Accepted Tests

We accept the following English Language Proficiency tests for admission at SFCM. The date of the test must be after September 1, 2023, we do not accept scores for tests taken before this date. See the Timeline and Deadlines section for due dates and submission details.

• In-person TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) In School TOEFL Code: 4744
• In-person IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

TOEFL iBT Home Edition and IELTS Online exams can be submitted within the application as a temporary score until an in-person exam can be scheduled. In-person tests are due by March 1 for Fall applicants. 

We do not accept Duolingo or "MyBest" scores. We also do not accept TOEFL or IELTS scores dated before September 1, 2023. 

Score Requirements

The following table contains the minimum scores required to enroll per degree level, including specific requirements for TAC and RJAM applicants. Admitted students must provide a final official TOEFL/IELTS score that meets our minimum requirements by May 1, 2025 in order to enroll.

We do not want your English Language Proficiency score to stop you from applying. You can still apply with a score below the minimum requirement for your degree program. However, all applicants should still work hard to achieve a score that meets the minimum requirements.  If your test scores do not meet the minimum requirements for your degree program, you will be required to undergo a holistic interview and diagnostic test with our English language faculty, see more details below. 

Interview

If you are required to complete our holistic interview and diagnostic test, your English language proficiency will be determined based on a combination of your official TOEFL/IELTS score and our holistic interview.

Who has to complete an interview?

• Below Minimum: If your test scores do not meet the minimum requirements for your degree program, you will be required to undergo a holistic interview and diagnostic test with our English language faculty in February. 
• Sub-score Variations: Applicants whose sub-scores differ significantly may be asked to complete our holistic interview and diagnostic test (for example TOEFL 25 reading, TOEFL 15 speaking / IELTS 6.0 reading, IELTS 4.5 listening).

Score Eligibility

All scores must be active upon enrollment at SFCM. For Fall 2025 admission, the date of the ELP test must be after September 1, 2023, we do not accept scores for tests taken before this date.

Timeline and Deadline

1. Due with Application: Submit a copy of your TOEFL or IELTS score as part of your application. This must be submitted by the application deadline. If you cannot schedule an in-person exam before the application deadline, you may submit temporary scores from the TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS Online in your application. Official in-person exam scores must then be submitted by March 1 for Fall applicants or December 1 for Spring applicants.
2. Interview & Assessment: Not all applicants are required to complete an interview with an assessment. Check the "Interview" section in the dropdown above to see if this applies to you. Spring applicants' interviews will be scheduled individually before December 1. Fall applicants will have an in-person or Zoom interview/diagnostic assessment with our English Language faculty in February. By December 20, 2024, fall applicants will be notified if they are required to complete the holistic interview. 
3. Official Scores & In-Person Scores: Official scores sent directly from the testing organizations are due by March 1 for Fall applicants or December 1 for Spring applicants. If you submitted temporary at-home or online ELP scores with your application, you must also submit your in-person scores by these deadlines.
4. Final Passing Scores: Fall applicants admitted on probation with a non-passing TOEFL or IELTS score must submit a new score that meets the minimum requirements by May 1.

English Class Diagnostic at Orientation

All students who enroll whose native language is not English will also undergo an English diagnostics/placement exam during Orientation (usually the week before classes begin). This exam is made up of two components: a writing evaluation and a speaking interview. Regardless of degree/program level, students may be placed into remedial English courses based on the results of this placement exam during Orientation.

Eligibility for ELP Waiver

The English Language Proficiency (ELP) Waiver is available to the following:

• Applicants who have completed 4 years of education at an institution where the primary language of instruction was English. 
• Applicants who are currently enrolled in their 4th year at an institution where the primary language of instruction is English. All four years must be completed before enrolling at SFCM.
• Current SFCM students

Deadlines

• October 15, 2024, for Spring 2025 applicants.
• December 1, 2024, for Fall 2025 applicants.

How to Access Request Form

Access the ELP waiver request under the language page of the application. All students must provide unofficial transcripts within the application to verify their institution. Waivers are due no later than December 1, 2024 at 11:59 pm PST.

Transcript Review

All students must provide unofficial transcripts within the application to verify their institution.

SFCM takes academic integrity very seriously. If it is discovered that an applicant submitted fraudulent scores or cheated on their TOEFL/IELTS test, their application will be canceled and no application refund will be issued.

Requirements 

Bachelor of Music/Undergraduate (BM).

English Translation

• Notarized Translation: International students must provide notarized course-by-course translations of their final official transcripts if the originals are not in English or a translation is not provided by the school.
• Diploma/Certificate: If the transcript does not show the degree earned, students may also need to submit a degree diploma or certificate.

Transcript Evaluation

• When is an evaluation required? An evaluation will be required if transcripts are not in English, do not include a GPA on a U.S. 4.0 scale, do not list the degree earned, or if the graduation date is missing without an attached diploma or certificate
• Accepted Evaluators: Spantran, WES - World Education Services (wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ece.org).

Unofficial Transcripts - Application

• Where to upload: Upload your unofficial transcript in the "Academic History" section of your application.
• What we accept: We accept PDFs or screenshots from your student record or school portal, as long as your name, GPA, and academic records are visible.
• Official vs. Unofficial: Documents uploaded by you in the application are considered "unofficial" because they are not sent directly by your school.

Final Official Transcripts - Sent by your school

Final official transcripts must be sent directly from your institution through one of the following methods:

1. Mail: Sent to our office address (see below)
2. School Email: Sent directly from the institution to nccyl@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@ylppa .
3. Secure Portal: Uploaded through services like Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse.

To be considered "final," transcripts must:

• Include all completed coursework with final grades.
• Show a cumulative GPA on a US 4.0 scale.
• Have an official seal, stamp, or signature.
• Indicate the degree awarded and graduation date.**
• Translated to English (if international).

**The only exception is for transfer students or those attending college without seeking a degree; for these cases, a degree and graduation date are not required.

Mailing Address

Office of Admissions
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA 94102