UCSD Entrance Requirements

Hi everyone, I'm planning on applying to UCSD next year and I'm wondering what their entrance requirements are like. Can anyone give me some details about the average GPA, test scores, or any other important factors they consider? Thanks in advance!

Hello! Applying to UCSD is a great choice, as it is a highly-regarded university with a variety of programs. While UCSD, like other UC schools, follows a holistic admissions process, I can provide you with some general information about the factors they often consider.

First and foremost, UCSD, along with other UC schools, is test-blind, which means they do not review SAT or ACT scores at all during the admissions process. Therefore, the focus is placed on other academic and extracurricular aspects of your application. Make sure you don't accidentally send in your test score anyways, as there's a fee associated with doing so, and paying it would just be a waste of money.

As for GPA, UCSD admitted students typically have a high UC-weighted GPA. The average weighted GPA for admitted students is usually between 4.03 - 4.28. Additionally, your application will be stronger if you've not only earned a high GPA, but done so while challenging yourself academically. UCSD recommends applicants complete at least the following coursework, but exceeding these recommendations can be beneficial when applying to a selective school like UCSD:

- 4 years of English

- 3 years of mathematics (4 years recommended)

- 2 years of history/social science

- 2 years of laboratory science (3 years recommended)

- 2 years of language other than English (3 years recommended)

- 1 year of visual and performing arts

- 1 year of college-preparatory elective

Beyond academics, extracurricular involvement is an essential factor in admissions. UCSD will be looking for students who have been actively involved in their communities and schools, in activities that showcase their interests, passions, and leadership. The quality of your extracurriculars is more important than the quantity - having a few deeply-involved activities can be more impactful than a long list of shallow commitments.

Additionally, UCSD requires all applicants to respond to 4 Personal Insight Questions as part of the UC application. These essays should provide insight into your personal experiences and growth, by highlighting unique qualities that you would bring to the UCSD community. Make sure to demonstrate self-reflection, growth, and how these qualities or experiences will contribute to your success at UCSD. You can read more about how to tackle the UC Personal Insight Questions on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-california-essays.

Keep in mind that these numbers and factors are just a general guideline, and UCSD, as other UC schools, uses a holistic review process to evaluate applicants. Excelling in the areas above will boost your chances of admission, but no single factor will get you in on its own. And, in addition to all of the above, factors like geography, family background, and personal qualities, like resilience or open-mindedness, may also be considered.

Good luck with your application to UCSD!