Prepare to Apply

Submit your best application

We want you to have the best application. Our faculty, staff and students are available to answer questions, share advice and help you navigate this process. As you start this process, make sure you explore our different graduate programs and talk to your program’s graduate coordinator. That will help you have a good foundation to dive into the rest of the apply process.

Advice navigating Cal State Apply

The online Cal State Apply application is divided into four sections. Fill out each section as directed. 

  • Personal Information: You may skip any fields marked “optional.”  
  • Academic History: List all colleges/universities you have attended along with attendance dates. Do not enter standardized test scores in this section. Select the option “I am Not Adding Any Standardized Tests.” You can also bypass entering a GPA by selecting “Don’t have a GPA to add,” since the Graduate Division will calculate your GPA from your transcripts.  
  • Supporting Information: You can opt out of this section unless your program explicitly requires it. If not needed, select “I Am Not Adding Any Experiences.” 
  • Program Materials: This section requires you to upload program-specific requirements, answer questions and identify letter of recommendation writers.  Be sure to complete each tab. For the letters, enter the names and emails of your recommenders so the system will automatically email recommendation request links to them. You do not need to wait for recommendations to be completed to submit your application. 

Prepare unofficial transcripts

Ensure you have legible copies of transcripts from each college or university you have attended, including study abroad coursework and community college coursework, even if such coursework appears as transfer credit on your degree transcript. In progress coursework is acceptable, but an incomplete academic history will significantly delay the review of your application.

Most universities offer an online service for accessing unofficial transcripts so you may be able to log in to your former university's online portal and download or save your unofficial transcripts. It is usually available in a PDF or electronic format. The Graduate Admissions team recommends that you contact the Registrar’s Office of your former institution with questions on how to obtain your unofficial transcripts. 

In Cal State Apply 

Find and select the "Documents" tab within the Program Materials section of your application. Click "Upload" to start the upload process. Ensure that the file is successfully uploaded without errors and save. Ensure that you complete these steps accurately and in a timely manner to meet the application deadline.

The Graduate Admission office may request official transcripts at any point during the application review process. If selected for admission, you will be required to submit official transcripts to the Division of Graduate Studies to secure your admission.

If admitted, you must submit official transcripts directly from each institution to graddocs@sfsu.edu. Electronic transcripts are accepted only if sent by authorized vendors (e.g., Parchment, eScript, Script Safe). 

Upload program materials

Make sure you review the specific materials required by your program, along with any instructions Review the program website and talk to Graduate Studies and program coordinators to ensure you are preparing the appropriate materials. These materials usually include a Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation.

Tips for writing statement of purpose 

Your Statement of Purpose is an important essay required by San Francisco State Graduate Programs. To write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), review the website for your intended program of study for any department specific instructions or prompts. 

  • Introduce yourself to the intended graduate program and highlight academic experiences that prepare you for the program (e.g., coursework, research, internships, presentations). 
  • Discuss your motivation or passion for pursuing graduate study. 
  • Explain your research interests, disciplinary subfields and areas of specialization. 
  • Outline your professional objectives and how the program aligns with your goals. 
  • Demonstrate how your experiences and interests align with the program's resources and characteristics. 
  • Mention specific faculty members you want to work with and how their interests match yours. 
  • Discuss your personal background and how it shapes your decision to pursue a graduate degree. 
  • Include educational, familial, cultural, economic and social experiences that have influenced you. 

Submit the best letters of recommendation 

Your letters of recommendation are an important component of your grad school application. They highlight your academic work and potential for success. Ask individuals who know you well and can write specifically about your abilities and potential. Ask professors who taught you in upper-division courses or are familiar with your research.  Consider asking supervisors from your professional experience, especially if you have been out of college for some time. 

Remember that professors were once in your position and understand the importance of recommendation letters. Follow these tips to navigate the process of obtaining strong letters of recommendation for your grad school application. 

  • Request letters well in advance (1-2 months) of application deadlines. 
  • Provide documentation to help them write a stronger letter such as your CV or resume, unofficial transcript, list of awards, achievements, and published papers, or a copy of your statement of purpose. 
  • Always thank recommenders for their time and effort. 
  • A handwritten note or email expressing gratitude is appropriate. 
  • Keep recommenders informed about your application process, especially if you're admitted.