Home > admissions > articles > UC San Diego Admissions Information

UC San Diego Admissions Information

University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA (map)

 

University of California-San Diego, commonly known as UC San Diego, is a top public research university in La Jolla, California. It ranks seventh in U.S. News and World Report’s 2011 list of the nation’s Best Public Universities. The school is renowned for its top-rated programs in Latin American history, bioengineering, oceanography, political science, theatre, and visual communications. UC San Diego is home to many prestigious facilities, including the San Diego Supercomputer Center, the Center for U.S./Mexican Studies, the Birch Aquarium, and the Conrad Prebys Music Center.

UCSD features more than 400 registered student organizations, and offers an impressive array of athletic programs such as water polo, softball, lacrosse, football, basketball, diving, bowling, and badminton. An annual tradition unique to the UCSD campus is the Sun God Festival, which began in 1983 as a daylong celebration with concerts, carnival activities, and student booths. Students also enjoy the school’s art galleries, performing arts centers, and nature preserves. The campus is located just twelve miles from San Diego, a city rich in culture, arts, tourist attractions, and entertainment.

 

 

Basic Info

Main Address: 9500 Gilman Drive, 0021
La Jolla, CA 92093-0021
 
Phone Number: (858) 534-8273  
Website: www.ucsd.edu  

Characteristics

Type of school: Public, Research  
Type of school: Coed  
Setting: Suburban  
Athletics: Division II, Club, Intercollegiate, Intramural  
Degrees offered: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral  
Size of undergraduate student body: 24,817  
Percent out-of-state: 3%  
Percent international: 6.62%  
Female to Male ratio: 52:48  

Academic Life

Student to Professor ratio: 19:1  
Most popular majors: Social Sciences
Biology
Engineering
Psychology
Communications/Journalism
Computer and Information Sciences
 
Special study programs: Cross-Registration
Double Major
Dual Enrollment of High School Students
ESL
Honors Program
Independent Study
Internships
Liberal Arts/Career Combination
Semester At Sea
Student-Designed Major
Study Abroad
Teacher Certification
Visiting/Exchange Student Program
Washington Semester
 

Campus Life

Housing options:
Coed Housing
Women's Housing
Apartments For Single Students
Fraternity/Sorority Housing
Special Housing For International Students
Men's Housing
Apartments For Married Students
Cooperative Housing
Special Housing For Disabled Students
Activities:
Campus ministries
Concert band
Drama
Fraternities/Sororities
Literary magazine
Model U.N.
Opera
Student government
Television station
Choral groups
Dance
Film society
Jazz band
Marching band
Musical theater
Radio station
Student newspaper
Yearbook

Fun Facts

  • Ranked #1 "Top Graduate Oceanography Programs"
  • Ranked #7 "Best Public Universities"
  • Voted #3 "Highest Salaries for Public University Graduates"
  • Ranked #7 "Best Graduate Political Science Program"
 

Admissions Information

 

 
UC San Diego is a moderately selective institution, as the school admits about 42% of its annual applicant pool. Admissions are especially competitive for out-of-state applicants; only about 3% of UCSD students are natives to another state.
 
According to admissions officials, an applicant's secondary school record, application essay, standardized test scores, demonstrated talents, and GPA are the most significant factors in the admissions process. Other considerations include a candidate's extracurricular activities, volunteer and work experience, and state residency. Admissions officials may also consider a student's character and whether the applicant is a first-generation college student.

 

Admissions address: 9500 Gilman Drive, 0021
La Jolla, CA 92093-0021
 
Phone number: (858) 534-4831  
Fax number: (858) 534-5629  
Admissions Website: admissions.ucsd.edu  
Email: admissionsreply@ucsd.edu  
Contact Person: Mae Brown, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director of Admissions  
Number of first-year applications received: 47,046  
Percent of applicants admitted: 42%  

Application Information

Regular application deadline: November 30  
Early decision/action deadline: N/A  
Accepts the Common Application? No  
Admission requirements: Essay
Standardized Scores
SAT or ACT with Writing
 

Application Information

Standardized test scores required? Yes  
Policy regarding SAT score-use: All SAT scores required for review  
 
Middle 50% Scores

Low


Average


High
% Who Submitted Scores
SAT Critical Reading
540
600
660
98%
SAT Math
600
655
710
98%
SAT Writing
560
615
670
98%
ACT Composite
24
27
30
33%

 
College Board code: 4849  
ACT code: 0459  
Learn more about other UC System schools:
UC Santa Barbara   UC Irvine   UC Berkeley  

Share This Information:

StudyPoint is a national leader in one-to-one, in-home test prep and academic tutoring. The test-taking techniques and strategies taught in our SAT tutoring and ACT tutoring programs enable students to earn higher test scores and gain admissions to competitive colleges and universities. Our expert subject tutors and personalized lesson plans help students earn better grades and become happier, more confident students. Whether you're looking for a math tutor or any other type of academic tutoring, StudyPoint can help. To learn about tutoring programs in your area, feel free to contact us for more information.

About the College Admissions Profiles

Searching for the right college or university? StudyPoint can help! Check out StudyPoint’s College Admissions Profiles for all the essential information on schools you’re researching. Learn about student life, review admissions requirements, and see how your scores compare to those of the current freshman class. Search for a specific school or browse the categories below to find the school that’s the best match for you!

About StudyPoint

StudyPoint offers private, in-home SAT, PSAT, ACT & SSAT tutoring. Our staff also includes expert math, science, foreign language, and writing tutors.

LEARN MORE

PARENT'S GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSION

DOWNLOAD FOR FREE
close

Our newsletter is designed to offer you grade- and season- specific information that will help you navigate and stay on top of the college admissions process. We need high school graduation year to provide you with timely, relevant information. You can unsubscribe at any time.