APPLYING TO SJSU FAQ

No. All California State University schools require an internet-based TOEFL score as of Fall 2006, but may accept ETS paper-based or computer-based test scores given in other countries. A score of 500 PBT/173 CBT/61 iBT is required for most undergraduates. Most graduate programs AND engineering undergraduate programs require a score of 550/213/80 for admission. Some graduate programs require higher scores.

No. SJSU will only take scores from tests administered by ETS, the maker of the test.

We have close relationships with some graduate departments and many of our students have been admitted to SJSU graduate programs. We also work with Admissions and Records to help our qualified students gain admission to SJSU undergraduate programs, but there is no way to avoid the TOEFL score requirement.

If you do not have at least a 3.0 GPA from high school, you will not be admitted to SJSU as an undergraduate. Since international students do not take the Scholastic Aptitude Test, they are required to have a 3.0 GPA just like American students who don't take SAT Some departments, like Computer Science, require a higher GPA. For graduate studies, each department has its own standards, but generally speaking, you’ll need at least a 2.5 GPA from university to be considered for any master’s program. Many programs, like all Graduate Business Programs, require a higher GPA.

Only the evaluators in Admissions & Records can do a complete evaluation of your transcript, but Ann has a booklet that will give you an idea about equivalencies. Talk to her if you have further questions about your GPA.

Many students, both international and American, find that completing the first 2 years of university study at a community college is a good option. All local community colleges will accept students who have a high school diploma, regardless of GPA. See SAL's FAQ page on community colleges for more information.

The specific documents depend on which country you come from. Check this web site to look at the documents required from your country: http://www.sjsu.edu/gradstudies/Prospective/intldocreq.html

SJSU Admissions wants to receive the transcript directly from your high school or university in a sealed envelope. They absolutely will not accept documents from you in an opened envelope. If you have problems getting a transcript from your school, talk to Ann about it. Remember that you’ll need the transcript both in your own language and in English. You will also need to provide the original language diploma as well as the English translation.

For a complete explanation of costs, see this page: http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/narr/admission/rec-1667.html

All international students must submit a Declaration of Finance. You can download this form at: www.sjsu.edu/gradstudies/forms/DeclarationofFinance.pdf Your application will be delayed if you do not submit this completed form.

Yes, you need a new declaration for Admissions & Records. You need to show at least $22,232 in your account if you apply as an undergraduate and $20,780 if you are a graduate. These amounts may change in the future, but that is the current requirement. The declaration must be very recent, within a month or so of your application date. Also remember that if the account is not in your name, you’ll need a letter from the account holder that s/he agrees to support you financially.

Federal/State Financial Aid is not available to international students. San Jose State University is a state-funded public institution. Therefore, international students (F-1 visa holders) are required to show that they will have sufficient funds available to them throughout their entire enrollment before admission is granted. Most international students get their funds from families and friends. A few will receive scholarships or financial assistance from their country's government or private organizations. International students are encouraged to explore their scholarship options themselves, before submitting an application to SJSU.

Graduate students may list 3 professors who know about their academic abilities in the specific field of study, but they do not have to provide letters unless the department requests it. Undergraduates do not have to provide letters at all.

It’s extremely important that you fill out the application correctly because your file may be rejected or delayed if there are errors. At the beginning and end of every semester, SAL offers a workshop on completing the application. Please attend the workshop.

Visit www.csumentor.edu. Click on "Apply Online" and follow the instructions.