How to Apply

Important Dates for Fall 2026

*The faculty are encouraging applicants to submit the Program application by December 1, in addition to the Cal State Apply application, for "priority consideration".

Note: This program starts every other year. 

Application Instructions

Step 1: Submit Cal State Apply Application to SDSU

SDSU uses the California State University common admission application through the Cal State Apply website. Complete the first steps through the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office.

Also see: Multicultural Community Counseling Cal State Apply Tutorial

Step 2: Submit Slate Application to Program

Within 72 hours of submitting your Cal State Apply application, you will receive an email containing a personalized link to Slate, where you must complete your program application.

Please ensure that all required program-specific documents listed below are prepared in advance and ready to upload to your Slate application.

• Application Guide: Slate Applicant User Guide

Items Requested in Program Application

Personal Statement

Write a personal statement based on the following prompt:

Please supply the Community-Based Block Admissions Committee with a written picture of yourself. Remember that the criteria for the selection of CBB students include not only the university's criteria for acceptance into graduate study (i.e., GPA), but additional criteria as well. Each year, a richly diverse group of candidates applies to the program. The CBB Admissions Committee reviews these applications and then selects students who can learn together and contribute to each other's learning.

What is there in your life experience and background that will make it possible for you to be an effective multicultural counselor (a person who can be therapeutic to others) and social justice change agent and to make some unique contribution to the CBB community?

Hint: Do not make this statement a narrative of your resume. There is no minimum or maximum length; however, the statement should capture who you are in a concise manner.

Resume/CV

Prepare a current resume or curriculum vitae listing work experience, education, awards, publications, and presentations.

Experience Profile

Complete your experience profile using the Experience Profile Template (Word Document).

Unofficial Transcripts

Download unofficial transcripts (or scan a paper transcript) for every institution, one file per institution, and be prepared to upload to the program application. This is in addition to, not a substitution for, having official transcripts sent to SDSU Graduate Admissions office.

Letters of Recommendation

Contact 3 individuals with whom you have interacted both personally and professionally who would be able to write a letter of recommendation for you. Please request these letters early. Recommenders will submit their letters directly into the program application.

Please collect names and email addresses so you are ready to enter this information into the program application to request these letters.

Step 3: Submit Official Transcripts

After you submit your Cal State Apply application, send Official Transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended to SDSU. Continue to monitor your email account for correspondence from SDSU.

Step 4: Monitor my.SDSU

Be sure to follow all instructions provided by SDSU, particularly those related to setting up your my.SDSU account. Once your account is active, regularly monitor your my.SDSU Application To-Do List for any items or requests issued by Graduate Admissions. Prompt attention to these items is essential to avoid delays in the processing of your application.