Want a UC or CSU? You need A-G.

To be admitted to a University of California or California State University campus, you have to finish a specific sequence of high school courses called the A-G requirements, and you have to pass each one with a C or better. A D does not count, even though it earns credit toward graduation.

Why A-G matters

You build a strong foundation in English, math, science, history, civics, and the arts
You develop the critical thinking and problem solving colleges expect
Strong grades in A-G courses open doors at campuses across California and nationally

Graduation requirements vs. A-G requirements

Graduating from JVHS and getting into a UC or CSU are two different checklists. Here is both, side by side.

JVHS graduation requirements compared with UC and CSU A-G requirements

JVHS graduation requirements compared with UC and CSU A-G requirements
Subject	Graduation	A-G
(A) History / Social SciencesWorld History, U.S. History, Gov/Econ	3 years required	2 years required
(B) EnglishEnglish 9, English 10, English 11, ERWC	4 years required	4 years required
(C) Mathematics	3 years required	3 years required (4 recommended)
(D) ScienceLife Science, Physical Science	2 years required	2 years required (3 years recommended)
(E) World LanguageSee note below.	1 year required	2 years required
(F) Visual & Performing ArtsSee note below.	1 year required	1 year required
(G) Vocational / College Prep Elective	1/2 year (5 credits) required	1 year required
Physical Education	2 years required	N/A
Electives	65 elective credits required	N/A
Total credits	220 credits	N/A

(A) History / Social Sciences
World History, U.S. History, Gov/Econ
Graduation
3 years required
A-G
2 years required
(B) English
English 9, English 10, English 11, ERWC
Graduation
4 years required
A-G
4 years required
(C) Mathematics
Graduation
3 years required
A-G
3 years required (4 recommended)
(D) Science
Life Science, Physical Science
Graduation
2 years required
A-G
2 years required (3 years recommended)
(E) World Language
Graduation
1 year required
A-G
2 years required
World Language and Visual & Performing Arts share this one year.
(F) Visual & Performing Arts
Graduation
Shares the World Language requirement (see note below)
A-G
1 year required
World Language and Visual & Performing Arts share this one year.
(G) Vocational / College Prep Elective
Graduation
1/2 year (5 credits) required
A-G
1 year required
Physical Education
Graduation
2 years required
A-G
N/A
Electives
Graduation
65 elective credits required
A-G
N/A
Total credits
Graduation
220 credits
A-G
N/A

World Language and Visual & Performing Arts share this one year.

Check your progress

Go to californiacolleges.edu (opens in new tab)
Log in with your student Google account
Open the Academic Planner
Review the A-G Subject Total table and the courses listed under it

Green checkmark

You have completed that requirement.

Yellow course

That course needs review. Ask your counselor.

Target icon

You are on track, assuming you earn a C or better in the courses still ahead of you.

If a course shows yellow, do not guess. Talk to your counselor before you count on it.

Find your counselor