Freshman - Prepare to Apply

We've reopened Fall 2025 applications!

There’s still time to join the CSUCI Dolphin Pod—apply now through Cal State Apply by June 2, 2025. All non-impacted undergraduate programs are available, so don’t miss your chance!

Start your application by clicking one the link below. You'll be directed to our Cal State Apply Admissions page.

Need help? Contact Admissions at 805-437-8520 or email admissions@csuci.edu—we're here to help you every step of the way!

Begin online application via Cal State Apply

Prepare to Apply: 

If you are not ready to apply and need help, check out some of our events and resources that can help you decide. 

• Get to know CSUCI!
• Review Admission Requirements
• Information on how and when to apply
• Take an in-person Campus Tour
• Need Help? Contact us!
• I've Applied. What's next?

1. Get to know CSUCI!

Get to know us better by viewing some of our student produced videos about CSUCI. go.csuci.edu/FutureDolphin

2. Review Admission Requirements

A first-time freshman is a student who has earned no college credit after the summer immediately following high school graduation. Click on the link below for more information on the admission requirements:

• Admissions requirements for Fall

3. Information on how and when to apply

Freshmen are admitted once per year in the Fall semester. First time students are usually accepted once per year in the Fall semester.

• We've reopened Fall 2025 applications! There’s still time to become a part of CSUCI—submit your application through Cal State Apply by June 2, 2025. All non-impacted undergraduate programs are available. Click below to get started!

  Begin online application via Cal State Apply

• Pay a $70 Application Fee or Request a Waiver

  • When you apply for admission to the CSU through Cal State Apply you are automatically considered for an application fee waiver based on the information requested in the application. You must fully complete the application before the fee waiver eligibility is determined.

  • If you or your family have experienced a significant change in income, you may qualify for an application fee waiver appeal. Please complete the Application Fee Waiver Request Formand include the CSU Application Fee Waiver form located on the bottom of the webpage along with supporting documentation. Applicants will be notified of the decision regarding their fee waiver request via email they included in the fee waiver application form. If approved, the applicant will receive an application fee waiver code to use when submitting their application. If denied, the applicant will receive a denial notification. Please note: There is no appeal process for denied application fee waiver requests.

• Cal State Apply Helpful Guides for Freshmen
• Parent Resources from the CSU

4. Campus Tours

Take an on-campus tour of CSUCI!

Explore more about CSUCI by taking an in-person campus tour from an experienced student ambassador. Tours are offered every week. Visit our campus tour for more information.

5. Contact us for help!

If you are interested in applying to our campus and need help on submitting your application, email us at admissions@csuci.edu or you can schedule a quick meeting with one of our Admissions Counselors. 

6. Have you Applied and wondering, What's Next?

• Visit our Applied Freshmen for more information.