English: Four years of approved courses are necessary for those wishing to apply to either university.

Mathematics: Though four years are recommended, only three years including Algebra, intermediate Algebra and Geometry, are necessary for admittance.

Social Science: At least two years of Social Science and History. For entry into UC, these courses should include one year of History OR one half year of US History and one half year of Civics or American Government, and one year of World History, Cultures and World Geography. For entry into CSU, it’s required students pass one year of US History or one year of US History and US Government and one year of another approved Social Science. Keep in mind that in order to graduate from high school, Californians need to pass three years of approved Social Science courses.

Science - Students wishing to enter UC must have taken and passed two years of Science including labs. These two years can include Biology, Chemistry and Physics. For entry into CSU, students must pass two years of Science including one year of Biology and one year of Physical Science with labs included.

Foreign Language: Two years of the same foreign language is required for both UC and CSU, though three years of the same foreign language is recommended to gain entry into UC.