UC San Diego application - What do they look for?

Hey! I'm a junior seriously considering applying to UC San Diego and I could really use some insight into what they value in applications. Any tips or advice would be super helpful!

The University of California system, including UC San Diego, evaluates students in the context of the opportunities and challenges they have had. They use a method called holistic review meaning they consider all aspects of your application, not just your grades and test scores. It's about understanding who you are, the life experiences you've had, and the contributions you might make to campus.

Here are the key factors that UC San Diego considers in their admissions process:

1. Academic Achievement: Like many colleges, UC San Diego cares a lot about your course rigor and grades. They want to see that you've taken challenging classes and performed well in them. AP courses can be especially beneficial, not just for boosting your GPA but also for demonstrating your ability to handle college-level material. Note that UC San Diego, like all UC schools, is now test-blind, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process.

2. Personal Insight Questions: The UC application includes four out of eight personal insight questions, which allows you to highlight your personal experiences, achievements, and challenges. The answers to these questions can provide the admissions officers significant insight into who you are as a person, beyond just your grades and test scores. Avoid cliché topics and try to focus on experiences that are unique to you.

3. Extracurriculars: UC San Diego, like other colleges, wants to admit students who will be active and contribute to their campus community. Therefore, they place a high value on your extracurricular activities. They'll be looking at what you've accomplished in your activities, your leadership roles, your commitment level, and more. They will judge your extracurriculars using the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars, so having Tier 1 or Tier 2 activities can help your application stand out. That being said, even if your activities fall in Tier 3 or Tier 4, showing deep involvement and commitment can still be impressive.

4. Special Talent or Skill: If you have a unique talent or skill, this can also make you stand out in the admissions process. This could be a talent in the arts, athletics, or any other area that you excel in.

Remember, just as important as these factors are, UC schools also consider other circumstances that may have affected your performance, including family responsibilities, socioeconomic status, or being a first-generation college student. So, make sure to include these factors in your application if they are applicable to you. Good luck with your application!