What Is A-G?

If you go to high school in California, you'll hear 'A-G' constantly. It's simply the list of courses the UC and CSU systems require you to complete.

📚 School Updated October 20266 min read

Why it matters

A–G is the set of high school courses you must pass, with a C or better, to be eligible for the University of California and California State University systems. It's separate from your school's graduation requirements.

Meeting graduation requirements and meeting A–G are two different things. You can graduate and still not be eligible. That's why the distinction matters.

The seven categories

A — History (2 years): world history, US history, or government/economics
B — English (4 years): college-preparatory English, with substantial writing
C — Math (3 years, 4 recommended): up to at least Algebra II
D — Science (2 years, 3 recommended): lab sciences
E — Language other than English (2 years, 3 recommended): the same language
F — Visual & Performing Arts (1 year)
G — College-preparatory elective (1 year)

How to check your courses

Find your school's A–G course list — most California high schools publish one, and there's a statewide database of approved courses.
Match each course you've taken to a category.
Count years, not semesters: two semesters usually equal one year.
Ask your counselor to confirm, especially for courses taken outside the US.

A–G and your GPA

UC calculates its own GPA using only A–G courses taken in grades 10 and 11 — and adds extra points for a limited number of honors-level courses. That means:

Grades in 10th and 11th carry the most weight.
There's a cap on how many honors/AP bonus points count, so stacking APs has diminishing returns.
Courses outside A–G usually don't affect that UC number.

Common mistakes

Assuming graduation = eligibility. They're different lists.
Thinking A–G is only for California students. If you apply to UC or CSU, it applies to you.
Leaving world language to the last minute. Two years of the same language takes two years.
Forgetting that a D doesn't count. A–G requires a C or better.

Verge Lab Tip

A–G isn't about being perfect — it's about making sure the courses you're already taking are on the approved list. Check it in 10th grade, not 12th.

FAQ

Does A–G apply if I'm not a California resident?

It applies to admission to UC and CSU regardless of residency. Other universities have their own requirements.

What grade do I need in each course?

A C or better in every A–G course. A D usually doesn't satisfy the requirement.

Do courses from my home country count?

Sometimes, but they need to be evaluated. Ask your counselor which of your previous courses have been accepted and get it confirmed in writing.

Is A–G the same as honors or AP?

No. A–G is a list of subject requirements; honors and AP describe course difficulty. A course can be both.

Useful resources

🌐 The official A–G course list database — check which of your courses qualify
🏫 Your school's A–G list — usually on the counseling webpage
🧑‍🏫 Your counselor — confirm courses taken outside the US

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