What's the lowdown on UCSD's inevitable requirements?

Hey folks, stressed junior here putting together his college list. UCSD has always been a college I had my heart set on, but I'm having trouble figuring out exactly what they require for admission. Could anyone spill any insight on their application requirements? Thanks!

Hello! It's perfectly understandable that you're feeling the pressure, but getting a clear understanding of the application requirements for UCSD should alleviate some of that stress.

Firstly, like other UC schools, UCSD uses the University of California application, which is available to begin on August 1 and can be submitted between November 1-30. This application asks for your academic history, your planned major, and the extracurricular activities you've been involved in. Note that UC schools do not require or consider letters of recommendation in their review, a distinction from other colleges.

For the academic history section, you should be prepared to list all the classes you've taken from grades 9-11, as well as your planned senior year courses. You'll need to report your GPA as well, and be aware that UC schools specifically calculate a UC GPA that's capped at 8 semesters of honors/AP classes.

Now, onto the heart of the application: the UC Personal Insight Questions. You'll have to answer 4 of 8 prompts, each with a max of 350 words. Spend some good time reflecting on and answering these questions, as they are key in giving the admissions officers insight into who you are as a person - not only as a student.

It is important to note that starting with the 2024-2025 application cycle, UC San Diego is test-blind, meaning they don't consider SAT or ACT scores as part of their application review. So, you don't have to worry about submitting standardized test scores.

Lastly, take careful note of the admissions requirements for your specific major, especially if you're interested in a capped major or one in the Jacobs School of Engineering. These may require additional prerequisites or expectations. So make sure to visit UCSD's website and familiarize yourself with the requirements for your intended program of study.

Good luck with your applications! The fact that you're gathering this information early shows that you're proactive and on top of things, so keep at it! UCSD is an excellent school with so much to offer.