Sonoma State University (SSU) offers programs in liberal arts and sciences. The university offers 46 bachelor’s and 15 master’s degree programs amongst other minor and certificate programs. As a nationally recognized university, it admits international students twice a year for fall and spring semesters. Entry for fall starts from October 1 through April 30 and spring it is from August 1 through September 30.
Currently, international students can apply to the Spring session with a period starting from 1st August and a deadline ending on 30th August. Interested students need to apply via an online process where an applicant has to make an account with their portal-MySSU and pay 70 USD as application fees.
In SSU, the fall semester runs from mid-August to mid-December and the spring semester runs from mid-January to mid-May. Enrolling in Sonoma state university is competitive like many institutions of California as it receives more applications than it can accommodate. Thus, ensuring that your application meets university criteria is necessary. Due to limitations imposed by the Federal agency, Sonoma State University is not allowed to issue I-20 immigration forms to international students owing to COVID-19 still prevalent in many parts of the world. International Students who are admitted for the Spring term will begin their term virtually.
Note: Due to COVID, SSU has given exam waivers in GMAT and GRE for all applicants.
Highlights
Sonoma State University Admission Deadlines
The deadlines for submitting admission applications are as follows:
| Term | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Transcript Due Date | Final Official documents-10th July | Final Official Documents-10th January |
Top Courses in SSU: Deadlines
| Courses | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Master's in Biology | 1 August-31 October | 1 October-15 December |
| Master’s of Business Administration | 30 November (Priority Deadline) | 1 October- 30 April |
| Master’s in Computer and Engineering Science | 1 August-30 September | 1 October- 30 March |
| Master's in Public Administration | 1 August-30 October | 1 October- 30 March |
| Under-graduate courses | 1 August-31 August | Closed |
Sonoma State University International Admissions
To get admission to U S Universities and almost similarly in SSU, an applicant has to ensure s/he has the requisite documents and knows the admission requirements needed for a smooth application process. Here is a brief explanation of important documents required to apply for SSU programs:
University will only review completed applications to determine admission to an applicant. If there is any missing document, the university will post this request on MySSU, the student portal, for an applicant to upload requisite documents with a given deadline.
- Official Transcripts are hard copies signed, stamped, and sealed by your last attended college or from the third-party evaluation service provider. SSU recommends the listed service providers:
- SpanTran-The Evaluation company
- Word Education Services
- English Language proficiency scores
- Financial Affidavit to demonstrate having sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and overseas expenses. Applicants must note their financial documents should not be older than 6 months old and Bank statement from you and your sponsor
- Reason for Gap in Attendance, if your educational history shows a gap period of 12 or more months
- Personal Statement
- Copy of the biographical page of the applicant’s passport
English Language Proficiency Requirement
International students’ needs to demonstrate they meet the required English proficiency required to attend Sonoma State University through the following ways:
- Attended 3 years at an educational institution where English is the primary language OR
- Completion of GE Area A2(Written Communication) at a US institution with a grade of C or better OR
- Submit English Proficiency exams score. Here are the accepted exams and their minimum score needed to enroll in SSU:
| Test | Undergraduate Minimum Score | Graduate Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| iTep | 3.7 | 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 61 | 80 |
| TOEFL Paper-Based Exam | 500 | 550 |
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.0 | 6.5 |
| Cambridge English Exams | 170 | 182 |
US Visa for International Students
To get a student visa for US, students need to provide evidence that they have enough funds to cover their tuition fees in the university including living expenses for one academic year involving accommodation, books, travel, etc.
To provide the required evidence, they need to fill a Financial Affidavit form with details regarding sponsor information, bank statement, copy of passport. Once reviewed by the admission college authorities, they will issue an I-20 form.
Before going to the U.S. Consulate for a Visa interview, applicants need to have following documents:
- Visa Application form
- I-901 receipt- For F-1 Visa, transfer students need to pay 200 USD as SEVIS fee online and show the same at the VISA office.
- Valid passport, must be valid for at least six months
- Passport size photos
- SSU admission letter
- Academic transcript
- Confirmation of enrollment
- Proof of ELP scores may also be requested
Note: Cost of attendance of undergraduate courses starts from $34,477 and goes up to 38,000 USD for MBA courses. This is the minimum amount an applicant has to show as proof of funds.
Sonoma State University Undergraduate Admissions
Sonoma State university’s undergraduate programs require students to have the transcripts evaluated from the recognized evaluators.General admission requirements in Undergraduate courses include:
- Completed application form- Can apply online through Calstate by first creating an account
- Application fees: 70 USD (non-refundable)
- Transcripts: Official secondary transcripts, mark sheets, leaving certificates evaluated by credential evaluators.
- Verification of the award of all diplomas, degrees if they are not noted on official transcripts
- TOEFL or IELTS scores as proof of English proficiency (TOEFL: 500(Paper-based) or IELTS: 6.0)
Sonoma State University Graduate Admissions
Applicants applying for the graduate and post-baccalaureate program need to submit the listed documents as part of the application process:
- Completed application form- Can apply online through Calstate by first creating an account or from SSU official website
- Application fees: 70 USD (non-refundable)
Documents Required:
- Academic transcripts: Official (sealed) transcripts showing you have received a bachelor’s degree to the Admissions office. Applicant must ensure those transcripts were issued within the last two years
- Verification of the award of all diplomas, degrees
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL: 550(Paper-based test) or IELTS 6.5)
- Statement of purpose
- Professional resume
Listed below PG courses have their specific admission requirements:
| Programs | GPA | GMAT/GRE | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration | 3.0 (83-86% marks) and above | GMAT Score of 450 and at least 20% quantitative GRE score of 300 and at least 150 quantitative are required | Required |
| Master's in Public Administration | 3.0 (83-86% marks) and above | GMAT recommended | Required |
| Master in Nursing | 3.0 (83-86% marks) and above | Not required | Recommended |
| MA in English | 3.0 (83-86% marks) and above | Not required | Recommended |
| MA in Kinesiology | 3.0 (83-86% marks) and above | Not required | Required |
SSU processes applications on a rolling basis. Applicants can expect to receive an acknowledgment form from the university within two to four weeks of filling the application. International applicants can track their application process through MySSU, the student portal. In case any document is pending or the university requires additional information regarding your academic records, they will notify the applicant on their student portal.
FAQs
Q1. Does SSU accept Duolingo Test scores?
They are currently accepting Duolingo test scores (Minimum score required for the Undergraduate course is 95 and for the graduate course is 105) under English Language Proficiency requirements, but SSU does not endorse or recommend Duolingo in any way. Therefore, it is advisable for international students to submit TOEFL, IELTS scores to the university to demonstrate the English Language Proficiency Requirement.
Q2. How much will it cost me to attend SSU?
The answer to this question varies from course to course. The tuition fee for undergraduate courses starts from $7,952. Other expenses such as books and materials, Housing, Food, Personal expenses, Health Insurance remain the same irrespective of the course you opt for in the university totalling to about 16000 USD or so.
Q3. Does SSU provide financial assistance to international students?
International students on F-1/J-1 Visas are not eligible for financial aid (state or federal both). However, they can apply for the in-house university scholarship program which is awarded on the basis of academic excellence and available on an annual basis. Thus, interested applicants need to take into account the cost of attendance and other living expenses before applying to the university.
Q4. Can I send the transcripts directly to the college?
SSU doesn’t accept direct official or unofficial transcripts from students. Transcripts should be sent directly from the last education institute you have attended. Although there is a provision where you can mail a transcript but with the seal intact to the university.
Q5. I want to pursue an MBA from SSU but I have missed the deadline for Spring, what should I do?
Sonoma State University has a provision for those students who couldn’t submit the application form by the specific program deadline. In your scenario, the late application request for Spring has passed and it is suggested you should apply for Fall for MBA course which opens from 1st October and will continue till 30th April.
Q7. My admission got canceled as I couldn’t submit my deposit on time. Should I apply again next year?
You can request admission reconsideration by submitting the Reconsideration Form. While filling up the form, ensure you have the listed documents:
- Relevant letters of support from your counselor and Principal
- Official Transcripts
After submitting the form, your request will be reviewed by the Admission Review Committee. If the request is considered, you will receive an email from the college authorities with the new assigned deadline by which you have to submit the enrolment reservation deposit.
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