General Information for Prospective Applicants

Each Fall, San Francisco State University offers a special program for a select group of newly admitted freshmen:  The Presidential Scholars Program.  This is the most distinguished academic award the University can bestow on an entering undergraduate student.  Participation in the Scholars program allows you to become part of a small, close-knit group while enjoying the benefits of being at a major university.  Among the advantages SFSU offers all students are a commitment to teaching as our primary mission, opportunities for students to do serious academic research, more than 150 student clubs and organizations, excellent academic facilities, and opportunities to "learn by doing" in a variety of internships in San Francisco, one of the world's greatest cities.

What Presidential Scholars can expect from SFSU

If you are selected as a Presidential Scholar, you will be able to take advantage of the following features of the program:

• A special welcome, orientation, and advising session at no charge during the summer, before you register for courses.
• Automatic payment of your in-state registration fees in full.  
• $500 per year for books and other course materials.
• Approximately $4000  for housing (freshman year only).
• Guaranteed space in the SFSU residence halls (subject to housing regulations).
• Priority registration for courses.
• A special dinner for you and your parents or guests, hosted by the President.
• A Scholars' seminar that brings you together regularly to interact with select faculty members and develop your academic skills in the context of the University.
• Two General Education courses taken with the other Presidential Scholars.
• Periodic co-curricular and cultural events to expand your intellectual experience while having fun together.

What SFSU expects from Presidential Scholars

        If you are selected as a Presidential Scholar, your scholarship is renewable for eight semesters if you:

• Complete at least 24 units per year, the equivalent of full-time progress towards your degree.
• Take at least 21 units per year on a graded (rather than credit/no-credit) basis.
• Achieve and maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.25.
• Participate in the required activities scheduled for the Presidential Scholars, including the Scholars orientation, seminar, meetings, and special events.

How to apply for the SFSU Presidential Scholars Program

Admission to the Presidential Scholars Program at SFSU is based on merit.   Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• You must be a resident of California.
• You must graduate from high school by June of the year you enroll at SFSU.
• You must have a high school grade point average of at least 3.8 and a combined Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of at least 1100. (Reading and Math)
• You must apply to San Francisco State University as a first-time freshman for fall before applying for the Presidential Scholars Program. The application period for the Presidential Scholarship is mid-February to late March.
• You must complete an application.  (updated each February). We are particularly interested in evidence of academic and personal achievement, extracurricular contributions to your school and/or community, leadership potential, and the ability to express yourself effectively.

The application should be typed or neatly handwritten.  Responses should be accurate and complete, and the completed application should provide a clear description of your achievements and aspirations.  Send your completed application to the following address (transcripts and recommendation letters may be sent separately):

For further information, you may write to the address above or call us at (415) 338-2789.   

   Return to Academic Program Development  |  SFSU Home  |  updated by D. Apelt 2/16/06