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Required Tests
There are three major tests that a First-Time Freshman should be aware of:
Below is an overview of how each of these tests fits into the admission process.
SAT and/or ACT
All students applying to Fresno State should submit SAT and/or ACT scores. You may have heard "If you have over a 3.0, you don't need test scores". However, SAT/ACT scores are not only used to determine you eligibility for admission, but to possibly exempt you from placement tests as well. In addition, if you did not calculate your GPA correctly and you fall under a 3.0, your admission decision could be delayed if no test scores were submitted.
Which SAT/ACT test scores do you use to establish eligibilty?
SAT: Fresno State looks at the combined score of the Critical Reading and Math sections, which means you can score 1600 points total. We DO NOT require the SAT Writing score.
ACT: Fresno State only uses the composite score for eligibility. We DO NOT require the ACT Writing score.
Finally, Fresno State will always use the highest score, despite how many test scores we recieve. For example, if you take the SAT in March and get a 400 on the Critical Reading and a 450 on the Math (850 composite), then take the test again in Decemeber and get a 500 on the Critical Reading and 400 on the Math (900 composite), we will use the Math score from the March test and the Critical Reading score from the December test, giving you a composite score of 950.
ELM (Entry-Level Math) & EPT (English Placement Test)
All students entering the CSU are required to demonstrate competency in English and Math. This is acheived by taking the ELM and EPT, or achieving "exempt" status through one of the methods listed below:
ELM Exemptions :: EPT Exemptions
If a student is not exempt from one or both tests, they must take the ELM and/or EPT prior to enrolling in classes at Fresno State or any other CSU campus. The ELM and/or EPT may be taken at one campus and transferred to another (i.e., if you live in San Diego you can take these tests at San Diego State and have you scores sent to Fresno State). Click here for more information on taking these tests.
Note: Scores on the ELM and/or EPT do not affect admission decisions.
Click here to download the .pdf Bulletin about the ELM and EPT, which includes practice test information.
EAP (Early Assessment Program)
The California State University (CSU), which draws its students from the top third of California’s high school graduates, has long accommodated large numbers of incoming students who need remedial education in English and mathematics. While having well over half of incoming students requiring additional preparation is a common occurrence in all states, the CSU and public school leadership believe that an early intervention strategy will help increase the college readiness of high school students.
The CSU has worked with the State Board of Education (SBE) and the California Department of Education (CDE) to develop the Early Assessment Program (EAP). EAP incorporates the CSU’s placement standards into existing high school standards tests in English and mathematics.
While this test is not mandatory like the SAT/ACT or the ELM/EPT, the benefits of EAP to the incoming student are many:
[] Giving high school students an early signal about their college readiness and adequate time to prepare before entering CSU
[] Making the senior year a time for more direct and specific preparation for college
[] Exempting CSU-ready students from taking CSU placement tests or the SAT or the ACT, thereby reducing testing time for the students
Get More information by visiting the Fresno State EAP website.