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.
Admissions Information
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.
Requirements
As a first-year applicant, you must earn a high school diploma (or equivalent) and satisfy these requirements.
Timeline
Learn the important dates and deadlines in the first-year application process.
Review
Our goal is to identify and admit students who are fully prepared to excel in our inspiring academic environment.
Fall 2022 Student Profile
GPA
4.12-4.30
Admit Rate
23.7%
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GPA range reflects the middle 50%.
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UC San Diego is test free and will not consider SAT or ACT test scores for admissions purposes.
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Demonstration of English proficiency is required for international students, please visit our webpage to learn more.
International Students
International applicants must meet the same requirements for admission as any other first-year applicant in addition to specific international requirements.
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.
Triton Talks
Triton Talk webinars aim to give students planning to apply to UC San Diego the opportunity to virtually engage and learn more about what makes our university stand out.
View recordings of previous Triton Talks such as:
Financing Your Education
Learn about options and resources available to help pay for college.
Events
Get to know UC San Diego by attending upcoming events. Check out what we have coming up and access recordings of past events.
Digital Viewbook
Interested in learning more about life at
Please note: this digital viewbook is optimized for viewing on a laptop or desktop.
A non-interactive version is available as well.
Look for these items for additional content:
Learn More
Colleges First-Year GEs
Learn about each college’s unique general education requirements for first-years