Pairing business, technology and creativity, our students come to the heart of Silicon Valley to deepen and grow their passions. The result? A skilled and dynamic community with a social life that is surprisingly robust.
Immersive, collaborative and designed to unlock your creativity—for over 130 years USV has been helping people turn their passion into their professions. Today, it’s your turn. Explore our program offerings to help you develop the skills you need for the job you’ll love.
Once you have submitted your online application, you will receive an email from a admissions advisor who will help guide you through the rest of the process.
Below is a list of materials you will need to submit as a USV freshman applicant. These documents can be submitted at any time to your advisor via email, standard mail, and in some cases, online.
An essay about your interests
An essay describing your interest in USV’s educational programs is required as part of the admissions process.
On a separate sheet of paper, type an essay describing yourself and reasons for applying to this program. Tell us how your education will relate to your career goals. The essay must be approximately 2 double-spaced typed pages.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your admissions advisor.
A letter of recommendation
At least one letter of recommendation is recommended for all applicants. Recommendations may be submitted by a teacher, counselor or community leader with whom the applicant has had immediate contact. Recommendations should address the applicant's level of commitment, as well as attributes such as creativity, initiative, motivation, character and academic achievement, to aid in assessing the applicant's reasonable potential for success as a student at USV. Recommendations may not come from friends or family members except in the case of a teacher-parent.
Download a recommendation form here.
Samples of original work
The creative areas of Digital Art & Animation, Digital Audio Technology, and Game Art require samples of the applicant’s work to be submitted for review as part of the admissions process.
If you do not have any current creative work, or wish to create more, we welcome this and it is easy to do. Simply follow the directions and examples provided for each area. Our faculty are also available to give you additional guidance and suggestions, or answer questions regarding the work sample we wish to collect from you.
An applicant's portfolio is evaluated once the Enrollment Services Office has received a completed application packet. A completed packet consists of the application, application fee, recommendation, all official transcripts, and portfolio.
The creative areas of Digital Art & Animation, Digital Audio Technology, and Game Design Art require samples of the applicant’s work to be submitted for review as part of the admissions process.
Official school transcripts
Applicants for admission must submit an official high school transcript, or an official report of scores earned on the General Educational Development (GED) test, or proof of completion in a home schooling program or equivalent, the College does not accept Ability-to-Benefit students.
If applicable, official college transcripts are also required.
SAT or ACT scores are recommended for freshman applicants.
Official transcripts should be mailed to:
University of Silicon ValleyAttn: Registrar’s office191 Baypointe PkwySan Jose CA 95134
For Electronic transcripts, Please send them through Parchment, or request your school to send the e-transcript to our Registrar’s office directly at registrarsoffice@usv.edu
• Arrange an interview with an admissions advisor
• Placement Tests for English and Math
Cogswell College requires placement tests in Mathematics, English and Music Theory (if applicable) to assess the competency level of each subject. Placement test may be waived for ACT, SAT scores or transfer of credits in one of the above mentioned subjects. Placement test are available to be taken via online/remotely or on-campus.
ACT and SAT scores may be used to waive placement exams but are not required for admissions. Scores will be reviewed on a case-by-case.
Subject
Passing Scores Engineering
Passing Scores Non-Engineering
* Engineering students that score between40-74% on the online, or 30-69% on the paper-based test, will be placed in MATH116. Engineering students that score 39% or less on the online, or 29% or less on the paper-based test, will be placed in remedial MATH003.
Multiple choice test including exponents and polynomials, equations and systems of equations in one and two variables, functions and graphs, and exponential and logarithmic functions.
The test has three parts. The first one is multiple choice testing grammar and sentence clarity. The second part is also multiple choice testing reading and vocabulary. The third part of the test requires a one page written essay on a given topic. Selection among three topics is provided.
The Music Theory Placement Exam tests for basic musical literacy. The ability to read treble and bass clefs and basic rhythmic notation as well as understand common music notation symbols are required to pass the exam and to be placed in Music Theory 1. Only available on-campus.
All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of admission status approximately two (2) weeks after their application and supporting documents have been received and processed. Notification will include information regarding the enrollment process, the registration process, academic advising and student services.
USV reserves the right to revoke acceptance or continued enrollment if:
Statement of Nondiscrimination Policy
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