Where are you located in San Francisco?
Our 55 acre campus is in a residential neighborhood two blocks from Golden Gate Park, a 1,000 acre park that stretches approximately three and a half miles 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?
Moderate year round; temperatures rarely reach higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or 21 degrees Celsius or lower than the high 40s F or 10 degrees Celsius.
What are your minimum requirements for admission to the University of San Francisco?
There are no minimum requirements for admission to the University of San Francisco; admission is based on all components of the admission application. We welcome applications from students who are qualified to achieve the University's educational goals. The average grade point average for freshmen admitted to the University in Fall 2010 was 3.59. The average combined SAT test score was 1158 (critical reading and math only). The average ACT composite test score was a 25.
Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
We will accept either test score. We consider the highest scores from any test date.
Do I need to take SAT II tests?
No, USF does not require SAT II subject test.
Do you give college credit for AP and IB tests and courses?
Yes. For most Advanced Placement (AP) exams you will receive four units of credit for each exam on which you score 3 or better (for English Language and Composition, Calculus, Chemistry and all History exams a 4 or better is required). For International Baccalaureate (IB) credit, you will receive ten units of credit for each higher level score (4,5,6, or 7).
Do you consider AP courses, IB courses and Honors courses to calculate a "weighted" grade point average for admission?
Yes. For each AP and IB course you take, you will receive an extra quality point that is calculated into your grade point average. This is true also for Honors courses taken during the junior and senior year of high school (or junior level courses taken prior to the junior year).
Can I get credit for college courses taken while attending high school?
You may receive transfer credit for college courses if you attended a regionally accredited institution and can provide an official college transcript. Students concurrently enrolled in high school and college courses should apply as Freshman applicants.
Can I apply on-line?
Yes. Click here to apply on-line. You can save your progress on the application so that you do not have to complete it at one sitting.
Do you prefer on-line applications or paper applications?
We have no preference. Use the format with which you are most comfortable.
What is the application fee?
A non-refundable fee of $55 is required to cover processing of the application. For non-U.S. Citizens, the fee is $55. Please do not send cash. Make checks or money orders payable to: University of San Francisco and be sure to submit your payment with your application. Please include your name and USF ID on your check.
What are the application deadlines?
November 15: Early Action Deadline
The University of San Francisco's Early Action program allows excellent students the opportunity to receive an early evaluation of their application. You should not consider Early Action as offering either an advantage or a disadvantage in gaining admission to the University. Students admitted under the Early Action program have until the Candidates Common Reply Date (May 1) to confirm their intent to enroll at the University. To be considered under the Early Action program, you must have a completed application on file in the Admission Office by November 15 and must take the SAT I or ACT no later than the November test date. The Admission Office will make every effort to notify you of its decision by the end of December. If you wish to be considered for financial assistance, you must submit the appropriate financial aid forms by February 1.
January 15: Regular Action Deadline
If you apply by this deadline, you will receive priority consideration for admission. You must apply by February 1 to be considered for financial assistance for the following fall semester. You should submit your application for admission by January 15 and file the appropriate financial aid forms (www.fafsa.ed.gov) by February 1. If you apply after January 15, you will be considered as space permits. Review of Regular Action applications begins after January 15. We will make a decision on your application approximately four weeks after all required materials (including fall grades of your senior year) have been received. A freshman applicant wishing to begin in the spring semester must submit all required material by December 15.
Are you on a semester or quarter system?
USF is on a semester system.
How is the pre-med program at the University of San Francisco?
Students may complete pre-medical or other pre-health science requirements as a part of, or in addition to, the requirements of any academic major. The Pre-Professional Health Committee Advising Program guides students to professional health schools, primarily medical and dental schools, but also other schools including pharmacy, optometry, veterinary medicine and podiatry. The number of students admitted to medical schools from the University of San Francisco surpasses the national average by more than 20 per cent.
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. Only nursing applicants must declare their majors because of the clinical course sequence throughout the program.
Will I have an academic advisor?
Yes, academic advising begins at 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 in the College of Arts and Sciences will be assigned an advisor by the College.
What is the average class size at USF?
Twenty-nine students. Student to faculty ratio is 15:1.
Will I be taught by teaching assistants?
No. Our classes are taught by faculty members, of which 91 per cent have a Ph.D. or other appropriate terminal degree.
How many units will I need to graduate from USF?
128 units, as meeting major course requirements, GEC credits, Foreign Language requirement (depending on major) and elective credits.
Is it possible to graduate in four years?
Yes. Most of our programs are designed so that you can finish your general education and major coursework in four years.
Do you have a Study Abroad Program?
Yes. We are affiliated with Jesuit programs in Tokyo, Iberoamericana, Mexico, Florence, Rome, Madrid, Beijing, Chile, the Philippines and Oxford. The Office of Student Enrichment Programs Office assists students in researching and applying to accredited study abroad programs in other locations.
How many students attend USF?
There are approximately 5000 traditional undergraduates, 1100 returning adult students and 3000 graduate students for a total of about 9,100.
How many students live on campus?
Over 90 per cent of freshmen and approximately 40 per cent of all undergraduate students live on campus. For more information visit the Office of Residence Life.
Are Freshmen guaranteed housing?
Starting in the fall of 2011, all new undergraduate students admitted with 40 or fewer transfer credits will be required to live on campus for their first two semesters of enrollment at USF (exemptions may be granted).
How safe is the campus?
The campus is very safe. The University of San Francisco's Department of Public Safety patrols the campus and the area surrounding the campus 24 hours a day.
Do students stay on campus during the weekends?
Yes. Students take advantage of activities on campus organized by clubs and organizations, the Koret Health and Recreation Center and Associated Students of the University of San Francisco (ASUSF). When they become more familiar with the city of San Francisco, students also have access to all the cultural, sports and outdoor activities for which the city and Northern California are famous.
What is the annual tuition for a Freshman?
Click here for a current chart of tuition and fees.
Are there merit scholarships? What are University Scholars?
The University Scholars program is awarded to students who have a minimum grade point average of 3.8 as calculated by the USF Office of Admission, and a minimum combined SAT test score, on the Critical Reading and Math portions of the SAT Exam, 1320 or a minimum ACT composite test score of 30. The University Scholars program awards $19,500 a year for eight semesters of undergraduate study, provided the student maintains at least a 3.25 grade point average at USF.
** SAT scores are combined Math and Critical Reading (Verbal). ACT scores can be used if no SAT scores are available, or if higher than the combined SAT scores.**
Is there another scholarship if I do not meet these requirements?
Prior academic performance is considered when certain Financial Aid resources are awarded, but the University Scholars program is our only scholarship based on merit alone.
What division is USF in sports, and are there athletic scholarships?
We are NCAA Division 1. There are athletic scholarships depending on specific sports programs. Please call the Athletic Department at 415/422-6891 for information on aid available to students on specific teams.
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.
