Applying to SFSU Biology Graduate Program

Application deadline for fall 2010 admission is 1 February 2010.

Application to San Francisco State University is a 3-part process.

You must complete ALL parts for your application to be reviewed.

Part I:  Apply to SFSU online at CSU Mentor

For domestic applicants click here: http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/grad_apply.asp For international applicants click here: http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/intl_apply.asp Online applications are uploaded to SFSU Student Systems in 24 hours. You do not need to respond on CSU Mentor to the question related to "Statement of Purpose." Just write in that space, "see attached."

Submit two (2) sets of official transcripts from all post-secondary (post-high school) programs attended. Send one set to the University (San Francisco State University, Graduate Admissions, 1600 Holloway Avenue, ADM 254, San Francisco, CA 94132. Send the second set to the department/program. Unofficial transcripts can be sent to departments; however, official transcripts must be on file with the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Part II:  Apply to the Department/Program using the items below:

Email a pdf of the first three items to biograd@sfsu.edu:

1. Applicant Information Sheet — click here to link to this form (pdf).
2. Statement of Purpose — a 2-3 page (typed) essay that discusses your interests and goals relating to your pursuing a M.S. in Biology. This is a good place to tell us what you want to study. It is also the place to identify which faculty members under whose direction you you wish to study.
3. All-Science Transcript Form — click here to link to this form (pdf), complete the form by listing all college-level science courses, the grade you received, and the institution where taken.
4. Letters of Reference — Arrange to have two letters of reference sent to biograd@sfsu.edu, or alternatively referees may surface mail letters directly to: Graduate Coordinator, Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132. It is important to request letters from professors or scientists who can address the likelihood of your success as a graduate student in biology. The most informative letters are written by persons who are in the business of directing their own graduate students.
5. GRE scores — Use recipient code 4684. Unofficial scores may be included on your All-Science Transcript form, but official scores will be necessary for admission. Click HERE to link to the ETS web site — lots of GRE info.

Part III:  Find an SFSU Faculty Mentor

1. Browse the Biology Faculty Profiles to find research that interests you.
2. Contact via e-mail each faculty member whose research fits with your interests and arrange an individual appointment to discuss opportunities in their laboratories.
3. Talk with more than one faculty member to make sure you have options.
4. Confirm with faculty if they will commit to be your mentor.