San Francisco State University: Applications And Competition

San Francisco State University, also known as SFSU or SF State, is a public research university with a large student body. The university has a high number of applicants each year, with nearly 30,000 students enrolling annually according to some sources, while others state that the university has over 35,000 students enrolled. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its diverse and inclusive community, making it an attractive option for prospective students.

Application process and requirements

Domestic Students

San Francisco State University (SFSU) welcomes students from all backgrounds and walks of life. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including 82 bachelor's degree areas, 41 areas of concentration, 63 master's degree areas, 32 areas of concentration, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership with two concentrations, a Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in special education, and a clinical doctorate of physical therapy (D.P.T.), jointly with UC San Francisco.

If you are a prospective freshman student, you must meet the following minimum requirements for admission to SFSU:

• Complete the required A-G college preparatory courses with a grade of C- or better. These courses include subjects such as history, mathematics, laboratory science, a language other than English, visual and performing arts, and a college preparatory elective.
• Meet the GPA requirements based on residency or high school status. For California residents or graduates of a California high school, the minimum GPA requirement is 2.00. For non-California residents or graduates of a high school outside of California, the minimum GPA requirement is 2.47.
• Graduate from high school with a diploma or GED. Your final high school transcript should include all your grades and your graduation date.

It is important to note that SFSU does not use ACT/SAT examinations to determine admission eligibility. Instead, they focus on your academic performance and GPA.

The application process for domestic students involves the following steps:

• Explore and choose a major: With over 100 undergraduate majors to choose from, you can select a specific major or apply as undeclared.
• Submit your application: Complete the online application at www.calstate.edu/apply/freshman during the designated filing period. There is a $70 non-refundable application fee, payable by credit card or PayPal.
• Submit requested documents: After submitting your application, SFSU may request additional documents, which must be provided by the specified deadline.
• Check your application status: You can monitor the status of your application by checking your Student Center on the SF State Gateway.
• Focus on your studies: While waiting for a decision, it is important to maintain good grades and stay on top of important deadlines.

International Students

International students are an integral part of the diverse community at San Francisco State University (SFSU). The university welcomes undergraduate applicants who plan to study on an F-1 student visa or those with international academic records. Here are the key requirements and steps for international students applying to SFSU:

Eligibility Requirements for Freshman from a US High School:

• College Preparatory Courses: Complete the required A-G college preparatory courses with a grade of C- or better.
• GPA Requirements: Meet the GPA requirements based on residency or high school status.
• High School Graduation: Provide your high school transcript and ensure it includes your graduation date.
• English Language Proficiency: If you attended a US high school for at least 3 years, you meet this requirement. Otherwise, you must submit proof of English proficiency through exams like TOEFL or IELTS.

Eligibility Requirements for Freshman from a High School Outside of the US:

• Academic Preparation: Complete a secondary/high school curriculum totaling 12 years of primary and secondary education. You must be qualified to enter a university in your home country and have a good scholastic record.
• GPA Requirement: Achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on the 4.0 grading scale or a B- average in academic courses completed after the 9th grade.
• High School Graduation: Ensure you have or will obtain the equivalent of a US high school diploma.
• English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate English proficiency through exams like TOEFL or IELTS, or by completing three years of full-time academic study in specific countries where English was the primary language of instruction.

Application Process for International Students:

• Choose a Major: With a wide range of undergraduate majors, you can select the field that aligns with your interests and career goals.
• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application at www.calstate.edu/apply during the specified filing period. The application fee of $70 is non-refundable and payable by credit card or PayPal.
• Submit Requested Documents: SFSU may request additional documents after reviewing your application. Ensure you provide them by the specified deadline.
• Check Your Application Status: Monitor the status of your application through your Student Center on the SF State Gateway.
• Stay Focused: While awaiting a decision, maintain your academic performance and meet important deadlines.

Graduate Students

For graduate students interested in applying to San Francisco State University, the process and requirements are as follows:

Application Process:

• Create a Cal State Apply Account: Cal State Apply is the centralized application system for all 23 universities in the California State University (CSU) system. You only need one account even if you're applying to multiple CSU universities.
• Prepare Your Application: Gather all the necessary documents, including personal statements, letters of recommendation, supplemental materials (e.g., writing samples, resumes), and standardized test scores. Ensure your application is comprehensive and well-prepared.
• Complete the Cal State Apply Application: Finish all four sections of the application (Personal Information, Supporting Information, and Program Materials) and submit it by the deadline.
• Upload Unofficial Transcripts: Log in to your Cal State Apply account and upload unofficial transcripts from each college or university you've attended. This includes community college coursework and study abroad programs.
• Statement of Purpose: Craft a strong essay that introduces you to the graduate program, highlights your academic experiences, discusses your research interests and goals, and demonstrates how your background aligns with the program's resources.
• Letters of Recommendation: Request letters from individuals who know your academic work and potential well, such as professors who taught you in upper-division courses or supervisors familiar with your research.
• Check Your Application Status: You will receive an email with your SF STATE ID within 1-2 days of submitting your application. Use this ID and your password to access your application status and monitor the review process.

International Graduate Students:

International graduate students must meet additional requirements, including demonstrating English Language Proficiency and providing proof of adequate financial resources. All international students, regardless of citizenship, must satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement by submitting exam scores (TOEFL or IELTS) or demonstrating prior academic instruction in English. Additionally, international students must present evidence of financial ability to cover school costs and living expenses for one academic year.

Student demographics

San Francisco State University (SFSU) has a large student population, with around 27,349 students enrolled in total. The gender breakdown of the student population is approximately 15,491 female students and 11,858 male students. The undergraduate population is made up of 57% women and 43% men, while the graduate population is 68% women and 32% men. The undergraduate population is also largely made up of full-time students, with 19,463 full-time students compared to 5,819 part-time students.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, SFSU has a predominantly Hispanic or Latino student population, with 36.5% of students identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The second-largest racial or ethnic group is Asian, making up 23.9% of the student population. The student body also includes White (17.3%), Black or African American (5.82%), Two or More Races (5.19%), Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders (0.581%), and American Indian or Alaska Native (0.15%) students. The racial and ethnic diversity of SFSU's student population is below average when compared to other universities.

In addition to domestic students, SFSU also has a significant number of international students, representing 103 countries. The majority of international students come from China, India, and Japan. The age diversity at SFSU is also notable, with 47.02% of students falling into the traditional college age category of 18-21 years, which is lower than the national average of 60%.

SFSU's student population also reflects the university's commitment to educational excellence and community inclusion. With nearly 30,000 students enrolling each year, SFSU offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its dedication to helping students develop their potential. The university's graduates contribute to various sectors, including economics, culture, and civic life, not just in the Bay Area but beyond as well.

Acceptance rate

San Francisco State University (SFSU) has a high acceptance rate, with sources giving figures between 84% and 94%. This indicates that the university is not particularly selective when it comes to admissions. Nearly 30,000 students enrol each year, although another source states that number is closer to 24,000. The university offers a wide range of academic programmes, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as credential and certificate programmes.

SFSU's admissions process does not consider SAT/ACT scores. Instead, the university has a comprehensive set of eligibility requirements for prospective students. For freshman applicants, these include completing the required college preparatory courses with a minimum grade, meeting GPA requirements based on residency or high school, and graduating from high school with a diploma or GED. SFSU also offers international admissions and considers applicants with international academic records or those entering on an F-1 student visa.

The university's website emphasises its commitment to equity and community inclusion, stating that it champions these values to empower students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their educational dreams. SFSU also highlights its dedication to making education affordable and accessible, ranking in the top 25 for U.S. universities on CollegeNet's Social Mobility Index.

Student housing

San Francisco State University (SFSU) offers a variety of housing options for its nearly 30,000 students, all conveniently located near classrooms, the library, the bookstore, dining commons, and other campus facilities. Living on campus is a great way to get involved, make connections, and share common interests with other community members. Research shows that students who live on campus may even get better grades and graduate faster than those who live off-campus.

SFSU has three residential neighbourhoods with a range of housing communities, room types, and meal plans to choose from. The university guarantees housing for freshmen, with options such as the new West Grove Commons, which features intimate pod communities and a variety of shared spaces, making it easy for students to connect with neighbours and immerse themselves in student life.

Applying for on-campus housing at SFSU is a separate process from the university admission application. As on-campus housing is limited and in high demand, the Housing Office recommends that students submit their housing applications as soon as the portal opens to increase their chances of securing their preferred room type. Students can take virtual tours of the housing options and explore the different residential communities before applying.

SFSU also offers reduced housing rates for freshmen who are CAL Grant A or B recipients, ensuring that on-campus housing is accessible to all. The university provides a supportive and engaging community to help students thrive academically and personally, with resources and opportunities to get involved and connect with others who share common interests.

Notable alumni

San Francisco State University enrols nearly 30,000 students each year, with a network of over 275,000 graduates. Here is a list of some of its notable alumni:

Entertainment

• Margaret Avery: Actress nominated for an Academy Award for The Color Purple
• Annette Bening: Actress nominated for five Academy Awards, including for American Beauty and The American President
• Alex Borstein: Actress, comedian, writer, and producer. Known for voicing Lois Griffin in Family Guy
• Tory Belleci: Special effects engineer and cast member on MythBusters
• Dana Carvey: Actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer
• Margaret Cho: Comedian and actress known for her social and political commentary
• Danny Glover: Actor, producer, and political activist. Known for his roles in the Lethal Weapon and Lethal Weapon 2 franchises
• Harry Shum Jr: Actor, dancer, and singer. Known for his roles in Glee, Grey's Anatomy, and Shadowhunters
• Jeffrey Tambor: Actor known for his roles in The Larry Sanders Show, Arrested Development, and Transparent
• Delroy Lindo: Actor known for his roles in films such as Get Shorty, The Cider House Rules, and Da 5 Bloods
• Peter Coyote: Actor, director, screenwriter, author, and narrator
• Oliver Tree: Musician known for his songs "Life Goes On" and "Miss You"
• Bradley Darryl Wong: Actor known for his role as Whiterose in Mr. Robot. He won a Tony Award for his performance in M. Butterfly
• Janet Varney: Actress, comedian, writer, and producer. Known for voicing Korra in The Legend of Korra
• Daren Kagasoff: Actor known for his role as Ricky Underwood in The Secret Life of the American Teenager
• Kari Byron: Television host and artist, best known for her role on MythBusters
• David Carradine: Actor, martial artist, director, and producer. Known for his role as Kwai Chang Caine in the 1970s television series Kung Fu
• Robert Schneider: Actor and comedian. Cast member and writer for Saturday Night Live from 1988 to 1994
• Carl Weathers: Actor, director, and former football linebacker. Known for his roles in the Rocky franchise, Predator, and Happy Gilmore
• Kirk Hammett: Lead guitarist of Metallica
• Paul Desmond: Jazz saxophonist and composer. Member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet and composer of "Take Five"
• George Duke: Keyboardist, composer, singer-songwriter, and record producer
• Vince Guaraldi: Jazz pianist and composer of the Peanuts cartoon music
• Janet Weiss: Drummer for Sleater-Kinney
• Jennifer Finch: Bass player for the punk rock band L7
• Greg Proops: Comedian and improviser best known for Whose Line Is It Anyway?
• Jonas Rivera: Academy Award-winning producer of Inside Out

Literature

• Anne Rice: Author of gothic fiction, erotic literature, and Christian literature, including The Vampire Chronicles
• Rebecca Solnit: Writer on topics such as feminism, the environment, politics, place, and art
• Ernest J. Gaines: Novelist and National Humanities Medal winner
• Michael McClure: Poet, playwright, songwriter, and novelist. A key member of the Beat Generation
• Jack Gilbert: Poet who described himself as a "serious romantic"
• Rae Armantrout: Pulitzer Prize-winning poet
• Kelly Corrigan: Author of four New York Times bestselling books about family life

Other Notable Mentions

• Alvin Ailey: Dancer, choreographer, director, and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
• Mohammad Javad Zarif: Iranian career diplomat and academic. Foreign minister of Iran from 2013 to 2021
• Cleve Jones: AIDS and LGBT rights activist who conceived the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt
• Wilma Mankiller: Native American activist and the first woman elected to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
• Douglas Crockford: Computer programmer involved in the development of the JavaScript language

Frequently asked questions