Graduate Programs : MBA : Admissions : Application Checklist
Outlined below are the steps to take to apply to the MBA or MSA program.
Please note that you must submit application materials to both CSU Mentor and to SF State's Division of Graduate Studies.
Step One
CSU Mentor
Complete and submit your entire graduate application via CSU Mentor online application
If applying for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree
Please select the following on the CSU Mentor application:
- Business Admin [MBA] for Major/Program Objective
- select Other Master's for Degree Objective
If applying for the MS in Accountancy (MSA) degree
Please select the following on the CSU Mentor application:
- Accountancy [MS] for Major/Program Objective
- select MS for Degree Objective
Step Two
Submit the following documents to the Division of Graduate Studies:
Application Fee
Enclose a check or money order for US$55.00 and payable to San Francisco State University. Or, when applying online, you may submit the fee electronically.
Transcripts
Send one official sealed copy from all colleges, universities, and community colleges attended. International transcripts must include original transcripts plus a certified English Translation. If official transcripts do not show the degree conferred, then a copy of the diploma with a certified English Translation is also required. Only original copies are accepted.
Financial Statement/Medical Insurance Form for International Students
Applicants who need a student visa (F or J) must also submit this form which includes:
- Financial statement dated within twelve months from the date of the Application and certified by the bank indicating that the student or sponsors have at least US$39,968 to cover one academic year of study. Please check the SEVIS form for the most current amount required.
- Signed Medical Insurance Agreement (bottom portion of the Supplemental Form for International Students). Once admitted to the program, proof of health insurance is necessary in order to register for classes.
The Financial Statement/Medical Insurance For International Admission form must be submitted before the document deadline, and can be obtained online from Graduate Admission Forms
Mailing Address
Division of Graduate Studies, ADM 250
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, California 94132
U.S.A.
Step Three
GMAT or GRE
The GMAT or GRE test is required for admission by all applicants. All test result(s) must be sent to the university directly from the test center.
To register for the GMAT visit http://www.mba.com/ or call 1(800) 717-GMAT.
Our GMAT school codes are: F87HP99 for the MBA and F87HP10 for the MSA program.
Download free GMAT preparation software from the mba.com website.
To register for the GRE visit http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/register
Our GRE school code is: 4684
Download free GRE preparation software from the ETS website.
San Francisco State University's Graduate Business Programs grants a limited number of GMAT fee waivers to economically disadvantaged candidates. For more information, attend one of our Open House sessions.
TOEFL (or IELTS/PTE) test
All Graduate Business applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency. To demonstrate your English language ability, please request to have your official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic score report to San Francisco State University's Division of Graduate Studies. Scores are valid for two years from the test date.
To register for the TOEFL please call 1(800) GO-TOEFL or visit the TOEFL website. The TOEFL school code is 4683.
To register for the IELTS exam, please visit the IELTS website.
To register for the Pearson Test of English (PTE), please refer to the Pearson Test of English website.
Step Four
E-mail the following supplemental documents to mba@sfsu.edu
Statement of Purpose
This Statement of Purpose essay is a required document. The Admissions Committee would like to see evidence of an applicant's maturity and motivation to finish the program. Include reasons for pursuing a graduate business degree at SF State, past accomplishments that would indicate potential as a successful candidate, and projections for the future. There are no specific guidelines regarding the format of this essay, the length of this essay should be between two to three pages. Please submit on a separate sheet rather than using the space on the online application.
Résumé
Full time work experience is highly recommended for admission to the program. Current incoming class average full time work experience is three years. Please include any internship or part-time work experience as well.
Letters of Recommendation
You may download the Letter of Recommendation Cover Form (pdf) sign and submit to each recommender. Please ask your recommender to complete form and attach to their recommendation letter. Letters can be from employers or professors. There is no specific format and no more than two letters are necessary. The recommenders may also write about your character and how do you operate in a team environment. The letters of recommendation must be sent directly from your recommenders to our office via e-mail to mba@sfsu.edu or by mail; address is noted on the top portion of the cover form.
Step Five
Check Application Status Online
Once you have submitted your application, you may check your application status online.
American Language Institute for International Students
The College of Business Graduate Programs recommends that international students study at the American Language Institute (ALI), an intensive English program on the SF State campus, prior to their MBA studies if they have not met the TOEFL and GMAT requirements and to improve their English proficiency in preparation for graduate studies.
At the ALI, students have opportunities to improve lecture listening, note-taking, oral presentation, and academic reading and writing skills, and to become better oriented to the American educational system. For more information, check the ALI web site.
