Engineering Acceptance at SDSU

Hi all, I'm planning to apply to SDSU for their engineering program. While I understand that acceptance rates fluctuate, does anyone have any general info about how competitive the program is? Like, what qualities do they look for in applicants? Thanks!

Sure, happy to provide some guidance. You're correct that acceptance rates can fluctuate at San Diego State University. For the College of Engineering specifically, they tend to look holistically at applicants. A few factors they might consider include your high school GPA, the patterns of your grades over the course of high school, any improvement in grades, and your interest in and dedication to engineering, which can be demonstrated through relevant extracurricular activities, internships, or work experiences.

While for most undergrad programs the standard minimum GPA requirement for in-state applicants is 2.5 and 3.0 for out-of-state applicants, highly competitive programs like Engineering might require a substantially higher GPA.

Although the SAT or ACT is not required for admission (SDSU falls under the California State Universities (CSU) system, which is test-blind as of the 2024-2025 application cycle), the college does review your academic rigor. This means they will look at the difficulty of the courses you took in high school, including any honors, AP, or IB classes, especially those related to math and science, which are critical for an engineering degree.

Focus on showcasing your commitment to the field. That could look like involvement in math and science clubs, participation in competitions, relevant volunteer projects, etc.

Your personal statement can make a difference too. Use it to highlight any unique experiences or perspectives you bring, why you want to study engineering, and what you hope to contribute to the field. Remember to avoid commonly overused topics and instead dial into a unique, personal story that can help you stand out.

Bear in mind that SDSU's engineering program is quite popular and therefore more competitive. As such, admission can be more stringent than the university's overall acceptance rate might suggest. Good luck with your application!