We have outlined the overview of requirements into five main categories. Please note, these dates may change and items will be loaded into the checklists on a rolling basis.

A few key details: Your campus ID and email will be created on a rolling basis. You’ll receive a notification when these items are ready to complete. Final transcripts are due by July 1. If you’re graduating after that date or taking summer classes, please email nccyl@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@ylppa for assistance. All new students living on campus must move in between August 22–23. Due to limited space, Residential Life will assign specific drop-off time windows.

All students must submit a photo to the IT and Security Team by July 15. You will receive an email from onqtr@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@egdab with the subject line "Welcome to SFCM - Please Submit an ID Photo," prompting you to submit your photo. This email will be sent on a rolling basis beginning June 1, 2025.

The photo must be a color portrait of you only, with your head centered in the frame, from your chest to just above your head. The background should be a plain, light color with no clutter. You must face the camera directly, with your eyes open and no head tilt. No sunglasses, hats, or head/face coverings (except for garments worn for religious purposes) are allowed. The photo must not have any filters and should be at least 500 x 500 pixels, free of pixelation. For more details, please refer to the checklist item instructions.

SFCM Email, Campus ID, Display Name

1. Check SFCM Email, Display Name, Pronouns: Once created, all students must approve their SFCM email and display name spelling. A notification email will be sent once an ID/email is created. Emails are typically spelled as cersreerq.ynfg@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@tsal.derreferp .  

2. Campus ID and Activation: If you have requesting changes to email or display name, students must wait for notification of approved changes before proceeding with this step. If no changes are requested, you can proceed with activating your Campus ID and Email. This step is necessary to access all portals, including the housing application, health insurance waiver, email, and any other resource that requires a universal login.

3. MFA Authorization: After activating your ID and email, all students are required to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) by downloading the Microsoft Authenticator app, if you don’t already have an MFA app (such as Google Authenticator) on your phone. For detailed instructions, please refer to the checklist item.
 

Application > Admitted Student > Current Student

• Application Status Portal: Upon submitting an application, applicants are automatically enrolled in the Application Status Portal.
• Admitted Student Portal: After students confirm and pay their deposit, the Application Status Portal transforms into the New Student Portal. This portal provides additional checklist items to prepare for orientation, enrollment, and general financial documents
• Current Student Portal: Beginning at orientation, students will use the self-service/new student portal, which is used to register for classes, track grades, order transcripts, view updated financial aid statements, and access external systems such as ERezLife, Practice Room Reservations, Nelnet (for payments), and other important resources.

ERezLife

SFCM students use the ERezLife portal for many items pertaining to life on campus including the housing registration, roommate agreement, and later on used for maintenance requests, overnight guest registration and other items. The housing registration form will open on June 1, 2025.

Med+Proctor Portal 

The Med+Proctor Portal is used to submit the Pre-Enrollment Health Packet to the Office of Student Affairs. This is a required step due August 1, 2025. See the Health & Health Insurance section for more information. 

Nelnet

Nelnet is SFCM’s student payment portal for where you will pay tuition, fees, on-campus housing, dining, and SFCM provided health insurance. Students must add an authorized user for a parent, guardian, or other, to make payments on their behalf. Students must activate their Nelnet accounts through their Admitted Student Portal after their credentials have been created.

Accept, Sign, and Upload

Due May 15, 2025

All students must sign their Financial Aid Offer (including merit scholarships and aid) by May 15th. To begin, download your Financial Aid Offer PDF from the Application Status Portal. After reviewing, accepting, signing, and dating the document, upload it back to the portal. Please circle 'A' to accept or 'D' to decline each award offer.

Students who have received an extension should complete this task by May 31st at 11:59 pm PST. International students should prioritize completing this task promptly to initiate the I-20 process. If you have not received a full financial aid package/offer, please contact the Admissions Office at nccyl@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@ylppa

Download the Financial Aid Terms and Conditions Form from the Checklist Item in the Admitted Student portal. Sign and date before uploading. 

Student Loans

All first-time SFCM borrowers are required to sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and complete entrance counseling online at studentaid.gov before any loan funds can be released. A separate Master Promissory note is required for Parent and Graduate PLUS loans. These items are due by July 15.
 

Bills and Payments Information

Due July 15

In June, students will have access to the Bills & Payments checklist item which will outline how to make tuition payments, sign up for payment plans, and review the process to activate and access Nelnet. This item is due July 15.

Nelnet Activation

Due July 15

Nelnet is SFCM’s student payment portal for where you will pay tuition, fees, on-campus housing, dining, and SFCM provided health insurance. Students must add an authorized user for a parent, guardian, or other, to make payments on their behalf. In July, students will gain access to Nelnet where bills are loaded, payment plans are set up, and all payments are made electronically. Physical checks and cash are accepted, but electronic payments are preferred. This item is due July 15.

Current Statements & Final Bill

Current bill posted July 15

On July 15, a current statement—including full-time tuition, fees, health insurance, and any housing and dining costs—will be posted in the Admitted Student Portal. Students with California health insurance will have the opportunity to waive the health insurance fee in August and may disregard that amount. Students and their families may begin making payments over the summer based on the current statement but should be prepared to pay any additional costs due to requested housing or dining changes, or credit overload fees if enrolling in more than 18 credits (if applicable). 

After registration at orientation, a final bill will be prepared and uploaded to Nelnet. Students and their support systems should be prepared to pay the final bill by the end of the day on the first day of the term (September 2), or continue with the payment plan set up during the summer. The statement available in July provides an accurate estimate that can be used as a reference for making summer payments, preparing for a payment plan, or covering the final bill by the start of the term.

Tuition Payments

• Electronic Payments: All payments will be processed through our service provider Nelnet, including international students.  The Nelnet portal will be available to accept Fall 2025 payments beginning July 15, or as soon as the current statement is uploaded to the Admitted Student Portal.
• Authorized Users: Students are responsible for providing authorization through Nelnet for their parents or other financial sponsor to make payments on their behalf. All authorization is completed through Nelnet. See the Nelnet checklist item in the New Student Portal for step-by-step instructions.
• Check/Cash: Students can alternatively make payments by cash or check but must meet all deadlines listed below. Checks must be mailed or dropped off to the Business Office at 50 Oak Street, Room 409, San Francisco, CA, 94102 and made out to “The San Francisco Conservatory of Music.”

Payment Plans

Payment plans are available! More information will be provided at the beginning of June on this page and in the Admitted Student Portal. 

Further Research

Visit the Tuition & Fees page to read about late registration fees and the refund policy.

All SFCM students offered scholarships must have a FAFSA (US Domestic) or CSS profile (International) in order for their scholarship to pay out in Fall 2025. Please complete these applications no later than August 1st if not already completed. 

Due July 1

Due Date: All students must submit final official transcripts from all required institutions by July 1 — review your required transcripts. All final transcripts must be received by July 1. If you are graduating after July 1 or taking summer courses, contact Admissions at nccyl@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@ylppa for next steps.

Accepted Submission Formats: Submit official transcripts through Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse, by school/institutional email to nccyl@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@ylppa , or by mail to the Office of Admissions (see address above). All official transcripts must be submitted directly by the school/institution. Transcripts submitted through the application are considered "unofficial". Address: Office of Admissions, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.

Final Transcript Requirements: To be considered "final official," transcripts must include all completed coursework with final grades and must have an official seal, stamp, or signature. If you are finishing a degree, your final transcript must also show the degree awarded and the graduation date. Ensure you order transcripts after final grades have been posted and your degree has been awarded. If attending an international school, see the international school details below.

International Schools: In addition to the final transcript requirements above, the following applies to all students who attended a school outside of the United States, including U.S. domestic students:

• English Translations: If transcripts are not in English, a course-by-course translation is required from the school. If the school cannot provide this, students must submit notarized translations
• Evaluations: An evaluation is required if transcripts are not in English and do not include a translation, if the GPA is not on a U.S. 4.0 scale, if the degree awarded is not listed, or if the graduation date is not listed. If the graduation date or degree is missing, schools may submit a diploma or graduation certificate. Accepted transcript evaluators include SpanTran, WES - World Education Services, or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.

Read full details regarding transcripts per degree type and international students. 

Academic Integrity & Compliance Trainings

Due August 21, 2025

All new students will be required to take an academic integrity quiz and additional compliance trainings no later than August 21st at 11:59 pm to attend orientation and enroll at SFCM. This checklist item will be added to the Admitted Student Portal no later than August 1st.

When are placement exams/assessments?

All placement exams and assessments are given during orientation week in August, 2024. 

Who must take exams/assessments?

All new SFCM students are required to take placement exams/assessments. 

What exams/assessments are required?

The type of assessments will be determined by your application status, degree level, major, and transfer status. An Exam Summary PDF, along with study guides, will be included here and on the New Student Portal by the beginning of June. Please refer to the exam summary to prepare for exams/assessments at orientation.

A confirmation of assigned assessments/exams will be sent to SFCM emails during the week of August 19th, including specific times and rooms for each assessment. Students must attend assessments during these times.

International Students

In addition to the music-related exams and assessments, all non-native international students must complete an English assessment to determine placement or exemption in ELP classes. 

A review of final transcripts and any submitted AP/IB scores will be processed over the summer. Credit awarded for humanities (general) courses will be reflected on the student’s individual degree checklist sent the week of orientation. 

All students will take placement exams according to their degree type and level. Class level will be determined officially after placement exams. 

Please read full details regarding transfer credit on the Transfer Student page.

Housing Registration Form

Opening June 1, 2025
Closing June 15, 2025

The housing application will open on June 1 and close on June 15 at 11:59 PM PST. Students will access the application through their Admitted Student Portal, which will direct them to eRezLife for the first time. While housing in general is not first-come, first-served, single-room preferences are based on availability and the order of form submission, so we encourage students to submit the form as early as possible.

Undergraduate Student Requirements

All undergraduate students are required to live in on-campus housing for the first three years, guaranteed for four. Undergraduate students are guaranteed housing, but not guaranteed their specific room preference. All students must acknowledge their assignment by June 27, 2025, and may request to be added to a waitlist for their other preferences. Students who meet the residency requirement exemptions may request a waiver.

Graduate/Post-Gradute Student Requirements

Graduate and post-graduate students are guaranteed housing if they choose to live on campus. However, we cannot guarantee the specific room type preference. Submit the housing registration form to request housing. Please note, you must accept or decline your assignment by June 27, 2025 in order to keep their assignment.

Room Types

We offer several different types of rooms, with all students placed in suite apartment-style dorms. Please note, most undergraduates are placed into a shared room style suite with three or four roommates, although requests for single rooms (with another room), or single suites are considered. See the Connect and Explore tab in the Admitted Student Portal for more information about room types, provided items, and approved items within your room.

About You and Roommate Survey

In the housing application, students select room preferences and complete a roommate questionnaire. Roommate assignments consider factors like age, degree level, and instrument, with those over 21 on separate floors. We accommodate requests for specific roommates but do not mix self-identified gender identities unless requested. A comments section is available for questions or concerns in the application, and students are welcome to contact the erfyvsr@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@efilser to discuss this more.

Requesting Specific Roommate

Students who know each other and would like to request a specific roommate can do so through the comments section of the housing application, followed by an email to the erfyvsr@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@efilser . Please note, all parties requesting a specific roommate must include this in their application and email Residence Life. 

Students are automatically assigned a minimum dining plan based on their class level and residency status. Students may upgrade their dining plan through the housing application or at a later date, however, they cannot reduce their plan.  Refer to dining plan details on the Tuition & Fees page, further information can be found on the Dining Services page. 

On Campus Minimum

• Undergraduates: Gold
• Graduate/Post Graduate: Silver

Off Campus Minimum

• Undergraduates (Off Campus Approved Waiver): Bronze
• Graduates: Bronze

Pre-Enrollment Medical Packet 

Due August 1, 2025

All SFCM students are required to submit the Pre-Enrollment Health Packet which contains required immunizations, vaccinations, and other questionnaires through the SFCM Med Proctor portal by August 1, 2025. The information submitted will be held in the Office of Student Affairs and not within your academic record. 

An updated 2025-2026 packet will be uploaded by July 1. In the meantime, you can review the 2024-2025 Pre-Enrollment Health Packet as a reference. Carefully review the packet for required immunizations, vaccinations, and other questionnaires. Please note, you will likely need to upload pages 3 through 9 through the portal.

Health Insurance

Opt in or waiver by August 1, 2025

All SFCM students are required to have Health Insurance that is accepted by the state of California. Students will initially see the SFCM Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) charge on their pre-bill which can be removed for those with insurance through an approve SHIP waiver form. This is an annual process. The waiver form and process will be updated by July 1. 

It is highly recommended that all students, along with their parents or legal guardians (if applicable), carefully assess and compare different health insurance alternatives. Domestic students without a comparable US-issued health insurance policy must purchase the health insurance offered through SFCM. Similarly, international students are mandated to enroll in health insurance provided through SFCM. 

We’re committed to providing equal opportunity to attain an education regardless of disability. If you have a special need as a student at SFCM, please tell us about it.  Students who request accommodation of a disability should contact the Office of Student Affairs at bfn@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@aso , who will assist and advise them in their registration and accommodation request procedures.

Students are responsible for initiating and documenting a disability-related request for accommodation. For Fall 2025, students should consider starting the conversation of accommodations in June or July.  It is recommended that students begin the disability accommodation registration process at least two weeks before the start of each semester, although the Conservatory will consider the merits of each request at the time the request is received. 

Final Official Scores

Due May 1, 2025

International students whose first language is not English are required to submit in person TOEFL/IELTS scores for final admission. Final official score must be sent directly from TOEFL, IELTS, or ordered through ETS. Students who did not receive an ELP waiver should arrange for final scores to be sent to us no later than May 1st. Students who have not met this deadline should reach out to the Admissions Office as soon as possible.

ELP Probation

Those that admitted on English Proficiency/TOEFL Probation must submit new scores to the Admissions Office by May 1st for review. If scores are not within the threshold to be fully admitted, we will notify students of next steps to petition an extension. 

Review full International Student Requirements here. 

I-20 Overview

Below is an overview of the I-20 process at SFCM. Please visit the Student Visa & Documentation page and the International Student Resources page for full details. Please note, a scan or photo copy of your passport page is required. If you did not submit this in your application, please send it to the Admissions Office at nccyl@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@ylppa to add to your file. 

• Reply to Offer of Admissions Form
• Pay enrollment deposit
• Sign and Upload Financial Aid Offer (no later than May 15)
• Sign and Upload Terms and Conditions (no later than May 15)
• Wait for instructions on submitting the International Certification of Finances and Affidavit. Preview documents here
• Submit bank statements with documents above
• Make changes to documents as directed by the Financial Aid Office, if needed
• Review draft of I-20 sent by Office of Student Affairs

Acceptance Letter

The SFCM acceptance letter required for the Visa application can be downloaded at any time through the Application Status/New Student Portal. 

All SFCM students offered scholarships must have a FAFSA (US Domestic) or CSS profile (International) in order for their scholarship to pay out in Fall 2024. Please complete these applications no later than August 1st if not already completed. 

Overview

All students are required to attend Orientation, with check-in taking place on August 25 prior to the Orientation Expo.

Students living on campus will move into their dorms between August 22–23. Due to limited drop-off space, assigned arrival windows will be provided. Move-in schedules will be sent out by August 1. All check-in details, along with additional information, will be emailed to students in August.

Students not living on campus will have the opportunity to sign up for a check-in time on August 25. Full details will be posted on the Orientation page and sent via email by the Office of Student Affairs. Parents are encouraged to attend the Expo.

Important Dates:

Important Emails (SFCM Gmail)

• August 22–23: Mandatory Bowes Center Dorm Move-In
• August 25: Mandatory Orientation Expo (final check-in with main offices)
• August 26–28: Mandatory Academic Placement Exams/Assessments
• August 25–28: Mandatory Information Sessions
• August 29–30: Mandatory Advising and Registration
• TBA: Auditions (Voice Production, Instrumental Ensemble Placement)
• TBA: Job and Club Fair

Starting August 1st, all communication will be sent to SFCM emails only. Please prepare for this transition and make note of the following essential emails you need to enroll.

• Early August: Assigned dorm move in and check in (on campus students)
• Early August: Check in sign up (off campus students only)
• Week of August 14: Placement exam assignments with specific time slots
• Week of August 25:  Academic Advising assignments, degree checklist, assigned registration times 

Who must take exams/assessments?

All new SFCM students are required to take placement exams/assessments.

What exams/assessments are required?

The type of assessments will be determined by your application status, degree level, major, and transfer status. 

Please review the following PDFs to determine which assessments you should prepare for. Please note, a confirmation of assigned assessments will be sent by Academic Affairs via during the week of August 19th, including specific times and rooms for each assessment. Students must attend assessments during these times.

• Undergraduate Placement Exam Information - 2024
• Graduate Placement Exam Information - 2024

International Students

In additional to the music-related exams and assessments, all non-native international students must complete an English assessments to determine placement or exemption in ELP classes. 

All new student living in the residence halls must move in between August 22-23, 2025. Due to limited drop-off space in front of the Bowes Center, Residential Life will assign students a designated drop-off window in early August. 

More details on assignments and logistics will be shared later this spring. Please plan to be available on both Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, if possible.

Please refer to the Housing & Dining information under the Connect & Explore tab for more details about approved dorm items, prohibited items, provided items, and more!

Students will be assigned an academic advisor, receive advising, and register for classes during orientation week. 

Here is what to expect from the Office of Student Affairs:

1. Placement Assessments: Receive a personalized assessment plan via email the week of August 19th.
2. Preparation: Attend required seminars and presentations regarding the curriculum, degree checklists, and the registration process during orientation week.
3. Assigned Advisor: Receive the name of your assigned academic advisor and a personalized degree checklist via email by the end of the day on August 28.
4. Meeting with Advisor: Arrange a meeting with your assigned academic advisor by the end of the day on August 29.
5. Registration: Receive your assigned registration time via email. Register for classes on August 30 through the Current Student/Self-Service portal.
6. First Day of Classes: September 2

Instrumental Ensembles 

• Required Placements: All instrumentalists in the following areas must complete an Instrumental Ensemble placement audition: brass, harp, percussion, strings, and woodwind. Repertoire requirements and excerpts will be posted on the orientation site and New Student Portal by July 15th.
• Optional Placements: Students may also audition for the following ensembles: chamber music (strings and piano); guitar ensemble; historical performance/Baroque. 

Voice Auditions

All auditions for voice area productions (opera, baroque opera, musical theater, opera scenes/productions) will take place during orientation week. Repertoire requirements and production details will be posted on the orientation site and New Student Portal by July 15th.

The Job Fair is an opportunity for students to meet with on-campus departments that are looking for student employees. Dress nicely and come prepared with questions for positions that interest you! (Need help with your resume and cover letter?)

Student Employment Guidelines

• While school is in session, students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week. Students with multiple campus jobs may be asked to relinquish one of their positions if the total number of hours exceeds 20 hours per week.
• International Students with F-1 visas must speak with Timothy Dunn ( Gqhaa@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@nnudT ; 415 503-6281, Director of International Student Services, regarding USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) guidelines about permissible employment. 

Read more about general paid opportunities and off-campus opportunities. Please note, more jobs may become available over the summer!

The Office of Student Affairs presents the Campus Club Fair to kickoff the start of the semester! New students will be able to check out different campus clubs and groups offered at SFCM!