UCSD letters of recommendation?

Hi! So I'm applying to UCSD and I was wondering if they require letters of recommendation as part of the application process or if it's optional? Any insight would be much appreciated! Thank you!

UCSD, like most University of California schools, has a unique approach to letters of recommendation. They do not require (or even consider) them as part of the initial application process, but they may request them from certain applicants at a later stage.

If UCSD needs more information about your application, they might ask you to submit letters of recommendation. They will typically reach out to you with specific instructions via email if this happens. This request is part of a process called an "augmented review." Not every applicant will get such a request, and it's important to note that not receiving a request does not negatively impact your application.

It's not a bad idea to have someone in mind who you could ask for a letter of recommendation if that ends up being necessary. But for now, focus on completing the other parts of the UC application, such as your personal insight questions and extracurricular activities. If UCSD wants letters of recommendation later on, they will let you know.

For tips on how to strengthen the more central components of your UCSD application, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle the UC personal insight questions: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-california-essays/. Good luck with your application!