Where are you located in San Francisco?
We are located right in the middle of the city! Our 55 acre (22.5 hectares) campus is in a residential neighborhood two blocks from Golden Gate Park, a 1,000 acre (405 hectares) park that stretches approximately 5600 kilometers west to the Pacific Ocean. We are a twenty-minute bus ride from downtown, the Financial District, the Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf.
What is the climate like in San Francisco?
The weather is moderate year round; temperatures range from 10 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees Celsius (40 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit).
What are your deadlines?
Early Action Deadline for the Fall semester: November 15
Regular Action Deadline for the Fall semester: January 15
Regular Action Deadline for the Spring semester: November 1
What documents must I submit with my application?
Personal Essay
Certified academic records from each secondary school, college, or university you have attended
Letter of recommendation
Official TOEFL or IELTS score
Official SAT or ACT score (if required)
Certification of Finances
Copy of your passport photo page
Application Fee of $55 USD
What is your minimum TOEFL requirement?
79 internet-based / 550 paper-based
What is your minimum IELTS requirement?
IELTS overall band score of at least 6.0 with no individual band score below 5.5.
Do you accept the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)?
Yes. For regular admission we require a score of 53 or higher.
Do you accept students conditionally?
Yes. Academically qualified applicants with a TOEFL score of 48 – 78 (internet-based) or 460 - 547 (paper-based) or IELTS overall band scores of 5.0 - 5.5 (with no individual band score below 4.5) or a PTE score of 40 – 52 may be considered for “English-conditional admission” (except to the School of Nursing). Students admitted conditionally to the University will take intensive English courses as well as regular University courses. The paper-based TOEFL test is administered at the beginning and end of each semester, and once a student receives a score of 550 or higher, he or she will no longer need to continue taking ESL courses.
Do you ever waive the TOEFL?
Yes. The TOEFL may be waived if an applicant's SAT Critical Reading score is 500 or higher; of their predicted IBHL English score is 5 or higher; or they received a B or higher on their English O-Level exam (GCSE, IGCSE, SPM, etc); or they received a B or higher in a college-level writing course taught in the United States.
Do you require the SAT?
International students who are completing an American- or IB-curriculum are required to submit a SAT score. All other international applicants are recommended, but not required to submit a SAT score.
Do you accept AP and IB credit?
Yes.
AP: With a score of 3 or better you will receive four to ten units of credit for each AP exam. (Please note you must submit a score of 4 or better on the Calculus, Chemistry and History exams to receive credit.)
IB: With a score of 4 or better you will receive ten units of credit for each higher-level IB subject.
Do you accept transfer credit?
If your university or institute is recognized by the Ministry of Education or if it is directly accredited by one of the US regional accrediting bodies, then we will grant transfer credit.
I am a transfer student; do I need to send my high school / secondary school records?
You are required to submit certified copies of your secondary school records if you have completed less than 24 transferable semester credits (approximately 1 year of full-time university study) at the time you submit your application.
I attended a university but I want to start over as a freshman and I don't care if I receive any transfer credit; do you still need my university transcript?
Yes. We need a complete record of your academic history.
Do my documents need to be translated?
Yes. You should submit a certified copies in the original language along with certified English translations.
What do you need for a certification of finances?
You should complete the Certification of Finances form and return it along with a bank statement or letter verifying your family's ability to finance your education. Applicants applying for the Fall 2011 or Spring 2012 semester must verify a minimum bank account balance of $57,000 USD in order to satisfy this requirement.
Can I take ESL classes at USF?
Yes, USF offers both full-time and part-time ESL Programs. To learn more about ESL at USF, please visit our Intensive English Program website.
Are you on a semester or quarter system?
USF is on a semester system. The Fall semester begins in late-August and ends in mid-December; the Spring semester begins in late-January and ends in mid-May.
Do I have to choose a major when I apply?
No. Many students are undecided on a major when they apply. This does not affect your admission. Please note that Nursing applicants must indicate Nursing as their major when applying.
Will I have an academic advisor?
Yes, academic advising begins during fall orientation. When a student enrolls in a major or professional degree program, a faculty advisor is assigned from the appropriate department or school. Undeclared majors will be assigned an advisor by their College.
What is the average class size at USF?
The average class size is 25 students. Student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1.
Will I be taught by student teaching assistants?
No. Our classes are taught by faculty members, of which 92% have a Ph.D. or other appropriate terminal degree.
Is it possible to graduate in four years?
Yes. Our undergraduate programs are designed so that you can finish your general education and major coursework in four years.
How many students attend USF?
5,838 Undergraduates
3,747 Graduates
Total 9,585
How many international students attend USF?
1,029 international students (10.7% of the total student body)
How many students live on campus?
Over 90% of freshmen and approximately 55% of all undergraduate students live on campus.
Can I live on campus?
Students who are admitted with fewer than 40 transferable semester credits are guaranteed on-campus for their first 2 semesters at USF. Students who are admitted with more than 40 transferable semester credits can apply for on-campus housing however it is not guaranteed.
How safe is the campus?
The campus is very safe. University of San Francisco's Department of Public Safety patrols the campus and the area surrounding the campus 24 hours a day.
Do you have student clubs and organizations?
Yes, we have over 100 student clubs and organizations, including the International Student Association, and 19 culturally-based clubs. Student organizations also include academically-based clubs, faith-based clubs, and Greek organizations (sororities and fraternities).
What is the annual tuition?
Click here for a current chart of tuition and fees.
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships to international students?
With the exception of athletic scholarships, USF does not offer scholarships or financial aid to international students. US citizens or permanent residents, regardless of where they are living, may apply for both scholarships and financial aid.
How well do I have to play a sport to receive an athletic scholarship?
USF athletes play in Division I in the NCAA, so you must be very talented; for example, in soccer: Olympic development team experience or equivalent. You can call the Athletic Dept. at (415) 422-6891 to ask questions or to contact a coach.
Do you have a good job placement rate after graduation?
Yes. On our most recent graduating student survey (May 2000), over 71% of our graduates indicated they were either starting a new job or continuing/being promoted at their current job, while about 12% indicated they planned to attend graduate school.
