Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to a degree or certificate program at Golden Gate University allows applicants to be considered for admission with a lowered TOEFL score. There is no separate application for PLUS, because PLUS does not enroll non-GGU students.

Yes. Graduate and undergraduate PLUS students are provisionally admitted to GGU, and receive entry documents from the GGU Admissions Office to support visa applications, if overseas. Because all PLUS students are admitted to GGU, all GGU services -- computer labs, libraries, career and internship services, international admissions and advising services, health insurance, academic advising -- are part of their support system as soon as they enroll.

No. At the end of the term, PLUS participants who successfully complete all course requirements will have satisfied the English language proficiency requirement. However, students who wish to gain unrestricted admission without enrolling in PLUS can also satisfy GGU's English language proficiency requirement in a number of other ways. Refer to the Admissions Website for more information.

Successful completion of a term in PLUS leads to the fulfillment of the English language proficiency admission requirement. For you to succeed in PLUS, you must achieve or exceed an overall 3.0 GPA for your PLUS course work. If you do not achieve a 3.0 GPA in your PLUS classes, you will be required either to take the PLUS Directed Study or to enroll in an appropriate English course, to be determined by the PLUS staff. Most students need only one trimester in PLUS to fulfill the English language proficiency admission requirement.

PLUS students can begin their studies in the fall, spring or summer trimesters (15-week terms) and most need only one term. Rarely, a student will be advised to stay in PLUS for a second term. Most will achieve unrestricted admission at the end of one PLUS term.

While you are officially a PLUS student, you will be registered by a PLUS advisor and must attend the regularly-scheduled orientation offered in the week before the term begins.

Although PLUS participants are eligible to work on campus, students are encouraged to plan their first term without additional income in order to focus on their studies.

Yes. However, since the PLUS program is only offered in San Francisco, PLUS participants must enroll full time at the SF campus. After successfully completing PLUS, students may enroll full time at other GGU sites.

Various housing options are available including temporary housing at a nearby residence hotel, renting an apartment or room near GGU, or staying with a host family. The Bay Area's extensive public transportation network also allows for living outside of the immediate area. Most students find it economical to share housing with other students. More details about housing are included in the orientation packets sent by the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs.