Future Students

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How to Apply - First-Time Freshmen

If you have decided to attend SF State, you've made an excellent choice. A first-time freshman is a student who has earned no transferable college credit after the summer immediately following high school graduation.* If that's you, you're in the right place. If you completed college units after graduation from high school, you are considered a transfer student and must meet those requirements

*Note: You may enroll in college courses the summer after high school graduation before you enroll at SF State the following fall.

On This Page . . .

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Getting Started

How to Apply

Apply online through CSUMentor.

When to Apply

The earliest you can begin applying to San Francisco State depends on the semester in which you'd like to begin attending classes.

Fall Semester

The priority filing period is October 1 through November 30 of the previous year, but be sure to check our Dates + Deadlines section for application deadlines specific to the semester you are applying for.

Spring Semester

The priority filing period is August 1 through 31 of the previous year, but be sure to check our Dates + Deadlines section for application deadlines specific to the semester you are applying for.

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Am I Eligible?

For a printable .pdf that outlines freshmen eligibility requirements for Fall 2012, go to: www.sfsu.edu/future/apply/fresheligibility2012.pdf

You are eligible to have your application reviewed by SF State if you meet the following criteria:

  1. You are a high school graduate, or equivalent
  2. You complete the required high school courses with grades of "C-" or better in:
    • a. History/Social Science - 2 years required- including one year of US History or US History/US Government.
    • b. English - 4 years required - Composition and Literature.
    • c. Mathematics - 3 years required (4 years recommended) - Algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra; or integrated mathematics.
    • d. Laboratory Science - 2 years required (3 years recommended) - One year of biological and one year of physical science both with lab.
    • e. Language Other Than English - 2 years required - Study in the same language.
    • f. Visual and Performing Arts - 1 year required - Select a year-long course from art, theatre/drama, music or dance.
    • g. Elective - 1 year required - Select from the areas a-f or from other approved college prep "a-g" courses.
  3. Take and submit your SAT or ACT test scores
  4. You meet or exceed the minimum eligibility index
    • The eligibility index is a weighted combination of high school grade point average during the final three years of high school and a score on either the SAT or ACT. To make a preliminary admission decision, all grades earned in "a-g" courses taken in 10th through 11th grades are used to calculate the high school grade point average (GPA).
    • Graduates of California high schools or residents of California, as defined for tuition fees purposes, must have a minimum eligibility index of 2900 using the SAT or 694 using the ACT. Nonresidents who are not graduates of a California high school must have a minimum index of 3502 using the SAT or 842 using the ACT
    • The CSU eligibility index is calculated by using either the SAT or ACT as follows:
      • SAT (scores in mathematics and critical reading) + (800 x GPA)
      • -or-
      • (10 x ACT composite score without the writing score) + (200 x GPA)

Residents of California Minimum Eligibility

GPA 2.00 2.50 2.80 2.99 3.00+
SAT 1300 900 660 510 Must submit test scores. Eligible for consideration with GPA above 3.00 and necessary course requirements.
ACT 30 20 14 10 Must submit test scores. Eligible for consideration with GPA above 3.00 and necessary course requirements.

Choice of major and application review

SF State is an impacted campus, therefore eligibility for admission is based on:

  1. Minimum CSU eligibility standards for local area applicants.
  2. Non-local applicants may be held to a higher standard.

Applicants should carefully select their intended majors.

"Local" and "non-local" students

Local area applicants will be given priority. Applicants from the following California counties will be given priority over out-of-area applicants: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo or Santa Clara counties.

Non-local applicants are encouraged to apply. SF State will have space for out-of-area applicants and we encourage them to apply. Out-of-area applicants will be admitted according to a higher standard depending on space available and should expect to receive Fall 2012 admissions decisions in February or March, 2012.

Non-residents of California and international applicants must meet higher minimum standard, regardless of major.

Have a back-up plan!

Out of area applicants to SF State should have a back-up plan at an alternative campus that offers their desired major.

If you are applying for fall admission, all requirements must be completed by the end of the spring semester. Work completed during the summer session immediately following high school graduation cannot be used to meet admission requirements for the fall term.

For additional information and planning, go to the CSU Mentor, Plan for College website.

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Ensuring a Quick Admissions Decision

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Apply online at www.csumentor.edu/AdmissionApp/ during the filing period (see above). Applications received electronically can be processed much more quickly, giving you a faster admissions decision.
  • Pay the $55 (non-refundable) application fee by credit card online to further speed processing or complete the online fee waiver available with the CSUMentor application.
  • Answer all questions on the application completely and accurately; quick admission is based on self-reported information.
  • Submit official SAT or ACT test scores. Only your official scores are compared to your self-reported high school GPA.
  • SF State communicates with students via e-mail. Make sure to read all e-mail messages and pay careful attention to transcript deadlines.
  • Check your application status to ensure all supporting materials have been received.

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Notification

San Francisco State University will communicate admissions decisions, deadlines and other important information regarding your application status via email. Remember to check your email often for important admissions messages from SF State.

  • Fall 2012 admissions decisions for most local area applicants will be made in December, 2011 or January, 2012.
  • Fall 2012 admissions decisions for out-of-area applicants should expect to receive admissions decisions in February or March, 2012.
  • Most fall 2012 admissions decisions for impacted majors will be made by April, 2012.

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Early Admissions

SF State may offer you early, conditional admission based on your work completed through your junior year of high school and coursework in progress for your senior year. You must submit a transcript showing final grades and graduation from high school before you begin attending SF State classes, to verify that you meet all admission requirements. If the University does not receive your transcript and all other required documents by the deadline, your admission to SF State will be rescinded.

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Impacted Programs

A major is designated impacted when more applications are received in the priority filing period than can be accepted. First-Time Freshmen cannot apply to the following impacted majors: Apparel Design and Merchandising, Child and Adolescent Development, Dietetics, Interior Design, Industrial Arts, Industrial Design, Journalism, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, and Visual Communication Design. Freshmen interested in these majors should apply as Undeclared. First-Time Freshmen may apply to the Environmental Studies major without a supplemental application. Visit http://www.sfsu.edu/future/apply/impacted.html for complete information on impacted majors at SF State.

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Required Placement Tests

CSU applicants are required to take placement tests prior to enrollment. All CSU undergraduates except those who meet certain exemption requirements must complete both the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) and English Placement Test (EPT) by the published deadline.

Please note you may take your required placement tests at any CSU campus; you do not need to test specifically at SF State. However, you will need to designate your scores to be sent to SF State.

Sign up to take the ELM/EPT tests:

  • For information and to sign up to take the ELM/EPT test at SF State, please visit the SF State Testing Center website at http://www.sfsu.edu/~testing.
  • For information about all CSU testing sites, please visit the California State University Placement Tests section of the ETS website: http://www.ets.org/csu. Click on "Test Administration," then "Test Dates."

ELM/EPT Resources:

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Early Start Program (ESP)

The CSU wants to help first-time freshmen applicants get an "Early Start" in their preparation for college level work. Beginning in Fall 2012, freshmen who are not ready for college-level English and/or math must start remediation no later than the summer before their first term at SF State.

If students need remediation in either English or math or both, they must take extra steps to address this requirement to be able to enroll at SF State or other CSU Campuses. Students will be notified throughout the process of application, admission, and registration if they must satisfy this requirement.

Find out more information about the Early Start Program at www.sfsu.edu/~advising/esp/home.html.

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Early Assessment Program (EAP)

The EAP program was established to provide opportunities for students to measure their readiness for college-level English and mathematics in their junior year of high school, and to facilitate opportunities for them to improve their skills during their senior year.

The goal of the EAP program is to have California high school graduates enter the CSU fully prepared to begin college-level study.

EAP Math Statuses

In order to validate your exemption for the ELM, students who have taken part in the Early Assessment Program (EAP) and have received their results on the STAR Student Report, can provide this information. Students can also determine their EAP Status Online.

Below are the EAP math statuses:

  • Ready for CSU College-Level Mathematics Courses
    • Your score met the ELM requirement.
  • Ready for CSU College-Level Mathematics Courses - Conditional
    • Students designated as "Ready for CSU College-Level Mathematics Courses - Conditional" can meet the ELM Requirement by taking an approved year-long math course in their senior year and getting a grade of C or better. Provide official transcripts in order to prove that you have met the exemption. The following high school courses have been approved:
      • Trigonometry and Math Analysis
      • Pre-Calculus
      • AP Calculus AB
      • AP Calculus BC
      • AP Statistics
      • AP Physics
  • Not Yet Demonstrating Readiness for CSU College-Level Mathematics Course
    • Your score did not meet the ELM requirement
    • Check the ELM Requirement page to see all possible ways to meet it
  • Incomplete
    • You did not indicate the test type (Algebra, Algebra II Summative Math, etc...) on your EAP math test, and received an "Incomplete" EAP math status
    • Check the ELM Requirement page to see all possible ways to meet it.

EAP English Statuses

In order to validate your exemption for the EPT, students who have taken part in the Early Assessment Program (EAP) and have received their results on the STAR Student Report, can provide this information. Students can also determine their EAP Status Online.

Below are the EAP English statuses:

  • Ready for CSU College-Level English Courses
    • Your score met the EPT requirement and you are ready for college level English.
  • Not Yet Demonstrating Readiness for CSU college-Level English Courses
    • Your EAP score did not meet the EPT Requirement. You should check to see if you have met the EPT Requirement in another way.
    • Use the Exam Prep tools to prepare for the test.
  • Incomplete
    • You did correctly fill out all the components of the EAP English test. You should check to see if you have met the EPT Requirement in another way.
    • If you need to take the EPT test, use the Exam Prep tools to prepare for the test.

Find your EAP Results

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Educational Opportunity Program

For over 40 years, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at San Francisco State University has been a system-wide leader in both identifying students with the highest potential and providing a support system for their success. The Educational Opportunity Program is designed to improve access and retention of historically underserved (low income, first generation college) students by facilitating their matriculation into SF State. EOP students receive outreach, admission, academic and financial support. They also receive on-going advising, tutoring and workshops to make sure they successfully complete their degree requirements. EOP students can also apply for specific EOP scholarships. Some EOP students are eligible for additional EOP programs such as Summer Bridge, Guardian Scholars Program and Student Support Services-TRiO. Visit the CSU's EOP information page for more details on how to apply.

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Presidential Scholars Program

The Presidential Scholars Program is a competitive program for a select group of newly admitted freshmen each fall. Selection as a scholar is based on academic merit (minimum GPA of 3.8) and carries a renewable scholarship that includes a full year of university academic tuition fees.

Other Study Options

Find out about SF State's other special admissions and enrollment opportunities.

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Immunizations

SF State requires that all students provide proof of immunization against Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Hepatitis B before being allowed to register for classes.

Note: Students who were enrolled in a California public schools for the seventh grade or higher on or after July 1, 1999 will not have to provide proof of immunization.

For complete information concerning immunization requirements and to print a copy of the proof of immunization form, please go to the Student Health Service.

California Residency

Visit http://www.sfsu.edu/future/costs/fees.html#resfaq to read about California Residency for Tuition Fees Purposes.

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Exemptions from Paying Nonresident Tuition Fees

Any student, other than a non-immigrant alien, who meets all of the requirements below, shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition fees at the California community colleges, the California State University and the University of California (all public colleges and universities in California) under AB 540.

Requirements of AB 540

To be exempt, the student must have attended a high school (public or private) in California for three (3) or more years. The student must have graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent prior to the start of the term (for example, passing the GED or California High School Proficiency exam).

To take advantage of the exemption, a student who is without lawful immigration status must file an affidavit with the college or university stating that he or she has filed an application to legalize his or her immigration status, or will file an application as soon as he or she is eligible to do so.

Students who are non-immigrants -- for example, those who hold F (student) visas, B (visitor) visas, etc. -- are not eligible for this exemption.

Students who wish to file an exemption request must include a signed affidavit with the college that indicates the student has met all applicable conditions described above. Student information obtained in this process is strictly confidential unless disclosure is required under the law.

Students eligible for this exemption who are transferring to another California public college or university must submit a new request (and documentation if required) to each college under consideration.

Nonresident students meeting the criteria will be exempted from the payment of nonresident tuition fees, but they will not be classified as California residents. They will continue to be "nonresidents."

AB540 does not provide student financial aid eligibility for undocumented students. These students remain ineligible for state and federal financial aid.

Read more about AB 540.

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TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all prospective students, regardless of citizenship, who have not attended schools at the high school level or above for at least three years of full-time study where English is the principal language of instruction.

Read more about TOEFL.

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Accept Admission Offer

Newly admitted students who plan to attend San Francisco State must accept their Admission Offer for the fall semester between April 1 and May 1. The deadline to accept the Admission Offer for the spring semester is November 22. Students admitted after the deadline will have two weeks after their date of admission to accept their Admission Offer. To accept your Admission Offer please go to the SFSU Application Status Web site, www.sfsu.edu/admit/.

For more information on "Accept Admission Offer" including frequently asked questions, please visit: http://www.sfsu.edu/~admisrec/reg/ITRfaq.html

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Enrollment Deposit

What is the enrollment deposit?

Freshman, transfer, and graduate students are required to pay a non-refundable Enrollment Deposit of $100 with their admission acceptance. The Enrollment Deposit is required to reserve a space and attend SF State. The admission acceptance and Enrollment Deposit must be received before you can get your SF State email account and sign up for Orientation where you will enroll in classes. The Enrollment Deposit will count toward a portion of your Tuition Fees for the first semester. This is a one-time fee required only during the first semester of admission.

What are the conditions for receiving a waiver for the enrollment deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit is not required for students receiving financial aid or other full financial assistance, such as veteran's benefits. You will not have to pay the Enrollment Deposit if your New Student Requirement checklist indicates, "Not Required."

    You know you qualify for the waiver and the Enrollment Deposit is not required if:
  • You will be receiving state or federal financial aid. Be sure to submit your FAFSA to apply for financial aid beginning January 1, 2012 and no later than the deadline, March 2, 2012. Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
  • You have received a Faculty/Staff fee waiver.
  • You are a veteran or dependent of a veteran.
  • You are an international student not currently residing the United States.

How do I accept admission and pay the enrollment deposit?

Online: Go to SF State Gateway New Student Requirement checklist and accept your admission offer. You can pay online the Enrollment Deposit via MasterCard, American Express, Discover or electronic check. If you qualify for a waiver, your New Student Requirement checklist will indicate the deposit is "Not Required."

By Mail: You can pay by mail when you select this option on the SF State Gateway. Print the Enrollment Deposit payment form, attach a check or money order for $100 payable to SFSU and mail to the SF State Bursar's Office, 1600 Holloway Ave. San Francisco, CA 94132. Please allow at least 2 weeks for your payment to be processed. Once your Enrollment Deposit if posted on your record, you can get your SF State email, sign up for Orientation where you will enroll in classes, and complete the rest of the New Student Requirement checklist on the SF State Gateway.

When do I pay the enrollment deposit?

You must pay the Enrollment Deposit at the time you accept your admission offer. Once you have paid, you can complete the rest of the New Student Requirement checklist on the SF State Gateway.

What else is necessary in order to attend SF State?

Please note that admission and enrollment at SF State is subject in part to satisfactory completion of all admission requirements and compliance with all deadlines. After you have accepted your admission offer and your Enrollment Deposit is posted on your record, complete the rest of the New Student Requirements on the SF State Gateway.

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Frequently Asked Questions by First-Time Freshmen

When will I hear about my application?

You will receive an immediate confirmation via e-mail once you submit the CSU Mentor application. The Office of Undergraduate Admission will notify you via e-mail within five to 10 working days if you apply during the early to middle part of the priority filing period. If you apply later than that, it may take us a little longer because of the increased volume of applications.

How soon will I know if I am admitted?

SF State may offer admission based on the information you self-report on your application compared to your official SAT or ACT test scores. Otherwise you may be asked to submit a high school transcript reflecting all work completed to date for review.

When should I submit my high school transcript?

If you have already graduated from high school by the time you apply, submit the final transcripts showing evidence of graduation immediately. If you have not yet graduated from high school, SF State will notify you if we need an in-progress transcript. Otherwise you will be asked to submit a final transcript by a specific deadline showing the date of your graduation.

When do I have to tell SF State that I am planning to attend the University?

Newly admitted students must indicate their enrollment plans by May 1 for fall semesters and by November 22 for spring semesters. To accept your Admission Offer at SF State, go to the SF State Application Status Web site. The Accept Admission Offer process will enable SF State to know who is planning to attend the University during the upcoming year. For specific dates and other information about accepting your Admission Offer, go to the Office of the Registrar's Accept Admission Offer Q & A.

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Forms

Find forms online that are applicable to SF State applicants.

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