San Diego State Admission Requirements

I'm really interested in applying to San Diego State, but I'm a bit unsure about their admission requirements. Does anyone know details about GPA, extracurriculars, or any other specifics they look for?

San Diego State University (SDSU) does not have hard and fast cut-off minimums for admission. They do a holistic review of your application, which means all your academic and non-academic achievements are considered.

That said, the average incoming freshman at SDSU had a GPA of 3.87 in recent available data. While a high GPA is a positive, it's not the be-all-end-all. SDSU, like many universities, also looks at the rigor of your classes. Advanced courses such as AP or IB can help demonstrate academic prowess.

In terms of extracurriculars, quality definitely trumps quantity. It's more impressive to spend lots of time on a few select activities, showing leadership and commitment, than to join lots of clubs without much involvement in any. SDSU does not specify what kind of extracurricular activities they favor, but most colleges value activities that align with your intended major or career.

Regarding standardized test scores, as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, San Diego State is test-blind. This means they will not consider your SAT or ACT scores, even if you choose to submit them.

In addition to all these, SDSU requires applicants to submit responses to Personal Insight Questions. These responses give you an opportunity to shed light on your personal experiences, describe challenges you have faced, express your creative thinking, and show the unique ways you can contribute to the campus community.

Lastly, keep in mind that requirements might vary depending on your intended major. Some majors at SDSU are impacted, meaning there are more qualified applicants than available spaces. These majors might have more specific requirements.

Remember that these are simply guidelines to give you an idea of what SDSU generally looks for in applicants. Every application is unique and there are always exceptions to the norm, so don't get discouraged if you feel like you don't tick every box. Just put forward your best self in your application and give it a shot!