Here are the steps in our application process. If you are a transfer or international applicant, please see those sections for additional requirements.
Step 1: Get to know us.
Visit our campus. Peruse our website. Ask questions. Review our admission criteria. The more you know, the easier the application process will be.
Step 2: Decide whether you’d like to apply Early Action or Regular Action.
Early Action applicants have the opportunity to submit their applications early (Deadline: Nov 15th, non-binding) and receive a reply by early January. Admitted students then have until May 1st to confirm their intent to enroll at the University.
In order to be considered for financial aid you must submit the FAFSA by February 1st.
Regular Action applicants will receive priority consideration for admission when they apply by January 15. You must also make this application deadline to be considered for financial aid for the following fall.
The Office of Undergraduate Admission will notify you of its decision within four to six weeks after all required materials have been received. Failure to submit fall grades may delay an admission decision as well as any financial assistance.
For both Early Action candidates and Regular Action candidates, financial aid award notices will be mailed no later than early April.
Step 3: Apply
Please fill out our on-line USF application or the Common Application. Make sure to place the appropriate information in the spaces provided. Please complete both the current mailing address and the permanent mailing address. If your address exceeds the allotted space, abbreviate in a manner that will clearly identify your location and permit mail to reach you.
Step 4: Submit all supplemental application documents on time.
Essay (For USF Application ONLY, Not Common Application)For the USF application ONLY, you are required to compose a 1-2 page essay about yourself that tells us how you will help the University to carry out its mission:
The core mission of the University of San Francisco is to promote learning in the Jesuit Catholic tradition so that students acquire the knowledge, skills, values, and sensitivities they need to succeed as persons, professionals, and architects of a more humane and just world.
You may send your essay electronically as a Word or PDF document to appservices@usfca.edu or mail it in. Be sure to include your name and date of birth in the email/mail text.
Letter of Recommendation
One letter of recommendation is required; applicants presently in school should obtain their recommendation from a teacher or counselor. This letter may be sent on a separate sheet of paper attached to the completed recommendation form or may be written directly on the form. (The letter can also be sent directly to USF by the recommender.) Again, please make sure your name and date of birth are on the letter.
Transcript
Please have your high school send us official transcripts. If you are applying for Early Action, your transcript should be sent on or before November 15 and need not include your senior year grades. If you are a Regular Action applicant, you must include your fall semester grades from your senior year.
Mid-Year Report
Freshman applicants, applying under Regular Action, may submit fall senior grades before an official transcript is available. You should have your counselor or school registrar complete this form and submit it as soon as your fall semester grades are available.
Your Regular Action application cannot be evaluated without your fall senior year grades.
Testing Records
All freshman applicants are required to submit official SAT or ACT test results. You must take the SAT or ACT no later than the November test date to meet the admission and financial aid deadlines. (U.S. citizens and permanent residents educated in a language other than English may, at the discretion of the University, be subject to additional testing of English language proficiency.)
If English is not your native language, you are required to submit official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic).
Application Fee
A non-refundable fee of $55 is required to cover processing of the application. Please do not send cash. Make checks or money orders payable to: University of San Francisco.
Mailing Address
All supplemental documents and payments should be sent to:
University of San Francisco
Office of Admission
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117 – 1046.
Fax: (415) 422-2217
