California State University, Long Beach: insights

California State University, Long Beach

What California State University, Long Beach's own numbers say, from its Common Data Set 2025-26.

Who says yesCalifornia State University, Long Beach

Only 14% of admits enroll, so California State University, Long Beach admits far more students than it has seats.

Enroll14%

Go elsewhere86%

Source: California State University, Long Beach's Common Data Set 2025-26

From students' own posts on Reddit and admissions forums: self-reported, unverified, never used in your odds.

Admits who posted mostly had high GPAs (about 20 of 22 who shared one were 3.4 or above, many 3.9-4.0), plus a strong schedule of AP, honors, IB or dual enrollment.
Many admits mentioned being in the statewide top 9% of their high school (Eligibility in the Local Context), mostly for business and engineering.
Varsity sports were common among admits, including captains and multi-year athletes in water polo, track, swimming and others.
Many admits listed steady volunteering or service, from hundreds of hours to multi-summer or multi-year commitments.
Several admits held part-time jobs or ran small ventures during high school.
Students report CSU admission is mostly based on stats rather than essays or activities, and local-area applicants get priority.
Students report offers are provisional: a final transcript even a day late, or low grades in the last courses, can cost the admission.
Students report the applicant portal can be glitchy, with some not receiving welcome emails and seeing decisions in the portal first.
Students report campus parking citations and tight time limits add to costs, with a donate-food program letting people settle one citation a year.