San Francisco University High School Expert Admissions Consulting
Guidance for Families Applying to This Highly Selective, Test-Free San Francisco High School
Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any private or public school, including San Francisco University High School.
As Seen On
About the School
San Francisco University High School: An Introduction
San Francisco University High School (UHS) is a coeducational, independent, college-preparatory school opened in 1975, spanning five connected campus buildings in Pacific Heights and the Presidio. UHS enrolls approximately 543 students in Grades 9–12, drawn from 96 different middle schools across the Bay Area.
The school does not require or accept standardized test scores as part of its admissions process. UHS is known for Civilization and the Arts, a team-taught, interdisciplinary sophomore course that has anchored the school’s Humanities program since its founding, and a four-year Social Impact program built around service, advocacy, and reflection.
Fast Facts
Location
3065 Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Type
Private, co-ed, day school, nonsectarian, college preparatory, Grades 9–12
Enrollment
543 students, from 96 different middle schools
Student-Teacher Ratio
Approximately 7:1
Average Class Size
14
Testing Required
None (no SSAT, ISEE, or other standardized test)
Academic & Admissions Snapshot
Courses / Electives Offered
135 courses, including 111 electives; 37 AP and Honors courses
College Matriculation
100% of graduates attend a 4-year college
Academic Awards
UHS does not give academic awards of any kind
Self-Identified Students of Color
60%
Athletics
37 teams across 16 sports
Signature Humanities Course
Civilization and the Arts (required, team-taught, sophomore year)
Want a Full Picture?
For a deeper look at UHS’s admissions process and student life, explore How to Get Into San Francisco University High School: Top Admissions Guide for Parents.
What Sets UHS’s Admissions Process Apart?
UHS does not require or accept standardized test scores, putting the full weight of the application on transcripts, recommendations, and the school’s own evaluation process. UHS also states plainly that sibling and legacy candidates receive no admissions guarantee: they undergo the exact same process as every other applicant. With students drawn from 96 different middle schools and just over 500 total spots across four grades, the applicant pool is genuinely broad and competitive.
Key Admissions Dates & Events
Application Opens
August 28, 2026 (4:00 pm)
Student Campus Visit
September 9, 2026 & December 4, 2026
Parent/Guardian Information
Sep. 16, Oct. 7, Nov. 18, & Dec. 9, 2026
Open House
Sep. 19, Oct. 18, and Nov. 15, 2026
Equity & Community Forum
November 12, 2026 (5:30–7:30 pm)
Admissions Application Due
January 5, 2027
Applicant Inquiry Activities
January 11, 2027–February 5, 2027
Admissions Decisions Release
March 12, 2027
Enrollment Agreement Due
March 19, 2027
What the UHS Application Requires
To apply to San Francisco University High School, you will need to submit the following:
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01Student Essay
The student essay provides the admissions committee with a direct sense of your child’s personal voice, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity, offering insight into how they will contribute to the San Francisco University High School community.
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02Transcripts
Applicants must request and upload official academic transcripts covering the prior two academic years and the current fall term directly through the Ravenna portal.
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03Recommendations
Recommendations are requested and submitted through Ravenna. You must enter contact details for the student’s current 8th-grade English teacher, current 8th-grade math teacher, and their principal, counselor, or advisor. The system emails confidential evaluation forms directly to each educator, and your Ravenna dashboard automatically updates once submissions are complete.
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04Student Inquiry Activity
Replacing the traditional one-on-one interview, the Student Inquiry Activity is a small group session where candidates work together on a collaborative task, allowing evaluators to observe real-time teamwork, curiosity, and engagement.
Secure Your Spot at San Francisco University High School
Because UHS does not use standardized tests, every other component of the application must work harder to convey a student’s potential. Cardinal Education consultants specialize in crafting a strategic, cohesive narrative that elevates transcripts and recommendations beyond simple data points, distinguishing our applicants in a competitive pool. We provide the expert guidance necessary to ensure your child’s unique intellectual curiosity and character are the focal points of their candidacy.
Families interested in support tailored to Asian American applicants can also see our San Francisco University High School Admissions Support for Asian American Families.
“UHS pushed our daughter academically while giving her a genuine sense of purpose through the Social Impact program. Cardinal Education helped us put together an application that reflected who she really is, since there was no test score to lean on.”— Parent of a 10th Grade UHS Student
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UHS require the SSAT or ISEE?
What is the acceptance rate at UHS?
Do siblings or alumni children get priority in admissions?
How big is the Asian American population at UHS?
What is UHS known for?
Considering San Francisco University High School?
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