California AB 104: What Does It Mean For Me?

In July 2021, California enacted Assembly Bill (AB) 104 to support students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2020–21 academic year. The bill introduced measures such as grade retention options, the ability to change letter grades to Pass/No Pass, and exemptions from certain local graduation requirements. These provisions aimed to address learning loss and provide students with opportunities to improve their academic standing. 

As of February 2025, the long-term effectiveness of AB 104 continues to be evaluated. Initial reports indicate that the flexibility offered by the bill has been beneficial for many students, allowing them to recover academically and stay on track for graduation. However, comprehensive data on the overall impact of AB 104 is still being collected and analyzed to determine its success in mitigating pandemic-related learning disruptions.

The AB 104 has three elements:

1. High school students can opt for pass/no pass to any grade received during the   2020-21 school year. The change cannot negatively impact a student’s GPA. For example if an F converts to a No Pass, the zero credits won’t factor into the GPA. Similarly, changing a “D” or even a “C” letter grade to a “Pass” will likely increase a student’s GPA. 
   
2. Elementary and secondary school students who have received D, F or No Pass for at least one half of their coursework during the 2020-21 school year, can opt to repeat the year. If following discussion between student, parents and school administration, everyone agrees that retaking the grade level is not in the student’s best interest, the student will be provided access to other options to recover lost course credits.
   
3. Students who were in the 11th and 12th grades in 2020-21 and unable to complete their high school’s coursework requirements needed to graduate, will be exempt and only need to only complete California’s requirements. They can also opt to take an extra year in order to recover those course credits.

It’s a welcome relief for students whose education has been derailed by the pandemic and many students are likely to take up these options. 

We at Empowerly, have had some students enquire about the option to change letter grade to Pass/No Pass; and my guess is that this element of the bill is the most likely to be most popular among students. So what are the implications of California AB 104, and can it have any adverse effects?

Video: California law allows high school students to request grade changes

California AB 104 offers tangible benefits for students whose academic performance was negatively affected during the 2020-21 school year. Key advantages include:

• Improved GPA: Converting lower grades (such as D or F) to "Pass/No Pass" removes their impact on your GPA. For example, a failing grade converted to "No Pass" won’t contribute to your GPA calculation, while a "Pass" can positively affect your academic standing.
• Flexibility for Graduation: High school juniors and seniors unable to meet their school’s graduation requirements can fulfill only California’s state graduation criteria or take an additional year to complete missing credits.
• Opportunities to Rebuild Academic Confidence: The option to repeat a grade or recover lost credits allows students to rebuild a solid academic foundation without penalty.
• Reduced Stress: Students and families can address pandemic-related academic challenges without the burden of permanent consequences on transcripts.

While AB 104 provides significant relief, there are potential drawbacks to consider:

• College Admissions Concerns: Too many "Pass/No Pass" grades may limit college admissions officers' ability to assess your academic performance. A transcript with an excessive number of "Pass" grades may raise concerns about your preparedness or the rigor of your coursework, especially for competitive colleges.
• Acceptance of Pass/No Pass Grades: Not all colleges and universities accept "Pass/No Pass" grades for admissions. While California public institutions like the UC and CSU systems are legally required to honor these changes, many out-of-state or private colleges may not. Students applying to such schools may need to provide their original letter-grade transcript, creating additional administrative steps.
• Perceived Lack of Transparency: College admissions officers might question whether a student is hiding poor grades, especially if multiple grades are converted to "Pass/No Pass."

Mitigating Risks

• Carefully evaluate which grades to convert and balance them with strong letter grades on your transcript.
• Consult with a school counselor or college advisor to understand how AB 104 decisions might affect your college applications, especially if you’re targeting out-of-state or private schools.
• Research individual college policies regarding "Pass/No Pass" grades to ensure your changes align with their admissions criteria.

Video: Assembly Bill 104 – Allows Students to Change Grades Impacted by the Pandemic – IYT Policy Alert

The other downside of changing to P/F is that some colleges, including out-of-state colleges, may not accept these Pass/No Pass grades. However this shouldn’t prevent you from applying for a change to Pass/No Pass. In the case a college does not accept them, you can supply your original transcript with letter grades.

You can view here a list of California colleges that will accept changes from letter grade to P/F grade. This includes the UCs, CSUs (legally required to participate), and some private colleges. Given its only recent announcement, many out-of-state colleges may still not have made up their minds on whether to accept these grade changes. 

If you are planning on applying out-of-state, you should speak to the admission office on what policy applies.      

California AB 104 allows students to convert certain letter grades to Pass/No Pass. While most California colleges accept these changes, policies vary widely, especially for out-of-state institutions. 

The table below provides information about the acceptance policies for top colleges in California, including how in-state and out-of-state scenarios might impact students.

The timeline for requesting a grade change under California AB 104 depends on your school district, with deadlines typically falling between mid-August and late August 2021. Some districts required submissions as early as August 12, while others extended the cutoff to August 31, 2021. 

It is critical for students to confirm their district's specific deadline to ensure their request is processed on time.

1. Confirm Deadline: Contact your school administration or visit your district’s website to verify the exact deadline for submitting a grade change request.
2. Obtain the Form: Most schools provide an official form for requesting a Pass/No Pass grade conversion. This may be available online or through your school’s counseling office.
3. Submit Your Request: Complete and submit the form along with any required documentation, such as a copy of your transcript or parental consent (if applicable).
4. Follow Up: After submission, confirm with your school that your request has been received and is being processed.

Why Timeliness Matters:
Missing the deadline could result in losing the opportunity to adjust your grades, which could impact your GPA or college admissions prospects. Acting promptly ensures your application is reviewed and approved within the required timeframe.

For students uncertain about the process or seeking further guidance, reach out to your school counselor or administration as early as possible. Planning ahead and submitting all required materials on time is key to making the most of this valuable opportunity.

If you are struggling to understand the implications of California AB 104 on your high school transcript, or more generally are worried about how your high school grades will stack up against your peers when applying to colleges, we are here! 

Reach out to learn more about our program and how we can help. Book a free consultation below to receive a customized recommendation for your college application plan.

California AB 104 provides a crucial opportunity for students to address academic challenges brought on by the pandemic, offering options to improve GPAs, recover lost credits, and adjust graduation requirements. 

While the benefits are significant, students must carefully evaluate potential risks, such as college admissions implications and the acceptance of Pass/No Pass grades by certain institutions. 

By staying informed, consulting with counselors, and acting within deadlines, students can maximize the advantages of this legislation and ensure their academic records best reflect their potential.

Video: AB 104 - Second chance options after COVID learning loss

Ready to turn your college admission dreams into reality? Join the 98% of students who have worked with Empowerly and been accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools. Our college counselors are the best-rated in the country and have proven to improve college admission rates by 11x. Book your FREE consultation today. 

• College Application Help: 15 Tips to Help You Succeed: This guide provides actionable tips to improve your college applications, from essay writing to meeting deadlines. It's perfect for students navigating the admissions process.
• The Top 25 Colleges and Universities that Accept a 3.4 GPA: Explore a list of schools where a 3.4 GPA opens doors to quality education. This article highlights colleges that balance accessibility with academic excellence.
• 40 Internships for High School Students: Find internship opportunities that build skills and strengthen your college applications. This resource offers options across diverse fields for motivated high school students.