COVID-19 Admission Updates

Last updated 5/7/20

During this time of uncertainty as we all grapple with the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we’re taking steps to protect the health and safety of our admitted students and their families, as well as our staff.

We’ll be updating this page as we monitor developments and recommendations from public health authorities.

Our Fall Plans

Our goal remains to begin the fall semester with as much in-person instruction as is safely possible. Our COVID-19 Management Team has been closely monitoring directives from local and state officials, and we are in constant communication with these leaders and their representatives.

Senior leadership from Public Safety, Student Life, Facilities, and the USF School of Nursing and Health Professions have come together to form the USF Public Health Working Group. The group is working closely with the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) to advise the USF community on public health policies, including contact tracing, testing mechanisms, social distancing, and enhanced safety measures.

Based on recommendations from the group, we are prepared to implement the changes that will be required in our classrooms, residence halls, and all shared spaces on campus to ensure the health and safety of our community.

Virtual Spring Events

We are following the guidance of state and local authorities and canceling all campus visits and admitted student events through May 31 to help reduce further spread of the coronavirus.

We’re determined to create meaningful ways to welcome you to our community and celebrate your admission. We’re a small university, and the close, personal relationships you’ll find here will make a huge difference in your USF experience.

Admitted students: Visit our virtual events page to see all the ways to connect with us, your professors, and the Class of 2024.

Prospective students: Take a virtual campus tour or sign up for a virtual info session to meet our Admission team and learn about your next steps.

Deferring Your Enrollment

We understand that circumstances change. If you are unable to join us this fall, we would love to save a future spot for you at USF.

Learn more about our deferral process

Standardized Testing

If you are impacted by closed testing centers (e.g. for the SAT or ACT), please reach out to us at admission@usfca.edu. Remember, we are a test optional university. You don’t need test scores to apply to USF, although you will need them when you enroll for class placement.

Learn more about our test optional policy

For international students, we are also temporarily accepting Duolingo’s English test in place of the in-person TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE English exams.

AP/IB Exams

We understand you may not be able to take your scheduled AP or IB exams this spring or summer as you had planned. If you are unable to take these exams, your admission to USF will not be impacted in any way. If you take these exams at a later date, we will award credit for these scores/exams as appropriate.

Learn more about AP/IB/College credit

Transcripts

For transfer students, we are temporarily accepting unofficial transcripts, which can include a screenshot or copy of your transcript.

If you’re having difficulty with anything else, please reach out to us at admission@usfca.edu, and we can sort it out together.

Pass/Fail Classes

Some schools have moved to a pass/fail or credit/no credit system for courses this spring. There will be no impact on your admission to USF if you receive a pass or credit grade instead of a letter grade for classes taken in spring 2020.

We’re Here for You

During tough times like these, we need our USF family more than ever. We hope you will connect with us, lean on us, and take advantage of these opportunities to imagine your future as a Don. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always reach us at admission@usfca.edu or (415) 422-6563.

Please take care of yourself and others, and follow all of the recommendations of your school and community. More than anything, we want to be able to welcome you here, healthy and ready for your next chapter, in the fall.