The University of California, San Diego (UCSD), established in 1960, is a powerhouse of research and innovation located along the Pacific coast. UCSD's six undergraduate colleges provide intimate learning communities within a large research university, with strengths in biological sciences, engineering, and oceanography. The university's Scripps Institution of Oceanography is world-renowned, while its Jacobs School of Engineering and School of Medicine are leaders in their fields. UCSD's striking modern campus features the Geisel Library and cutting-edge facilities like the Qualcomm Institute.
UCSD's research enterprise addresses global challenges from climate change to public health. The university's location in La Jolla provides opportunities for collaboration with tech and biotech industries. UCSD's NCAA Division II athletics and vibrant arts scene, including the Stuart Collection of public art, create a dynamic campus life. Alumni include Nobel laureates, tech pioneers, and leaders in science and medicine who drive innovation worldwide.
University of California-San Diego Acceptance Rate
University of California-San Diego (UCSD) is a renowned institution with a very competitive admission profile. The acceptance rate of 23.71% indicates that only 24 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2-3 key extracurricular activities.
While academics are a primary focus, UCSD considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of California-San Diego Admission Requirements
UCSD GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UCSD is 3.82. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.52 and 3.82, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
UCSD GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at UCSD utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.82, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.82 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.62 – 3.81 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.42 – 3.61 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.41 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At UCSD, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of California-San Diego (UCSD) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
University of California-San Diego Average SAT Score: 1375
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of California-San Diego is 1375 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1375 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (0 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of California-San Diego allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 0, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to UCSD. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Reading | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Composite | 1375 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 then you are below most of the admitted students at UCSD and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 0 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into University of California-San Diego (UCSD) with a 0 SAT?
With a 0 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of California-San Diego (UCSD) are good but the admission staff at UCSD tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
UCSD Profile
Name: University of California-San Diego (UCSD)
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from UCSD Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of California-San Diego is USD: 35274. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of California-San Diego is USD: 15069
How can I get a scholarship?
31.93% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 24.05 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UCSD and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of California-San Diego, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UCSD as your choice in the form.
How much a UCSD Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 84943. An average UCSD graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of California-San Diego. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College, CA | 1328 | 30 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1348 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1340 | 31 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield University, CT | 1325 | 30 |
| University of Georgia | University of Georgia, GA | 1335 | 30 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Illinois Institute of Technology, IL | 1328 | 30 |
| United States Naval Academy | United States Naval Academy, MD | 1326 | 29 |
| Bentley University | Bentley University, MA | 1346 | 30 |
| College of the Holy Cross | College of the Holy Cross, MA | 1361 | 30 |
| Wheaton College (Massachusetts) | Wheaton College (Massachusetts), MA | 1346 | 30 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of California-San Diego. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount University | Loyola Marymount University, CA | 1378 | 31 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1379 | 31 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1380 | 32 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1367 | 31 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1366 | 30 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of California-San Diego. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | Occidental College, CA | 1434 | 33 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1427 | 32 |
| Wesleyan University | Wesleyan University, CT | 1426 | 33 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1420 | 33 |
| University of Miami | University of Miami, FL | 1409 | 32 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Area Studies
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Biology, General
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions About University of California-San Diego Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $84943 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $35274 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of California-San Diego is 23.71 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.82. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.52, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.52, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.52 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.42 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to University of California-San Diego if my GPA is below 3.42
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.82, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to University of California-San Diego is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1375 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 0-0
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of California-San Diego.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.