Key differences on Getting in
- 1
Sam Houston State's yield is 7 pts higher than California State University-San Marcos's
Yield rate - 2
Sam Houston State's SAT midpoint is 35 points higher than California State University-San Marcos's
SAT midpoint - 3
Sam Houston State admits 90% vs. 95% at California State University-San Marcos
Acceptance rate
Admissions
Getting in, fall 2024
Acceptance and yield, test score ranges, test policy, and what each college weighs.
The funnel
Quad's selectivity
- California State University-San MarcosOpen
- Sam Houston StateOpen
Men and women
Acceptance rate for men and women who applied, where a college reports admissions by sex.
Test scores
SAT total,
Axis runs 800–1600. The dark tick marks the national median midpoint.
ACT composite,
Axis runs 13–36. The dark tick marks the national median midpoint.
Test policy
- California State University-San MarcosTest-blind
- Sam Houston StateTest-optional
How they read a record
California State University-San Marcos
GPA is very important. 20% of first-years had a 3.75 or higher.
Sam Houston State
GPA and the high school record are required; class rank and a college-prep program are considered.
What they look at
| Factor | California State University-San Marcos | Sam Houston State |
|---|---|---|
| High school GPA | Very important | Required |
| High school record | Required | Required |
| Class rank | Not considered | Considered |
| College-prep program | Required | Considered |
| Recommendations | Not considered | Not considered |
| Essay | Not considered | Considered |
| Legacy status | Not considered | Not considered |
| Work experience | Not considered | Considered |
| Demonstration of competencies | Not considered | Not considered |
| English proficiency test | Required | Required |
| Other tests | Not considered | Not considered |
Sources:California State University-San Marcos (Fall 2025), Fall 2025;IPEDS Admissions survey, Fall 2024;California State University-San Marcos Common Data Set 2025–26, Fall 2027 applicants;California State University-San Marcos Common Data Set 2025–26, Entered fall 2024;College Scorecard, most recent release;College Scorecard, Entered fall 2023About the data(retrieved 2026-10-12)
Figures are the newest each college has published; years can differ between colleges. Each value's ⓘ shows its source and year. Why