A-G Requirements and College Checklist

 What are A-G Requirements?

The A-G requirements are a series of college preparatory courses that high school students in California are encouraged to complete in order to meet eligibility criteria for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. These requirements cover a range of subjects including English, mathematics, laboratory science, foreign language, social sciences, and visual/performing arts. Successfully fulfilling these A-G courses ensures that students have taken a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for higher education and enhances their chances of admission to these universities, emphasizing a well-rounded education across various disciplines. Completing these courses with satisfactory grades is crucial for students aspiring to attend a UC or CSU institution.

Students need to complete the following criteria:

• A: History/Soc ial Science (2 years required)
• B: English (4 years required)
• C: Mathematics (3 years required, 4 years recommended)
• D: Laboratory Science (2 years required, 3 years recommended)
• E: Language other than English (2 years required, 3 years recommended)
• F: Visual and Performing Arts (1 year required)
• G: College Preparatory Electives (1 year required)

Our counselors ensure that all of our students are enrolled in these courses at Pacific and challenge students to pursue the recommended years for each category. 

  

 

  

What are the PSAT/SAT/ACT exams and why are they important?

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT), SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), and ACT (American College Testing) are standardized tests commonly used in the United States for college admissions. Here's a brief overview of each:

• PSAT: The PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is often taken by high school sophomores and juniors. It serves as a practice test for the SAT and also qualifies students for National Merit Scholarships. The PSAT helps students gauge their readiness for the SAT, provides feedback on strengths and weaknesses, and allows for potential scholarship opportunities.
•  SAT: The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It assesses students' readiness for college and is comprised of sections in Reading, Writing and Language, Math (with and without a calculator), and an optional Essay. Many colleges and universities consider SAT scores as part of their admissions process. A good SAT score can enhance a student's chances of admission and also qualify them for scholarships.
• ACT: The ACT is another standardized test used for college admissions. It consists of sections in English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing section (essay). Some colleges accept both SAT and ACT scores, and students often take both exams to see which one they perform better on. The ACT, like the SAT, is used by colleges to evaluate a student's preparedness for higher education.

These exams are important because they provide colleges with a standardized way to evaluate and compare the academic readiness of students from different backgrounds and regions. They can play a significant role in the college admissions process, alongside other factors like GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Scoring well on these tests can increase a student's chances of being accepted into their preferred colleges and can sometimes lead to scholarship opportunities.