Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

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First-time freshman requirements
http://www.csum.edu/web/admissions/first-timefreshmen

A student will be considered for admission as a first-time freshman if he/she: (1) is a high school graduate, has earned a Certificate of General Education Development (GED), or has passed the California High School Proficiency Examination; (2) has completed, with grades of C- or higher, each of the courses in the college preparatory subject requirements (see required and enhanced courses); and, (3) has a qualifying eligibility index for the student’s chosen degree program (see Eligibility Index Table).

Test Requirements

Freshman and transfer applicants to impacted or special requirement programs such as Mechanical Engineering, with fewer than 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units must provide SAT or ACT scores in all cases. All applicants to non-impacted programs who have fewer than 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units of transferable college credit are strongly encouraged to submit scores from either the ACT or the SAT Reasoning Test of the College Board. The last test date from which scores are accepted is October for EA applicants and December for RA applicants. Registration information and dates are available from the following web sites:

The College Board (SAT)
Registration Unit, Box 6200
Princeton, NJ 08541-6200
609-771-7588
www.collegeboard.com
School Code: 4035

ACT Registration Unit
P.O. Box 414
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-337-1270
www.act.org
School Code: 0184

Eligibility Index

The eligibility index is the combination of a high school grade point average and a score on either the composite ACT score or the combined best math and best critical reading SAT scores.

The student’s grade point average (GPA) is based on grades earned in a set of required college preparatory “A-G” courses taken during the final three years of high school, with bonus points for approved honors courses (excluding courses such as physical education and military science).

Up to 8 semesters of honors courses taken in the last three years of high school, including up to 2 approved courses taken in the 10th grade can be accepted. Each unit of A in an honors course will receive a total of 5 grade points; B, 4 points; and C, 3 points. No additional points will be awarded for a grade of D.

A CSU Eligibility Index (EI) can be calculated in either of two ways: multiplying the student’s GPA by 800 and adding it to the mathematics and critical reading scores on the SAT, or multiplying the GPA by 200 and adding it to 10 times the ACT composite score. Thus:

If the SAT has been taken:
EI = (SAT scores in mathematics and critical reading) + (800 x high school GPA)

If the ACT has been taken:
EI = (10 x ACT composite score without the writing score) + (200 x high school GPA)

California high school graduates (residents of California) and residents of WUE/WICHE (Western Undergraduate Exchange/Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education) states need a minimum EI of 2900 using the SAT, or 694 using the ACT. A higher EI may be required of residents of WICHE states for certain majors. The Eligibility Index Table illustrates several combinations of required test scores and averages.

Non-residents from states outside the WUE need a minimum EI of 3502 (SAT) or 842 (ACT). U.S. citizens who are graduates of secondary schools in foreign countries must be judged to have academic preparation and abilities equivalent to applicants eligible under this section.

No matter how high a student’s GPA may be, all applicants for admission are expected to take the SAT or ACT and provide the scores of such tests to Cal Maritime. These test results are used for advising and placement purposes. In addition, given the academic rigor of the unique curriculum, ACT or SAT scores may be required for some majors.

Special Admissions Criteria for WICHE States

Cal Maritime, under its special mission as a West Coast maritime academy, will consider out-of-state applicants from the western U.S. (defined by WICHE) by using the California resident eligibility index. A higher index may be required of residents of WICHE states for certain majors. Updated information is available online at: http://www.csum.edu/web/admissions/first-timefreshmen

WICHE states are Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.

Subject Requirements

The California State University requires that first-time applicants complete, with grades of C or higher, a comprehensive set of college-preparatory courses (UC/CSU) “A- G list”) totaling 15 units (with a “unit” consisting of one year of study in high school):

1. 2 years of the social sciences, including 1 year of U.S. history or U.S. history and government
2. 4 years of English
3. 3 years of math (algebra I , geometry, and algebra II)
4. 2 years of laboratory sciences (1 year biological and 1 year physical, both with labs)
5. 2 years of the same foreign language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence)
6. 1 year of the visual and performing arts: art, dance, drama/theater, or music
7. 1 year of electives selected from English, advanced mathematics, social sciences, history, laboratory sciences, foreign language, visual and performing arts, or other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU “A-G List”

Alternate Criteria for Home Schooled Students

Students completing high school through home schooling are expected to meet the same admissions requirements as students attending traditional schools. Home schooled students may be affiliated with high schools or public school districts. In such cases, courses submitted to meet the college preparatory subject requirements must appear on the UC/CSU “A-G List”. For home schooled students who are not affiliated with high schools or districts, and who have insufficient courses from the UC/CSU “A-G List”, Cal Maritime will review the application on an individual basis to determine that all admissions requirements have been met.

Home-schooled applicants may be asked to submit supplemental information like SAT subject exam scores, ACT subscores, and AP exam scores to document completion of CSU eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Index Table for Residents of California (All Majors) and WUE/WICHE States (In Certain Majors)

The CSU uses only the SAT mathematics and critical reading scores, or the ACT composite score, in its admissions eligibility equation. The SAT or ACT writing scores are not currently used by CSU campuses.

Enhanced Requirements for Residents of WUE/WICHE States (In Certain Majors) and Out-Of-State Residents from Outside WUE (All Majors)

Enhanced Requirements for First-Time Freshman Applicants to Impacted Majors

The Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering Technology, Facilities Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering majors have been designated as impacted. An undergraduate major or campus is designated as impacted when the number of applications received from fully-qualified applicants during the initial filing period exceeds the number of available spaces. As a result, applications to these majors will be reviewed on a competitive basis, with a higher qualifying Eligibility Index and additional required courses taken in high school or college.

Mechanical Engineering First-Time Freshman Impaction Plan for Fall 2016

Additional Required and Recommended Admission Criteria

All applicants must apply within the October/November application period and complete the application within a timely manner.

Freshman Applicants

• All applicants must receive an SAT Math score of at least 550 or ACT Math score of 23
• The most recent math course (at least the immediate prerequisite to calculus) must be passed with a “C-” or better within five years of the application term.
• All other basic CSU eligibility requirements must be met.
• The following items are recommended
  • Completion of a high school course in physics
  • (New for Fall 2016 applicants) Completion of four years of high school math
  • Submission of a résumé including the applicant’s background connected to engineering, leadership, and/or the maritime industry

Selection Methodology: Freshman Applicants

• An index score is calculated based on grade point average and SAT or ACT scores.
• Once an index score has been computed for each student, a minimum index score and (possibly) a minimum SAT math score or equivalent ACT math score will be used to match qualifying applications with the available number of freshman admission spaces.
• A faculty committee will evaluate students with academics near the impaction minimum to ensure those with remarkable backgrounds or experiences receive admission consideration.

Facilities Engineering Technology and Marine Engineering Technology Impaction Plan for Fall 2016

Additional Required and Recommended Admission Criteria

All applicants must apply within the October/November application period and complete the application within a timely manner.

Freshman Applicants

• All applicants must submit an SAT or ACT score so that an index score can be computed for everyone.
• The most recent math course (at least algebra II) must be passed with a “C-” or better within five years of the application term
• (New for Fall 2016 applicants) A minimum Math SAT score of 450 or ACT math score of 18
• All other basic CSU eligibility requirements must be met.
• The following items are recommended
  • Completion of a course in pre-calculus (or equivalent course).
  • Completion of a course in physics.
  • (New for Fall 2016 applicants) completion of four years of high school math
  • Submission of a résumé including the applicant’s background connected to engineering, leadership, and/or the maritime industry

Selection Methodology: Freshman Applicants

• Once an index score has been computed for each student, a minimum index score and (possibly) a minimum SAT math score or equivalent ACT math score will be used to match qualifying applications with the available number of freshman admission spaces.
• A faculty committee will evaluate students with academics near the impaction minimum to ensure those with remarkable backgrounds or experiences receive admission offers.

Marine Transportation Impaction Plan for Fall 2016

Additional Required and Recommended Admission Criteria

All applicants must apply within the October/November application period and complete the application within a timely manner.

Freshman Applicants

• All applicants must submit an SAT or ACT score so that an index score can be computed for everyone.
• The most recent math course (at least algebra II) must be passed with a “C-” or better within five years of the application term
• (New for Fall 2016 applicants) A minimum SAT math score of at least 450 or ACT math score of 18
• All other basic CSU eligibility requirements must be met.
• The following items are recommended
  • Completion of a course in pre-calculus (or equivalent course).
  • Completion of a course in physics.
  • (New for Fall 2016 applicants) completion of four years of high school math
  • Submission of a resumé including the applicant’s background connected to engineering, leadership, and/or the maritime industry

Selection Methodology: Freshman Applicants

• Once an index score has been computed for each student, a minimum index score and (possibly) a minimum SAT math score or equivalent ACT math score will be used to match qualifying applications with the available number of freshman admission spaces.
• A faculty committee will evaluate students with academics near the impaction minimum to ensure those with remarkable backgrounds or experiences receive admission offers.

Conditional Admissions for First-Time Freshman Applicants

All admissions offers at Cal Maritime begin as conditional offers of admission. The specific conditions are noted on the initial offer of admission. A common condition of admission is the verification of academic information provided in the online application based on the final transcripts received by the summer deadline. These final transcripts also verify that the student has remained eligible for admission based on grades received in courses from the final one or two semesters of their schooling.

In no case may documentation of high school graduation be received any later than the census date for a student’s first term of CSU enrollment.

Cal Maritime may rescind admissions decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts, and cancel any university registration for students who are found not to be eligible after the final transcript has been evaluated.

Applicants will qualify for regular (non-provisional) admissions when Cal Maritime verifies that they have graduated and received a diploma from high school, have a qualifying minimum eligibility index, have completed the comprehensive sequence of college-preparatory “A-G” subjects, and, if applying to an impacted program or campus, have met all supplementary criteria.

Cal Maritime reserves the right to revoked the admission or cancel the enrollment eligibility of an entering student if any printed, published, or e-mailed deadline is missed from the time a student submits their enrollment deposit to the time they arrive for New Student Orientation. It is the student’s responsibility to check for notices of missing items or necessary actions in their Student Portal “To-Do List” and their official e-mail account. The non-refundable $500 deposit is forfeited if a student’s enrollment is canceled due to the actions or inactions of the student. Providing false application information or not maintaining admission eligibility are also grounds for revoking an admission offer. Students may appeal canceled admission or enrollment by using the admission appeal process described at http://www.csum.edu/web/admissions/admissiondecision-appeal-process.

Cal Maritime reserves the right and sole discretion to select its students and deny admission to any applicant based on his or her suitability and the best interests of the institution.

Placement and Remediation

Systemwide placement test requirements

The California State University requires each entering undergraduate, except those who qualify for an exemption, to take the CSU Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) examination and the CSU English Placement Test (EPT) prior to enrollment. These placement tests are not a condition for admission to the CSU, but they are a condition for enrollment. These examinations are designed to identify entering students who may need additional support in acquiring entry-level college English and mathematics skills that are necessary to succeed in CSU baccalaureate-level courses. Undergraduate students who do not demonstrate college-level skills both in English and in mathematics must take remedial coursework. Students taking remedial courses in either English or mathematics must complete all remediation in their first year of enrollment. Failure to do so may result in denial of enrollment for future terms.

Students may register for the EPT or the ELM at www.ets.org/csu. Testing opportunities are available at any campus of the CSU system.

English Placement Test (EPT)

The CSU English Placement Test (EPT) is designed to assess the level of reading and writing skills of entering undergraduate students so that they can be placed in appropriate baccalaureate-level courses. The CSU EPT must be completed by all entering undergraduates, with the exception of those who present proof of one of the following:

• A score of “Exempt” or “Ready for college-level courses” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP), taken in grade 11 along with the California Standards Test (CST) in English Language Arts
• A score of 500 or higher on the critical reading section of the College Board SAT Reasoning test
• A score of 22 or higher on the American College Testing (ACT) English test
• A score of 680 or higher on the re-centered and adjusted College Board SAT II: Writing test taken in May 1998 or later
• A score of 3 or higher on either the English Language and Composition or the English Literature and Composition examination of the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) program
• Completion and transfer to CSU of the credits for a college course that satisfies the CSU General Education requirement in English Composition, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or higher

Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Placement Examination

The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) placement examination is designed to assess the skill levels of entering undergraduate students in those areas of mathematics that are typically covered in three years of college-preparatory mathematics courses in high school (Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II). The CSU ELM must be completed by all entering undergraduates, with the exception of those who present proof of one of the following:

• A score of 550 or higher on the mathematics section of the College Board SAT Reasoning test or on the College Board SAT Subject test - Mathematics Level 1 or Level 2
• A score of 23 or higher on the American College Testing (ACT) Mathematics Test
• A score of 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB or Calculus BC exam or Statistics exam
• Completion and transfer to CSU of a course that satisfies the CSU General Education requirement in Quantitative Reasoning, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or higher
• A score of “Exempt” or “Ready for college- level Mathematics courses” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP), taken in grade 11 along with the CST in Summative High School Mathematics or Algebra II
• A score of “Conditionally ready for college-level Mathematics courses” or “Conditional” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP), taken in grade 11 along with the CST in Summative High School Mathematics or Algebra II, with the successful completion of a CSU-approved 12th grade math course that requires Algebra II as a prerequisite

Early Start Program

http://www.csum.edu/web/ admissions/early-start-program

The CSU recently enacted a program known as “Early Start.” It requires incoming students (California residents only) who do not demonstrate readiness for college-level math or English to begin remediation (enroll in and complete approved remedial courses) during the summer before coming to the CSU campus at which they seek to enroll. The goals of Early Start are to better prepare students in math and English before their first semester, thereby improving their chances of completing a college degree.

The Early Start program’s steps include taking the ELM and EPT tests, informing Cal Maritime about the school at which the student will complete the Early Start program, and submitting proof of course completion. Leaving any of these steps incomplete is grounds to remove the student from fall semester enrollment. Deadlines to be met and more detailed explanations can be found on the admissions web site.

All students who require remediation (including those in the Early Start program) are urged to seek out summer courses that fully complete the remediation process rather than courses that only begin remediation.

Proficiency After Enrollment

Cal Maritime may offer courses in remedial English (Introduction to English Composition) and mathematics (Intermediate Algebra) for those who did not complete remediation in the summer before enrollment. Students must be proficient in both math and English by the end of the first academic year (by the end of the second semester). Students failing to do so may be disqualified from further enrollment at Cal Maritime.

Undergraduate Transfer Admissions Requirements

Transfer Student Admissions

The Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering Technology, Facilities Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering majors have been designated as impacted. An undergraduate major or campus is designated as impacted when the number of applications received from fully qualified applicants during the initial filing period exceeds the number of available spaces.

As a result, applications to these majors will be reviewed based on the quantity and academic quality of the transfer applicant. Applicants are encouraged to complete pre-calculus before transferring. In addition, applicants may submit a resumé indicating leadership or experience.

Mechanical Engineering Transfer Student Impaction Plan for 2016

Additional Required and Recommended Admission Criteria

Lower Division Transfer Applicants

• One of the following math requirements must be met.
  • A college-level math course that is an immediate prerequisite to calculus must be passed with a “C-” or better within five years of the application term to be eligible for consideration along with a math SAT score of at least 550 or ACT math score of 23.
  • A college-level calculus course must be passed with a “C-” or better within five years prior to the application term.
• All other CSU eligibility requirements must be met.
• The following items are recommended
  • (New for Fall 2016 applicants) A college-level calculus II course passed with a “C-” or better within five years of the application term. Equivalent credit from passing the AP Calculus BC Exam may be used.
  • (New for Fall 2016 applicants) A college-level physics course (calculus-based with lab or engineering physics with a lab) passed with a “C-” or better within five years of the application term
  • (New for Fall 2016 applicants) A college-level chemistry course (with lab) passed with a “C-” or better
  • Submission of a résumé including the applicant’s background connected to engineering, leadership, and/or the maritime industry

Upper Division Transfer Applicants

• (New for Fall 2016 applicants) A college-level calculus II course passed with a “C-” or better within five years of the application term. Equivalent credit from passing the AP Calculus BC Exam may be used
• (New for Fall 2016 applicants) A college-level physics course (calculus-based with lab or engineering physics with a lab) passed with a “C-” or better within five years of the application term
• (New for Fall 2016 applicants) A college-level chemistry course (with lab) passed with a “C-” or better
• Passing the three non-math “Golden Four” courses required for upper-division transfer admission to the CSU System (College-level English, Critical Thinking, and Oral Communication)
• The following item is recommended: Submission of a résumé including the applicant’s background connected to engineering, leadership, and/or the maritime industry

Selection Methodology: Lower Division Transfer Applicants

• An index score is calculated based on high school grade point average and SAT or ACT scores.
• Once an index score has been computed for the high school careers of each student and the available college GPA has been calculated, a minimum score and/or GPA will be used to match qualifying applications with the available number of lower-division transfer admission spaces.
• If possible, a faculty committee will evaluate students with academics near the impaction minimum to ensure those with remarkable backgrounds or experiences receive admission consideration.

Selection Methodology: Upper Division Transfer Applicants

• Once applicants have been sorted based on College GPA, a minimum GPA will be used to match qualifying applications with the available number of upper division transfer admission spaces.
• If possible, a faculty committee will evaluate students with academics near the impaction minimum to ensure those with remarkable backgrounds or experiences receive admission consideration.

Facilities Engineering Technology and Marine Engineering Technology Transfer Student Impaction Plan for Fall 2016

Additional Required and Recommended Admission Criteria

Transfer Applicants

• Must pass a college algebra course (or higher level) with a “C-” or better within five years prior to the application term to be eligible for consideration.
• All lower division applicants must submit an SAT or ACT score.
• All other CSU eligibility requirements must be met.
• The following items are recommended
  • Completion of a course in pre-calculus (or equivalent course).
  • Completion of a course in physics.
  • (New for Fall 2016 applicants) completion of four years of high school math
  • Submission of a résumé including the applicant’s background connected to engineering, leadership, and/or the maritime industry

Selection Methodology: Lower Division Transfer Applicants

• Once an index score has been computed for the high school careers of each student and the available college GPA has been calculated, a minimum score and/or GPA will be used to match qualifying applications with the available number of lower-division transfer admission spaces.
• If possible, faculty committee will evaluate students with academics near the impaction minimum to ensure those with remarkable backgrounds or experiences receive admission offers

Selection Methodology: Upper Division Transfer Applicants

• Once applicants have been sorted based on College GPA, a minimum GPA will be used to match qualifying applications with the available number of upper division transfer admission spaces.
• If possible, a faculty committee will evaluate students with academics near the impaction minimum to ensure those with remarkable backgrounds or experiences receive admission offers.

Marine Transportation Transfer Student Impaction Plan for Fall 2016

Additional Required and Recommended Admission Criteria

Transfer Applicants

• Must pass a college algebra course (or higher level) with a “C-” or better within five years prior to the application term to be eligible for consideration.
• All lower division applicants must submit an SAT or ACT score.
• All other CSU eligibility requirements must be met.
• The following items are recommended
  • Completion of a course in pre-calculus (or equivalent course).
  • Completion of a course in physics.
  • Submission of a résumé including the applicant’s background connected to engineering, leadership, and/or the maritime industry

Selection Methodology: Lower Division Transfer Applicants

• Once an index score has been computed for the high school careers of each student and the available college GPA has been calculated, a minimum score and/or GPA will be used to match qualifying applications with the available number of lower-division transfer admission spaces.
• If possible, a faculty committee will evaluate students with academics near the impaction minimum to ensure those with remarkable backgrounds or experiences receive admission offers

Selection Methodology: Upper Division Transfer Applicants

• Once applicants have been sorted based on College GPA, a minimum GPA will be used to match qualifying applications with the available number of upper division transfer admission spaces.
• If possible, a faculty committee will evaluate students with academics near the impaction minimum to ensure those with remarkable backgrounds or experiences receive admission offers.

California STAR Act (SB 1440)

The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (SB 1440/Padilla) establishes a transfer Associate of Arts (AA-T) or Associate of Science (AS-T) degree for California community college students and is designed to provide a clear pathway to CSU degree majors. The Student Transfer Agreement Reform Act (STAR) commenced in fall 2011.

Students who receive a California community college associate’s degree for transfer are eligible for admission as juniors in the California State University (CSU) system. A student who has earned one of these transfer degrees will not be guaranteed admission for a specific major or campus, but will be given priority admissions consideration to their local CSU campus, and to a program or major that is determined by the CSU to be similar to the transfer associate’s degree. Upon enrollment at the CSU campus, the student will be eligible to graduate with sixty remaining semester units.

For the most current list of Cal Maritime majors and community colleges with degrees that have been designated as similar and eligible for STAR Act transfer students, please visit the following web page: http://www.csum.edu/web/admissions/transfers

Transfer Students’ Time to Graduation

Transfer students may require four years of study at Cal Maritime in order to complete the bachelor’s degree and license requirements.

This is because:

• by federal law, the minimum period of training shall be three years. The USCG approved deck and engine programs are four year programs
• degrees at Cal Maritime require up to 183 semester units. Most of the courses are specialized because of license requirements and are not available at other colleges
• students are allowed few open electives, and not every type of general education class is transferable to the degree program at Cal Maritime
• as a small college, Cal Maritime cannot offer all courses every semester. The courses are scheduled sequentially according to a set curriculum

For admission, a lower-division transfer student must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 (2.4 for non-residents), and an upper-division transfer student (more than 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college credit) must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 (2.4 for non-residents).

Lower-division transfer

To transfer with fewer than 60 transferable units (90 quarter units), you must do the following:

• submit your high school transcript
• submit SAT or ACT scores, unless your high school GPA was above 3.00
• make up any high school deficiencies on a course-by-course basis, usually by completing General Education courses
• earn at least a 2.00 GPA in all college work
• have met the CSU eligibility index with your high school courses
• earn a C- or higher in each General Education course
• be in good standing at the last educational institution attended

All Lower Division Transfer students must complete two subject areas with a grade of C- or higher prior to admission at Cal Maritime:

• a college English composition course (CSU General Education requirement A2)
• a college math course (CSU General Education requirement B4).

It is highly recommended, but not required, that students take a college pre-calculus course.

Students may also take elective courses applicable to their Cal Maritime major. To view the course curriculum for Cal Maritime majors, visit: https://www.csum.edu/web/majors/majors

Upper-division transfer

To transfer with more than 60 transferable semester units (90 quarter units), you must do the following:

• earn at least a 2.0 GPA in all college work
• be in good standing at the last educational institution attended.

All upper-division transfer students should complete four subject areas with a grade of C- or higher prior to admission at Cal Maritime:

• a college English composition course (CSU General Education requirement A2);
• a college math course (CSU General Education requirement B4)
• a critical thinking / English literature course (CSU General Education requirement A3)
• an oral communication course (CSU General Education area A1)

These are often referred to as the “Golden 4” requirements. It is highly recommended, but not required, that students take a college pre-calculus course.

Students are also expected to have taken academic elective courses applicable to their Cal Maritime major. To view the course curriculum for Cal Maritime majors, visit: https://www.csum.edu/web/majors/majors

Transfer credit

Types of college credit given prior to enrollment for courses that meet degree requirements are as follows (see Cal Maritime equivalency tables at the end of this section):

• college work from regionally accredited institutions as listed in the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers “Transfer Credit Practices of Designated Educational Institutions” information exchange report
• applicable Advanced Placement (AP) coursework completed with a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP test for that course.
• applicable International Baccalaureate (IB) coursework completed with a minimum score on the IB test for that course.
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams in the areas of natural science, humanities (not including English), and social science/ history.
• military educational experiences in the armed services as listed in the American Council on Education “Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services”

College credit will not be given prior to enrollment for the following:

• transfer courses graded as “credit” if not verified as equivalent to a grade of C- or higher
• some transfer courses older than 10 years. This time period may be even shorter for some courses that are technical or that have specific requirements by licensing agencies

Conditional admissions

All admissions offers at Cal Maritime begin as conditional offers of admission. The specific conditions are noted on the initial admissions offer. A common condition of admission is verification that the spring semester transcript confirms that the student has remained eligible for admission based on grades received in courses from that semester.

Conditional Admissions Transfer Applicants

All admissions offers at Cal Maritime begin as conditional offers of admission. The specific conditions are noted on the initial offer of admission. A common condition of admission is the verification of academic information provided in the online application based on the final transcripts received by the summer deadline. These final transcripts also verify that the student has remained eligible for admission based on grades received in courses from the final one or two semesters of their schooling.

Cal Maritime may rescind admissions decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts, and cancel any university registration for students who are found not to be eligible after the final transcript has been evaluated.

Cal Maritime reserves the right to revoked the admission or cancel the enrollment eligibility of an entering student if any printed, published, or e-mailed deadline is missed from the time a student submits their enrollment deposit to the time they arrive for New Student Orientation. It is the student’s responsibility to check for notices of missing items or necessary actions in their Student Portal “To-Do List” and their official e-mail account. The non-refundable $500 deposit is forfeited if a student’s enrollment is canceled due to the actions or inactions of the student. Providing false application information or not maintaining admission eligibility are also grounds for revoking an admission offer. Students may appeal canceled admission or enrollment by using the admission appeal process described at http://www.csum.edu/web/admissions/admission-decision-appeal-process.

Cal Maritime reserves the right and sole discretion to select its students and deny admission to any applicant based on his or her suitability and the best interests of the institution.

Adult Student Admissions

As an alternative to regular admissions criteria, an applicant who is 25+ years of age by the first day of classes is considered for special admission. An adult student must meet the following conditions (in addition to supplementary criteria of Cal Maritime for admission or for U.S. Coast Guard license):

• possess a high school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D. or California High School Proficiency Examination)
• have no prior enrollment in college as a full-time college student (12+ units per semester) for more than one term during the past five years
• have an average GPA of 2.0 (C or higher) on all college coursework in the past five years
• meet the English and mathematics requirements for either first-time freshmen or transfer students with grades of C- or higher
• be in good standing at the last educational institution attended

Also recommended:

• successful completion, with a grade of C- or higher, a college-level algebra/trigonometry course in the past five years or work in a related technical field within the last two years
• successful completion, with a grade of C- or higher, a college-level English composition course

Veteran Student Admissions

http://www.csum.edu/web/admissions/veterans

The California State University’s “Troops to College” initiative allows Cal Maritime to exercise flexibility with established admissions policies for veterans. Veterans should determine their category of application (first-time freshman, lower-division transfer, or upper-division transfer) and follow the instructions for that application category to the best of their ability.

If some requirements cannot be met, veteran applicants should contact the Admissions office and introduce themselves as a veteran, so exceptions can be discussed and appropriate advice given. In general, veterans who did not meet CSU eligibility in high school or were unsuccessful in attempts at college will need to complete college English and college math with a grade of C- or higher to be admitted.

International Student Admissions Requirements

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, international students include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors, and those in other non-immigrant classifications.

The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admissions process of international students. Verification of English proficiency, financial resources, and academic performance are all important considerations for admission.

International students should use the same application period of October 1 through November 30 of the year prior to the fall semester in which they plan to enroll. Cal Maritime does not accept applications for any other term. In some years, the application period for certain majors may be extended to accommodate additional applications.

International students seeking degrees that require a U.S. Coast Guard license are not eligible for those licenses without first gaining U.S. citizenship. International students in those degree programs will, however, receive their diplomas and letters of completion for presentation to their countries’ licensing organizations.

International Student English Test Requirement

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Testing System (IELTS) is required of all applicants with fewer than three years of full-time study (70 semester units or 105 quarter units) in countries where English was the primary language of instruction. The SAT or ACT math and verbal/English test scores may be substituted for this requirement by using the CSU eligibility index for non-residents.

The minimum TOEFL score is 61.
The minimum IELTS score is 6.

Academic records from foreign schools must be submitted before an admissions decision is made. If not in English, these records must be accompanied by certified English translations. International applicants are also required to compose an essay and provide an affidavit of financial support.

International students must demonstrate the ability to pay for all educational expenses including books, room and board: approximately $42,000 USD, the amount required to attend Cal Maritime for a year.

This must be done with a certified document either from a governmental agency or organization or from a financial institution handling the individual account of person(s) assuming responsibility for payment. Financial aid is not available for international students. International students are assessed fees at the non-resident of California rate.

International students pursuing license-option degrees will be required to obtain a Mariners Document from their country of origin, or other appropriate maritime nation, in order to work as a Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer on vessels flagged under nations other than the United States.

As a condition of enrollment, all F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must agree to obtain and maintain health insurance as a condition of registration and continued enrollment at Cal Maritime. Such insurance must be in amounts as specified by the United States Information Agency (USIA) and NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The campus President or designee shall determine which insurance policies meet these criteria. Additional information may be obtained by writing the Admissions office.

Resident Aliens

Resident aliens (Permanent Residents) may submit a certified Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) in lieu of a birth certificate for admissions. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency requires a passport or other legal travel document to sail on the training cruise, so students are advised to apply for those documents as soon as possible.

Immigration Requirements for Licensure

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193), also known as the Welfare Reform Act, includes provisions to eliminate eligibility for federal and state public benefits for certain categories of lawful immigrants as well as benefits for all illegal immigrants.

Students who will require a professional or commercial license provided by a local, state, or federal government agency in order to engage in an occupation for which the CSU may be training them must meet the immigration requirements of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act to achieve licensure. Information regarding the application of these requirements is available from the Admissions office.

Conduct by applicants for admission

Admission or readmission may be qualified or denied to any person who, while not enrolled as a student, commits acts which, were he enrolled as a student, would be the basis for disciplinary action, pursuant to Section 41301 or Section 41302. Qualified or denied admission in such cases shall be determined under procedures adopted pursuant to Section 41304.

Importance of filing complete, accurate, and authentic application documents

Cal Maritime advises prospective students that they must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residence questionnaire, health documents, and financial aid forms. In addition, applicants must, when requested, submit authentic and official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documents may result in denial of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301, Article 1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations).

Admissions Appeals Process

An applicant who has been denied admission may have that decision reconsidered. The applicant must compose a short letter detailing the reason(s) for the appeal. The letter and supporting documentation (evidence) must supply new information that was not available to the applicant when the original application was submitted. The most updated appeal procedures and policies are online at http://www.csum.edu/web/admissions/admission-decision-appeal-process. Some examples of decisions that a student may appeal:

Missed deadlines for

• application fee
• test scores (ACT or SAT)
• final high school transcript
• college transcript(s)
• acceptance of offer/enrollment deposit
• required math or English placement tests
• remediation in math or English as required but not attempted (Early Start program)

Admissions criteria based decisions such as

• freshman with a low eligibility index
• freshman missing college-prep course(s)
• transfer missing a “golden 4” requirement
• transfer with a low GPA
• transfer with fewer than 60 units and not meeting minimum high school qualifications

Appeal Procedure

All requests must include documentation related to the extraordinary circumstances to be considered for the appeal. Proof must be provided that the established admissions criteria for the type of admission (freshman or transfer) and all deadlines have been met. Also:

• there is a limit of one appeal per application per
• academic term
• the appeal must be received no later than 15 days from the date of the admission decision notification
• Appeal packets must include:
  • A letter of appeal
  • Documentation to support the appeal (e.g., transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, proof of mailing/submission of requested information, etc.)

Appeal letters must be submitted by the applicant. Appeal letters written by anyone other than the applicant will not be considered. Letters of recommendation will not be considered.

Appeal packets must be submitted by:

• Mail to:
  CSU Maritime Academy
  Office of Admissions-Admissions Appeals
  200 Maritime Academy Drive
  Vallejo, CA 94590-8181
• FAX to: 707-654-1336
• e-mail to: admission@csum.edu

After the appeal is received and reviewed, applicants will be notified of the appeal decision within two weeks by e-mail. Appeal applicants are advised to explore other college options or other educational pursuits while waiting for the appeal decision.

Reporting errors made on the application are not a basis for the reversal of a decision.

Decisions rendered are final and non-negotiable.

Systemwide Credit for External Exams

AP Tests

¹These units count toward eligibility for admission. The units may not all apply toward certification of the corresponding GE-Breadth area. See Executive Orders 1033 and 1036 for Academic Affairs Coded Memo AA-2011-12 for details.

²Areas of GE Breadth (A1 through E) are defined in EO 1033. Areas of American Institutions (US-1 through US-3) are set forth in Sections IA and IB of EO 405, and at assist.org.

⁴If a student passes more than one AP exam in calculus or computer science, only one examination may be applied to the baccalaureate.

⁵Students who pass AP Environmental Science earn 4 units of credit. Tests prior to Fall 2009 may apply to either B1+B3 or B2+B3 of GE Breadth. Fall of 2009 or later, those credits may only apply to B1+B3.

⁶If a student passes more than one AP exam in physics, only six units of credit may be applied to the baccalaureate, and only four units of credit may be applied to a certification in GE Breadth.

Systemwide Credit for External Exams

CLEP Tests

¹These units count toward eligibility for admission. The units may not all apply toward certification of the corresponding GE-Breadth area. See Executive Orders 1033 and 1036 for Academic Affairs Coded Memo AA-2011-12 for details.

²Areas of GE Breadth (A1 through E) are defined in EO 1033. Areas of American Institutions (US-1 through US-3) are set forth in Sections IA and IB of EO 405, and at assist.org.

⁷If a student passes more than one CLEP test in the same language other than English (e.g., two exams in French), then only one examination may be applied to the baccalaureate. For each test in a language other than English, a passing score of 50 is considered “Level I” and earns six units of baccalaureate credit; the higher score listed for each test is considered “Level II” and earns additional units of credit and placement in Area C2 of GE Breadth, as noted.

Systemwide Credit for External Exams

IB Tests

¹These units count toward eligibility for admission. The units may not all apply toward certification of the corresponding GE-Breadth area. See Executive Orders 1033 and 1036 for Academic Affairs Coded Memo AA-2011-12 for details.

²Areas of GE Breadth (A1 through E) are defined in EO 1033. Areas of American Institutions (US-1 through US-3) are set forth in Sections IA and IB of EO 405, and at assist.org.

⁸The IB currciulum offers language at various levels for native and non-native speakers. Language B courses are offered at the intermediate level for nonnatives. Language A1 and A2 are advanced courses in literature for native and non-native speakers, respectively.