California State University, San Marcos

It is moderately difficult to get into California State University, San Marcos. The university admitted 94% of all applicants in 2022. Out of 15,000 applications received in 2023, 14,064 students were offered admission.

If you are applying to California State University, San Marcos, the application fee costs $70.

Students who apply to California State University, San Marcos for fall semester should anticipate a decision by November 1.

California State University, San Marcos Admissions Stats at a Glance

Here is an overiew of some of California State University, San Marcos's admissions stats.

California State University, San Marcos 2023	Admissions Statistics
Mean Unweighted GPA	3.4
Admissions Test Policy	Not optional
Waitlist	No

California State University, San Marcos Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for California State University, San Marcos.

Application Type	Offered	Application Deadline	Notification Deadline
Early Decision I	No	–	–
Early Decision II	–	–	–
Early Action	No	–	–

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Considering Applying Early to California State University, San Marcos?

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California State University, San Marcos does not offer early decision or early action.

➡️ Discover a list of some top colleges that admit significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.

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More on California State University, San Marcos Admissions

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How To Get Into California State University, San Marcos

Getting into CSU San Marcos is moderately difficult. CSU San Marcos has open admissions, which means admission is not competitive and any applicants that met the basic requirements can enroll.

In 2022, CSU San Marcos accepted 94% of students, around 14,064 from the 15,000 applicants.

Schools that are moderately difficult to get into, like CSU San Marcos, accept fewer than 85% of all applicants. At least 75% of all admitted students have GPAs in the top 50% of their high school class and scored over 1010 on the SAT or over 18 on the ACT.

For applicants who are non-residents, getting into California State University, San Marcos is moderately difficult.

Transferring to California State University, San Marcos

It is moderately difficult to be admitted as a transfer student.

For Students Waitlisted to California State University, San Marcos

California State University, San Marcos has not reported data for waitlisted and admitted students.

What Does California State University, San Marcos Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when choosing who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college has a different way of determining which factors are they consider most important in the admissions process. When assembling your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and choose schools that put the most emphasis on the areas where you're strong.

Admissions Factors at California State University, San Marcos

Wondering what factors are considered by California State University, San Marcos during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor	Level
Academic GPA	Very Important
Geographical Residence	Considered
Work Experience	Considered
First Generation	Considered

Make sure to check with California State University, San Marcos for more information on admission factors.

California State University, San Marcos Application Requirements

To apply to California State University, San Marcos, all applicants must submit the following items. Check with California State University, San Marcos's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

Area	Required	Recommended	Required for Some	Details (If Any)
Transcript of High School Record	√	–	–	–

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GPA and Testing

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What GPA Do I Need To Get Into California State University, San Marcos?

Students admitted to California State University, San Marcos have an average unweighted GPA of 3.4.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that reflects your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

California State University, San Marcos is not test optional. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

More Information on Transferring to California State University, San Marcos

For transfer students, it is moderately difficult to get admitted to California State University, San Marcos. Transfer applications are processed on a on a rolling basis as they are received.

Transfer students can enroll in California State University, San Marcos during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Winter Term

• Spring Term

• Winter Term

• Summer Term

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California State University, San Marcos Admissions FAQs

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Can I defer my acceptance to California State University, San Marcos?

❌ Students who are admitted to California State University, San Marcos must attend in the term they start. Deferring admissions is not encouraged. If you have a unusual circumstance, contact the admissions department.

Does California State University, San Marcos accept transfer credits?

✅ California State University, San Marcos accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. California State University, San Marcos accepts:

• CLEP subject tests • DSST/DANTES

Does California State University, San Marcos accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

✅ California State University, San Marcos accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to California State University, San Marcos?

✅ California State University, San Marcos is not test optional.

What is California State University, San Marcos's acceptance rate?

✅ California State University, San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 94%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at California State University, San Marcos?

❌ California State University, San Marcos does not offer early decision.

Want To Learn More About California State University, San Marcos?

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