Understanding calculations
What determines a student’s eligibility status?
Eligibility status is categorized by "Meeting", "Close to Meeting" and "Not Meeting" the A-G Grade Level Benchmarks. Based on a student’s grade level, specific courses must be passed (or validated) by the end of the academic year. Students must also meet the minimum GPA requirement (3.0 for UC and 2.5 for CSU).
What are the grade-level benchmarks?
You can view the benchmarks on the A-G Grade-Level Benchmark document. For statewide eligibility to UC, students must also complete 11 A-G courses by the end of 11th grade.
What are the differences between the UC and CSU calculations?
UC requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and CSU requires a minimum GPA of 2.5. There are some differences between UC and CSU for calculating validation of grades, repeat courses and what satisfies Area A and Area D. Please reference the UC/CSU Comparison Matrix for more detailed information.
Does UC Compass account for UC-approved courses from past years, even if those courses are no longer offered at the school?
Yes! UC Compass will award credit for all “A-G” courses completed by the student if the courses were on the school’s UC-approved list when the student took them.
Does UC Compass count college courses and dual enrollment courses in its evaluations?
Yes. If a student transcript includes college or dual enrollment courses, UC Compass will include them in progress calculations based on the courses’ academic level (college level versus basic skills), subject area and transferability. Those aspects are verified through ASSIST, the database of course articulation for California community college courses.
Does UC Compass take international students’ courses into account?
Yes. International courses will be considered as long as they have been established as equivalent to an “A-G” course at the new school and are listed on the student’s transcripts with a letter grade and credits earned.
Are students "validations by exam" included in the Compass "A-G" eligibility analysis?
Yes. Validations by exam are included if the relevant assessment data are uploaded to UC Compass by the district or school.
Is "principal certification" calculated into the A-G status?
Yes. Principal certification will be used to meet the Area E requirements if the certification is included in the uploaded data files.