The University of California has ten campuses, of which San Francisco offers only graduate and professional programs. It specializes in the medical field and biological research.
If you want a quality education and an honest bit of fun, maybe the choice for you is the University of California San Francisco. With being a University that has a strong alumni network, diverse opportunities, and a solid financial aid program, why wouldn’t it be on the top of every graduate’s list? But enough of seeing admission success stories around, let’s think about writing one for you.
Behind every success story, there is a lot of work – so, let’s begin with what it takes to actually get into the campus, with an admission letter and not just take a look around it.
What are the admission requirements to get into the University of California San Francisco?
Like every University that offers a standard in education and world-class facilities, the University of California San Francisco aims to accept the best. Now, let’s see if you have the eligibility.
UCSF admits students that have at least completed an undergraduate degree (BA/BS) from an accredited college/university.
An array of graduate programs and Ph.D. programs are available and have admission requirements that pertain to the subject. You must have a relevant undergraduate degree or credits, and research in the relevant field that makes your admission highly probably. There are summer research intern programs and certificate programs to apply for too.
Read carefully each department’s application requirement. Some might need some documents more than others.
You are allowed to apply to only one program, so you can’t go crazy applying to several. You have to choose one program per admission cycle, so make a wise decision.
They look for candidates with a good academic record, and personal and community skills. so, time for you to shine everything down on them.
What is the GPA needed?
There is no beating around the bush here – you have to do well academically. A GPA of 3.58 (83% to 86%) (grade A) or above can you get you into UCSF.
You do not have to take a GRE – Graduate Record Examination in all cases.
What is the admission process at the University of California San Francisco?
On payment of a non-refundable $120 admission fee, the graduate admission department establishes a file for you.
Now, all the documents that include application transcripts and letters of recommendation are sent to the department of the program you have applied for.
Now the admission committee approaches the graduate department to advise them on your admission or denial.
Only the dean has the power to deny an admission completely, even if accepted by the department.
What are the international admission requirements?
All the admission requirements of Americal students apply to International students too. But additionally, You will have to take demonstrate English proficiency if you are from a non-english speaking country. If you have a degree outside the US from a college that instructs only in English, that works.
But the best way to prove English proficiency is the TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language (UCSF code is 4840) or the IELTS – International English Language Testing System.
Once you take a test, they are valid for two years. For paper-based TOEFL, you need a score of 550, and for computer-based, you need a score of 213, and for internet-based TOEFL iBT, you need a score of 80. A score of 7 in IELTS is acceptable too.
Make sure all your documents and transcripts are honest because they are evaluated and confirmed after your admission. If they are found to be misleading, that might cancel your admission.
You need to demonstrate sufficient funds, and a ‘Confident financial statement’ to the study at the UCSF to get a student visa.
You would have to pay an admission of $140, a little higher than your American counterparts.
How important is the statement of purpose?
It changes everything, how you tell your story. When you can find a way to tell your story and your experiences in a way that impresses and acts as a right hook, nothing stops you from getting into the program you want.
Be clear about who you are and what you want to achieve with your admission into UCSF. Speak of your dreams, your aspirations. Put everything you got into that one sheet of paper, read it several times, and send it through.
It needs to stand out and it needs to leave a mark. This doesn’t mean you get to write sloppy sappy stories on paper to get considered.
How important is letters of recommendation?
It matters if you have a less than shiny first impression with your GPA or SOP. Now, having a few good recommendation letters can’t hurt. Try to have four letters, from the best professors and guides you have come across in your academics. They should be able to attest for you and your ability. This can make a change in your application process if you have a good recommendation letter.
How to apply for the University of California San Francisco?
The University of California San Francisco has an official website where it is possible to apply directly to the graduate programs you want.
There are some dates to remember.
The University of California San Francisco has a semester-based education system and they admit graduates for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
The admission deadline for Fall is on January 15th and for the Spring is November 1st.
What is the acceptance rate at the University of California San Francisco?
The University of California San Francisco has an acceptance rate of just 2.2%. This means you might have to shine to be picked. If 10,000 applications are received, they only accept 220 into their programs.