Freshman Admission Requirements

Learn about the requirements for admission to UC San Diego as a freshman.

Note: A "freshman applicant" is a student who has not enrolled in a regular session at any accredited college or university after the summer session immediately following high school graduation.

Be aware that:

• The UC System has one application for all UC campuses.
• The application filing period is November 1-30 for the following Fall Quarter.
• Freshmen are admitted from the Fall Quarter applicant pool only.

• Minimum subject and scholarship requirements

  To satisfy the requirement you must earn at least "C" in the "a-g" courses listed below:

  • History/ social science – 2 years
  • English – 4 years
  • Mathematics – 3 years (4 years recommended)
  • Laboratory science – 2 years (3 years recommended)
  • Language other than English – 2 years of same language (3 years recommended)
  • Visual and performing arts – 1 year
  • College preparatory electives – 1 year

• GPA requirements

  Based on "a-g" courses taken in the 10th and 11th grades.

  • California residents with a 3.0 GPA or above satisfy the minimum scholarship requirement if they achieve a correlating score on SAT/ ACT tests listed in the UC Eligibility Index.
  • Non-residents must have a 3.4 GPA or higher in "a-g" courses, and achieve a correlating score in the UC Eligibility Index.

• Examination requirements

  • ACT Assessment plus ACT Writing Test (scores must be from the same sitting)
      OR
  • SAT Reasoning Test with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores (scores must be from the same sitting)
      AND
  • Two SAT Subject Tests in two different subject areas*
    • History/ social science
    • English literature
    • Mathematics (Level 2 only)
    • Laboratory science
    • Language other than English
    *May not be writing or Math 1C

  Note: Applicants to the Jacobs School of Engineering or those considering the biological or physical sciences are strongly encouraged to take the SAT Subject Test: Math Level 2 and a science test (biology E/M, chemistry, or physics) that is closely related to the applicant's intended major.

• Comprehensive review

  All UC-eligible applicants receive a comprehensive review that considers a combination of academic and personal achievement factors, including:

  • Uncapped GPA (maximum 8 semesters of approved honors, AP/ designated IB courses, UC-transferable college courses)
  • Scores on required exams
  • Number of "a-g" courses beyond minimum specified for UC eligibility
  • Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC)
  • Educational environment
  • Low family income
  • First-generation college attendance
  • Demonstrated leadership, special talents/ achievements and awards
  • Volunteer/ community service
  • Sustained participation in academic development preparation programs
  • Special circumstances and/ or personal challenges

News and Events

• Application Workshop
  • Saturday, Oct. 10
  • Saturday, Nov. 7
• Transfer Fridays
  • Friday, Oct. 9
  • Friday, Nov. 6
• Application filing period for undergraduates
  Fall 2010: Nov. 1–30