UC San Diego GPA Requirements: What You Need to Get Into UCSD
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a premier public research university renowned for its strength in STEM fields, biomedical research, and ocean sciences. As one of the most competitive UC campuses, UCSD maintains high admission standards and attracts top students from around the world.
Quick Answer: UC San Diego typically admits students with an unweighted GPA of 3.85+ and a weighted UC GPA of 4.2+. The middle 50% have GPAs between 3.87-4.00 (unweighted).
UC San Diego GPA Requirements
Official GPA Statistics
Average Unweighted GPA
3.91
4.0 scale
Average UC GPA
4.28
UC weighted system
Middle 50% Range
3.87 - 4.00
Unweighted GPA
Acceptance Rate
23.8%
Highly selective
UC GPA Calculation for UCSD
Understanding UC GPA System:
Like all UC campuses, UCSD uses the UC GPA calculation method:
- Only includes a-g courses from sophomore and junior year
- Maximum of 8 semesters of honors points
- Only California-approved honors/AP/IB courses count for extra weight
- Out-of-state students: only AP/IB courses get extra points
GPA Requirements by School
| School/Program | Average UC GPA | Minimum Competitive |
|---|---|---|
| Jacobs School of Engineering | 4.35 | 4.2 |
| Biological Sciences | 4.32 | 4.15 |
| Physical Sciences | 4.29 | 4.1 |
| Social Sciences | 4.25 | 4.0 |
| Arts & Humanities | 4.22 | 4.0 |
| Undeclared/Exploratory | 4.26 | 4.05 |
UC San Diego Admission Statistics
Fall 2024 Admission Data
- Applications Received: 131,245
- Students Admitted: 31,216
- Acceptance Rate: 23.8%
- Enrolled Students: 6,234
- Yield Rate: 20.0%
Academic Profile
- Average SAT: 1480
- Average ACT: 33
- Top 10% of Class: 89%
- California Residents: 70%
- International Students: 17%
Admission Rates by Residency
GPA Analysis for UC San Diego
What GPA Do You Need?
California Residents: UC GPA of 4.0+ competitive, 4.2+ target
Out-of-State/International: UC GPA of 4.2+ competitive, 4.3+ target
Engineering/Pre-Med: UC GPA of 4.3+ highly recommended
GPA Distribution of Admitted Students
Application Strategies for UC San Diego
UC A-G Course Requirements
Required Course Pattern:
- History: 2 years
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 3 years (4 recommended)
- Laboratory Science: 2 years (3 recommended)
- Language other than English: 2 years (3 recommended)
- Visual/Performing Arts: 1 year
- College Preparatory Electives: 1 year
Personal Insight Questions Strategy
UCSD Values:
UC San Diego looks for students who demonstrate:
- Intellectual curiosity and research potential
- Leadership in academic or community settings
- Resilience and ability to overcome challenges
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Innovation and creative problem-solving
- Understanding of UCSD's research mission
If Your GPA is Below 4.0
- Outstanding Test Scores: SAT 1550+ or ACT 35+
- Research Experience: Independent projects, internships, or competitions
- Compelling Personal Story: Overcome significant obstacles or challenges
- Exceptional Talent: National recognition in arts, athletics, or academics
- Community Impact: Started significant community service projects
- First-Generation Status: First in family to attend college
UCSD-Specific Application Tips
- Research Focus: Highlight interest in specific research areas or labs
- STEM Excellence: Demonstrate strong preparation in science and math
- Innovation: Show creativity and entrepreneurial thinking
- Global Perspective: Emphasize international awareness and diversity
- Social Impact: Connect your goals to solving real-world problems
- UC System Knowledge: Show understanding of UC San Diego's unique qualities
UC System Comparison
| UC Campus | Average UC GPA | Acceptance Rate | Average SAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley | 4.43 | 11.4% | 1530 |
| UCLA | 4.31 | 8.8% | 1520 |
| UC San Diego | 4.28 | 23.8% | 1480 |
| UC Davis | 4.11 | 37.0% | 1430 |
| UC Irvine | 4.08 | 21.3% | 1440 |
UC GPA Calculator Tools
Use these specialized calculators to calculate your UC GPA and assess your UCSD chances:
Conclusion
UC San Diego is a highly competitive institution that requires exceptional academic performance for admission. With a 24% acceptance rate, students need UC GPAs above 4.2 to be competitive, especially for popular programs like engineering and biological sciences.
UCSD's strength in research, innovation, and STEM fields makes it an excellent choice for students seeking cutting-edge opportunities. Focus on maintaining outstanding grades in challenging courses, pursuing research experiences, and crafting compelling essays that demonstrate your fit with UCSD's academic and research mission.