University of San Diego Admission Requirements

Hello! I was thinking about applying to the University of San Diego and wanted to know what the admission requirements are. Can anyone list them for me, please? Thank you!

Absolutely! The University of San Diego (USD) has several admission requirements for undergraduate applicants. Here's a list of the primary components you'll need for your application:

1. Common Application: USD accepts the Common Application, so you'll need to complete and submit this online form, which includes your personal and family information, educational background, extracurricular activities, and more.

2. Essay: As part of the Common Application, you'll need to write a personal essay. You'll have the option to choose from several prompts provided by the Common App. Make sure your essay is well-written, unique, and reveals your personality and character.

3. High School Transcript: You'll need to submit an official transcript from your high school, which should include all courses taken, grades earned, and class rank (if available).

4. Letters of Recommendation: USD requires one recommendation letter, from either a counselor or a teacher, and you can submit additional letters if you feel they add something to your application that isn't already captured by the first letter. You want to ask for these letters well in advance, so that your recommenders have sufficient time to write strong, personalized letters.

5. Standardized Test Scores: USD is test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle, which means you don't have to submit SAT or ACT scores if you don't believe they accurately represent your academic ability. There can still be instances where submitting a test score would be a good idea, however. For detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional

6. Application Fee: There is a $55 non-refundable application fee, but you may be eligible for a waiver based on financial need. You can request a fee waiver through the Common Application. For an overview of fee waivers in the college process, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/the-complete-guide-to-fee-waivers-in-the-college-application-process

7. College Report (for transfer students): If you're applying as a transfer student, you'll need to submit a College Report from each college attended, indicating your disciplinary and academic standing.

These are the primary requirements for applying to the University of San Diego. You may also want to check USD's website for any additional details or updates, as well as specific requirements for international students or applicants to specialized programs. Don't hesitate to reach out to their admissions office directly with any questions you have - they're there to help, after all!

Good luck with your application!