Admissions Interview
The first step in the application process is an admissions interview. The interview is a conversation about the applicant's background, experience, and interests, and also an opportunity for the applicant to ask questions about the program and admissions process. For details on arranging the interview, please visit Request an Interview. Interviews can be conducted virtually for applicants living outside of the Bay Area.
Application Materials
After completing the admissions interview, candidates should submit the following application materials, as they are completed, directly to Presidio Graduate School for review. Though Alliant International University, our accredited affiliate, provides final approval on admissions decisions, all communications about your application should occur directly with Presidio Graduate School.
1. Two-page Graduate Application
2. Non-Refundable $75 Application Fee. Please make the check or money order payable to Alliant International University, but mail to Presidio with the application package.
3. Résumé or CV of no more than two pages.
4. Two Official, Sealed Transcripts verifying an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution(s) attended to Presidio. Transcripts issued to the applicant will not be considered official. If an applicant has completed graduate-level coursework, submit one copy of any graduate transcripts directly from the institution(s) attended to Presidio.
If a bachelor's degree was conferred from an institution outside of the United States, the applicant must have the transcript(s) evaluated by a foreign education credential evaluation service agency. Additionally, if the transcripts are not in English, an official translation must be submitted. The evaluation must contain the following:
a. Degree equivalency to a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. university
b. U.S. semester credit and grade equivalent for each course
c. U.S. grade point average
d. Master-level courses/degrees should also be included in the evaluation, if applicable
To locate an approved evaluation agency, visit: www.naces.org.
GPA Exemption Form (if applicable). Presidio Graduate School requires that applicants have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must submit the GPA Exemption Form if their undergraduate cumulative GPA is below 2.75. This form allows applicants to provide a statement of exception, or submit additional material that would document their ability to perform in an intensive academic environment.
5. Three Letters of Reference. Presidio welcomes professional, academic, and personal letters that provide a well-rounded perspective of the applicant. At least one letter should be a professional reference, ideally written by a supervisor. Applicants should ask references to briefly describe in what capacity they know the candidate and to address the strengths and challenges in as many of the following areas as possible:
a. the values and ethics demonstrated in his/her professional and/or personal life
b. ability to work in teams
c. ability to lead initiatives and manage projects
d. communication skills
e. business software and Internet technology skills
f. ability and willingness to persist in graduate-level coursework
Letters should be printed on organizational or personal letterhead and be no more than one page in length, if possible. Any references should submit their letters in sealed and signed envelopes for the applicant to include with the application package. No emailed or faxed letters will be accepted.
6. Admissions Essay. Please address the following topics in no more than three pages:
a. Describe one or two questions, ideas or projects that you are interested in exploring through participation in the Presidio MBA or MPA program.
b. Describe, briefly, how you would contribute to the Presidio learning community.
c. Describe how you would balance school, work, and personal commitments while enrolled in the program.
7. Quantitative Assessment. Applicants have three options for the quantitative assessment piece of the application. These include:
• Submit a one-page history and assessment of the applicant’s quantitative skills, which includes: (1) a list of any college-level quantitative courses taken, e.g. math, statistics, economics, finance, accounting, or operations, and the resulting grades, or, if none taken in college, list the grades received in high school math courses, (2) quantitative and analytical skills regularly used in professional life; and, (3) any plans the applicant may have for refreshing his/her math/quantitative skills prior to enrolling in a Presidio degree program.
OR
• Submitting results of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) taken within the last five years
OR
• Submitting results of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) taken within the last five years
If an applicant chooses to submit GMAT results, please use the following code for Alliant International University (San Diego): 4128, and include a copy of the unofficial GMAT scores in the application materials submitted to Presidio.
There are additional application requirements for international students. Please visit our International Applicants page for additional instructions.
Applicants should keep copies of all materials submitted as part of the application. Admission materials and all supporting documents become the confidential property of Presidio Graduate School and Alliant International University admissions departments and cannot be returned to the applicant.
Please send materials as they are ready to the following address:
Presidio Graduate School
Admissions
36 Lincoln Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94129
