San Francisco State University Admission

San Francisco State University is my dream school - the whole city vibe really resonates with me. Do they heavily weigh GPA or test scores? Or are they holistic in their admissions?

San Francisco State University, like all Cal State schools, primarily bases admission on a combination of your high school GPA and the courses you took in high school. To be specific, San Francisco State uses something called an "eligibility index" that is comprised of your GPA and, prior to 2024, your SAT or ACT scores.

However, starting from the 2024-2025 application cycle, all Cal State schools, including San Francisco State University, have adopted a test-blind policy. This means they no longer consider SAT or ACT scores in their admission process. This change shifts the emphasis towards your high school GPA and the rigor of your course load - primarily the a-g course requirements.

It's important to note that while San Francisco State doesn't review applications holistically (meaning they don't consider essays or letters of recommendation), they do offer an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) for students who have potential for success but have been disadvantaged socially, economically, or educationally. If you believe you fall into that category, you may want to look into the EOP.

Apart from GPA and course rigor, major selection can also play a part in admission decisions at SF State. Some majors are more competitive than others and may have additional requirements or application procedures.

It might also be worthwhile to attend any virtual events or tours the university hosts. This would give you an even better sense of the school's vibe and might further solidify your interest.