Graduate Application

We are currently accepting applications for fall 2012. The first step in the admissions process is to submit your application. Candidates should submit the following application materials, as they are completed, directly to the Presidio Graduate School Admissions Department for review.

Once your application has been received, we will contact you for an admissions interview. The interview is a conversation about your background, experience and interests, as well as an opportunity for you to ask questions about the program. If necessary, interviews can be conducted virtually.

Application Materials

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.

Your official transcripts must be:

a. Issued and embossed by each institution’s registrar
b. Sealed by each of the issuing institution(s)
c. Sent directly from the institution(s) to Presidio at:

Presidio Graduate School
Admissions Department
36 Lincoln Boulevard
San Francisco CA 94129

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.

5. Two or 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 IT skills
f.  ability and willingness to succeed 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 section of the application. These include:

• Submit a one-page history and assessment of the applicant’s quantitative skills, including: (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

• Submit results of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) taken within the last five years

OR

• Submit results of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) taken within the last five years 

If an applicant chooses to submit GMAT/GRE results, please use the following code for Alliant International University (San Diego): 4128, and include a copy of the unofficial GMAT/GRE 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 Department
36 Lincoln Boulevard
San Francisco CA 94129