First-Year
Students
A first-year applicant is currently in high school or has graduated from high school but has not enrolled in a regular (non-summer) session at a college or university. If you've completed college courses during high school (through summer after graduation), you're still considered a first-year applicant.
Student profile
We're looking for fearless innovators. Bold risk-takers. Those with a compulsive urge to take things apart, discover what makes them tick and put them back together in surprising new ways. People who are eager to swap ideas, share experiences and explore the world with a fresh perspective. If that sounds like you, start building your future at UC San Diego.
UC San Diego is test-optional for all Fall 2021 and 2022 applicants. We are test-blind for Fall 2023 and 2024 applicants from California public and independent high schools. For historical context, the ranges shown below reflect the middle 50% of our fall 2020 admitted students. Among this pool of admitted students, 25% also had a GPA or test scores higher than the range posted here, and 25% had lower.
GPA
4.00-4.27
SAT
1330-1510
ACT
29-34
Application Information
Requirements
As a first-year applicant, you must earn a high school diploma (or equivalent) and satisfy these requirements.
Timeline
Learn about the important dates that you'll encounter throughout the first-year application process.
Review
Our goal is to identify and admit students who are fully prepared to excel in our challenging academic environment.
Planning Ahead
It’s never too early to start planning for a successful future! Start preparing with a year-by-year roadmap to help you ensure you’re on the right path for university.
International Students
International applicants must meet the same first-year requirements for admission as any other first-year applicant in addition to the international requirements.
Triton Talks
Join UC San Diego staff, students, and faculty for a variety of Triton Talk webinars! From academics to student life, learn about the various resources, programs, and opportunities you’ll have at your fingertips at UC San Diego. To display and register for Triton Talk webinars, select an available date from the calendar.
