UCSD GPA Criteria - Insight Needed

Hey all, I'm a bit confused about UCSD's GPA requirements. Searching online didn't help much. Can any current students or someone familiar with the process shed some light on what GPA range UCSD usually looks for in potential students?

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD), like all UC schools, takes a holistic approach to admissions. This means they consider your entire application, not just your GPA. That being said, GPA is still a very important factor.

The average GPA for admitted students at UCSD is around 4.13 with a middle 50% range between 4.03 and 4.28 on a 4.0 scale. These GPAs are calculated on the basis of your A-G courses taken in the 10th and 11th grades. Please note that the UC GPA is calculated slightly differently than your high school's might be. It accounts for the weight of your honors, AP, and IB classes, capping the extra points granted at 8 semesters in total.

However, it's important to remember that there is a range of GPAs that get accepted, so students slightly below that range shouldn't necessarily be deterred from applying. It will help your application significantly if you have other strong components like compelling extracurriculars, strong essays, and impressive letters of recommendation. Make sure that you are also meeting all the A-G course requirements, as these are mandatory for admission.

Just bear in mind that UCSD, like all UCs, no longer considers SAT or ACT scores in their admissions process, so other factors like your GPA, coursework, and extracurricular activities will potentially carry more weight. Good luck with your applications!