Conditional Admissions

Students learning English in San Francisco

 

The Conditional Admissions program at San Francisco State University is designed for international students who are academically qualified to apply for admission to the University, but have an insufficient score on the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE.

Conditional Admission is an opportunity for you to study for at least one semester at the American Language Institute (ALI), SF State's intensive English program, until you have completed the recommended level of courses and receive satisfactory grades, OR obtain the required TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score.

After you meet the requirement, you can submit a formal application to one of San Francisco State University's degree programs via Cal State Apply.

 

You must be:

  • A graduate of high school/secondary school (undergraduate level)
  • A graduate of equivalent to a U.S. four-year university (graduate level)
  • Able to speak, understand, write and read simple English sentences

  • The ALI accepts applications on a first-come, first-served basis
  • See Session Date & Fees for application start dates
  • There is no deadline to apply, but allow time to apply for the F-1 student visa (if needed)

  1. Complete the Conditional Admissions Form
  1. Complete the Supporting Documents
    • High school transcript and diploma (if available)
      • Currently in the final year of high school: Send transcript which includes first semester or second trimester of year 12.
      • Already completed high school: Send transcript and proof of high school graduation
    • University transcript and diploma (if any)
    • If you have had an academic break of more than a year, complete the Gap Letter form to explain what you did during your break (i.e., work, language school).

    Clear copies of official transcript are acceptable for evaluation purposes. If your school does not give transcripts in English, send your academic transcripts in original language AND an English translation from an official translation company. Notary is not accepted. All transcripts given to SF State become property of the University and cannot be photocopied or returned.

    • University transcripts and diploma
       

    Clear copies of official transcript are acceptable for evaluation purposes. If your school does not give transcripts in English, send your academic transcripts in original language AND an English translation from an official translation company. Notary is not accepted. All transcripts given to SF State become property of the University and cannot be photocopied or returned.

 

  1. Apply to the American Language Institute
  2. Receiving Your Conditional Admission Letter
    You can receive your Conditional Admission Letter by air or express mail, or it can be picked up at the ALI Office. Admission packets will be sent by air mail if no express mail or in person pick-up request is made. See Express Mail Instructions.

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Please note that acceptance to the Conditional Admissions program does not guarantee acceptance to a degree program at the University.

Students who are offered conditional admission must submit a Cal State Apply application to a degree program upon achieving the minimum TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score required or meeting the TOEFL waiver requirement.

For detailed information about TOEFL waiver requirement for ALI students who wish to apply for SF State degree programs, please see ALI TOEFL Waivers.

If you have questions about Conditional Admissions, please contact us:

Hours  Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Email  ali@sfsu.edu
Phone  (415) 338-1438