University Of California San Diego (UCSD) Acceptance Rate

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a public research university in San Diego, CA. It's part of the University of California system and offers:

• bachelor's degrees
• master's degrees
• doctoral degrees

UCSD is a somewhat competitive college, with an acceptance rate of 24%. Below, we'll break down what you need to know about the University of California, San Diego's acceptance rate and college admissions process.

What Is the Acceptance Rate at the University of California, San Diego?

The undergraduate acceptance rate at the University of California, San Diego is 24%. Over 100,000 applicants apply to UCSD each year. Enrollment at UC San Diego is over 40,000, with most admitted students studying in undergraduate programs. Most students study full-time and on campus, and 81% are California residents.

University of California, San Diego Admissions Requirements

Admission requirements for the University of California, San Diego depend largely on whether you're a first-year student, a transfer student, or a graduate student.

First-year students must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must have the following courses on their transcript with at least a C grade:

• two years of history and social science
• four years of English
• at least three years of math, but four is recommended
• at least two years of lab science, but three is recommended
• at least two years of a second language, although three is recommended
• at least one year of visual and performing arts
• at least one year in a college preparatory elective

California residents must have a high school GPA of at least 3.0, while out-of-state students must have at least a 3.4. The university does not accept SAT or ACT scores. You'll also need to answer personal insight questions on your application. Applicants to art majors may need to submit a portfolio or audition.

As a transfer student, you'll need to have already completed the following college courses with a grade of C or better:

• two English composition courses
• one course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning
• four courses in at least two of the following fields: arts and humanities, physical and biological sciences, or social and behavioral sciences

Some programs may require additional preparatory classes before you can transfer. All students need a GPA of at least 3.0 to be eligible for admission. Graduate students will need to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA. Individual programs may have other requirements, like the GRE or a resume.

How To Apply at the University of California, San Diego

The application process for the University of California, San Diego isn't too complicated. You'll need to answer the application questions and submit the required documents. We've provided a step-by-step guide below.

Step 1: Check Program Requirements and Application Deadlines

Some programs at UCSD have specific application requirements above the standard application requirements, especially for graduate programs. Check to see what your program requires.

You'll also need to be aware of due dates. The undergraduate application opens on August 1 for the fall of the following year. Students must apply by November 30. Application deadlines for graduate students vary by program.

Step 2: Create an Account

To apply to the University of California, San Diego, you'll need to create an account for the University of California admissions portal. This will allow you to apply to any UC college, like UCLA or UC Irvine, not just UCSD.

Next, you'll finish creating your profile by selecting the term you're applying for and what type of applicant you are. Then you can proceed to the next part of the application.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application

Next, you'll fill out the application. The application includes the following sections:

• about you, where you fill out information about yourself and your family
• campuses and majors, where you select which campuses and majors you want to apply to
• academic history, where you enter all your high school courses and grades
• activities and awards, where you list all activities you were involved in and awards you won
• scholarships and programs, where you select any scholarship categories or programs that apply to you
• personal insight, where you answer four of eight personal insight questions and add any additional comments
• pay application fees or submit a waiver, where you'll pay the application fee, which is $80 for undergraduate students and $135 for graduate students. Fee waivers are available.

Note that graduate programs, especially programs in the medical or pharmacy school, often have additional application requirements.

Step 3: Wait

Once you've submitted your application, there's nothing to do but wait. Admissions decisions can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, but decisions will be made by March 31.

If you've been admitted, you'll then need to submit transcripts. While test scores are not required for admissions, you may also want to submit those as they can influence course placement.

Tips for Applying to the University of California, San Diego

One of the best tips for your University of California, San Diego college application is to work hard before you apply to keep your GPA as high as possible. A 3.0 is the minimum GPA but the average GPA of incoming students is between 4.11-4.29.

If your GPA is lower than this, take advantage of the personal insight section. There are eight questions to choose from, so choose questions that allow you to expand on why your GPA is lower and how you have or will fix that.

FAQs About Getting into the University of California, San Diego

Below, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about getting into the University of California, San Diego.

What Is the Cost of Tuition at the University of California, San Diego?

Tuition at UCSD varies depending on if you're an undergraduate or graduate student and if you're an in-state or out-of-state student.

In-state undergraduate students pay $19,674 per year in tuition and fees, not including things like on-campus housing or supplies. Out-of-state students pay an additional $34,200 on top of that, for a total of $43,874 per year.

Resident graduate students pay about $20,739 per year in tuition and fees, not including housing and supplies. Out-of-state graduate students pay an additional $15,102 per year for a total of $35,841 per year.

For students seeking higher education but requiring financial aid, make sure to fill out your FAFSA online application form.

What Is the Graduation Rate at the University of California, San Diego?

The graduation rate at UCSD is 88%. Graduation rate looks at how many full-time, first-time students graduate with their bachelor's degree within six years.

Can I Get Into the University of California, San Diego With a Low GPA?

You cannot get into UCSD with a low average GPA. You must have a GPA of at least 3.0 as a California resident and 3.4 as an out-of-state resident to be considered.