Cal State Long Beach: 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into California State University-Long Beach (CSULB). We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to Cal State Long Beach, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown Cal State Long Beach statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here. If you're interesting in transferring to Cal State Long Beach, the read our transfer guide. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at Cal State Long Beach

What GPA do you need to get into California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)?

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s average GPA is 3.56. California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) does require GPA. This average GPA means California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) is very selective. Often times, schools in this range are trying to increase their selectivity and “prestige”. We can’t read the minds of Cal State Long Beach application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 3.56 to 3.74 this year - to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 3.74 GPA.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on Cal State Long Beach’s campus. These Cal State Long Beach admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.

What is California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s acceptance rate?

Last year California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s acceptance rate was 33.82. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

As you can see, California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) is a little easier to get into than last year.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into Cal State Long Beach - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

Does California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) Require Test Scores?

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) SAT Requirements

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s average SAT score is 1045 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) is getting more or less competitive.

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s average SAT score is 1045. To be a competitive applicant for California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 930, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1160.

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) ACT Requirements

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)’s average ACT score is 68. To be a competitive applicant for California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 58, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 78.

How hard is it to get into California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)?

As you can see from the data above, California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) is difficult to get into. Not only should you be aiming for a 3.56 but also SAT scores around 1045.

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

How to get into Cal State Long Beach

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into Cal State Long Beach. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at Cal State Long Beach, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with Cal State Long Beach admission standards.

1. Score at least a 1045 on the SAT or 68 on the ACT.
2. Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.56.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with Cal State Long Beach’s Values.

1. Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
2. Volunteer in your hometown. Long Beach has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Long Beach area in general.
3. Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. Cal State Long Beach needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

1. Write a stellar essay that shows California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
2. Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your Cal State Long Beach app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
3. Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that Cal State Long Beach’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.