incoming freshman planning to live on campus should apply online as soon as they have decided to attend (it's free to apply and you don't have to be admitted). There are many off-campus options in the surrounding areas.

Impaction - Due to the large number of eligible freshman applicants, Cal State Fullerton has been designated as an “impacted” campus for freshman admissions. Only a limited amount of incoming freshmen will be admitted. To receive priority consideration, apply online by the November 30 deadline.

Due to impaction, freshmen admissions for students outside the local area is more competitive (an eligibility index higher than 2900 will be required for freshman admission).

Local Area - The local area includes all high schools in Orange County and those in Walnut, Whittier and the Chino Valley district. Local area students who are eligible will receive priority consideration for admission.

Major - Your major is the main subject you choose to study. While your major is an important decision, it is the college experience and the knowledge/skills you obtain that will help you get the job of your dreams.

New Student Orientation - New Student Orientation is a required event for incoming freshmen held each summer. It's a chance to tour the campus, receive academic advisement regarding required courses, learn skills to help you with the adjustments and a chance to register for your first classes with priority registration. The registration deadline for this event is mid-May.

Outreach - University Outreach is the department on campus that visits local area high schools answering questions regarding admission to Cal State Fullerton. Outreach is here to help you make informed decisions in your college selection process and provide information regarding our academic programs and admission to the university.

SAT 1- The SAT 1 is a required standardized exam taken in your senior year of high school. Students are tested on their basic language and mathematical skills. The scores are used to determine your academic eligibility index which helps in your ranking while being considered for admission to a university.

Scholarship - Based on merit or your choice in major, a scholarship is financial assistance awarded to you as a gift to be used toward your educational expenses as you work toward your degree. Every scholarship has different requirements. The Financial Aid departmenthas a list of all the scholarships currently available.

Transcript - An official copy of your high school transcripts are required as part of the admissions process. Once admitted, the Office of Admissions will instruct you as to where and when to have the transcripts sent.

Welcome to Cal State Fullerton Day - This April event gives new students the opportunity to interact with our faculty, staff and students. University administrators will be on hand to answer your questions about the campus and admissions requirements.

For more information about our services, please contact our office
at (657) 278-2086 or you can email us at outreach@fullerton.edu.