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UCSD Acceptance Rate 2023 | University of California, San Diego

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All the detailed information about the UCSD Acceptance Rate is readily available on this page, catering to both undergraduate and graduate applicants.

Historically, Berkeley and UCLA stood out as the prominent gems of the University of California system. This still holds true in 2023, although various other branch campuses have evolved into highly competitive universities themselves, presenting escalating admission challenges.

UC San Diego serves as a prime illustration, having transformed into a institution where the entire admitted student body originates from the top 10% of their high school classes, boasting an average GPA surpassing 4.0. Predictably, the UCSD acceptance rate has witnessed a downward trend in recent cycles.

Aspiring Tritons now confront a test-blind admissions procedure demanding nearly impeccable grades in a rigorous curriculum alongside exceptional essays. Given this ambitious criteria, the purpose of this piece is to offer future UCSD candidates:

  • UCSD acceptance rate 2023
  • SAT, ACT, GPA and class rank of accepted UC-San Diego applicants
  • Admissions trends
  • The demographics of current UCSD undergraduates
  • UC-San Diego’s yield rate
  • How UC-San Diego’s admissions officers evaluate candidates
  • Tips for applying
  • How to assess whether applying to UC-San Diego is even worth the $70 application fee (for you)

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

What Really Matters When Applying
  • High School GPA
    Required
  • High School Rank
    Neither required nor recommended
  • High School Transcript
    Required
  • College Prep Courses
    Required
  • SAT/ACT
    Considered but not required
  • Recommendations
    Neither required nor recommended

UC-San Diego: Acceptance Rate – 2023

UCSD amassed 130,830 applications for the Class of 2027, with official acceptance rates for this cycle yet to be disclosed. This is strikingly close to the 131,226 applications received in the previous year. The acceptance rate for the Class of 2026 at UCSD was 23.7%. It is anticipated that the acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 will closely mirror this figure.

In previous years, the UC San Diego acceptance rate was as follows:

  • Class of 2025: 34%
  • Class of 2024: 38%

UC San Diego Admissions – Grades & Class Rank

UC San Diego Admissions – Grades & Class Rank

The University of California System has implemented a test-blind approach, rendering SAT and ACT scores irrelevant in admissions considerations. In the case of the Class of 2026, the middle 50% GPA range fell between 4.12 and 4.30. It is customary for each incoming student to have secured a position within the upper 10% of their high school peer group.

Admissions Trends & Notes

  • 84,910 applications to the Class of 2027 came from California residents.
  • 23,951 applications were from non-resident American students.
  • 21,969 applications were from international students.
  • UCSD remains test-blind for the foreseeable future.
  • The number of applications declined for the first time in 20 years in the 2022-23 cycle.

Who Gets Into UC-San Diego?

Let’s look at the demographics of UC-San Diego undergraduates:

Most UCSD Diego students hailed from the Golden State and paid in-state tuition. The total geographic breakdown is as follows.

  • Percent from other U.S. States (non-residents) – 9%
  • Percent from other countries (non-resident, international) = 16%
  • Percent from San Francisco/Bay Area: 12%
  • Percent from San Diego County: 23%
  • Percent from Los Angeles/Orange Counties: 34%
  • Percent from Other California Counties: 6%

Looking at ethnic identity, the breakdown of the entire Triton student body is as follows:

  • Asian American: 38%
  • Hispanic: 21%
  • African American: 3%
  • International: 16%
  • Caucasian: 19%

The breakdown by gender reveals an almost perfectly even split between male and female students.

  • Male: 48%
  • Female: 51%

The top fields of study among current students were as follows:

  • Biology: 18%
  • Economics: 7%
  • Psychology: 8%
  • Cognitive Science: 6%
  • Mathematics: 7%

UC-San Diego’s Yield Rate

The University of California, San Diego, recorded a yield rate of 17%, which represents the proportion of accepted students who choose to enroll, divided by the total count of admitted students. This figure is notably lower compared to numerous other prestigious public institutions like UT-Austin, UNC Chapel Hill, and UGA, which boast yield rates exceeding 40%.

How UCSD Rates Applicants

UC San Diego places great significance on just three aspects in their assessment: the rigor of the secondary school record, GPA, and application essays. Elements categorized as “important” include talents and abilities, personal qualities, character, extracurricular involvements, volunteer experience, and state residency.

It’s worth reiterating that UC San Diego, in line with all other UC campuses, has adopted a test-blind stance, further intensifying the already comprehensive evaluation procedure. Every application undergoes scrutiny from at least two evaluators.

The breakdown by gender reveals an almost perfectly even split between male and female students.

  • Male: 48%
  • Female: 51%

The top fields of study among current students were as follows:

  • Biology: 18%
  • Economics: 7%
  • Psychology: 8%
  • Cognitive Science: 6%
  • Mathematics: 7%

UC-San Diego’s Yield Rate

The University of California, San Diego, observed a yield rate of 17%, which indicates the proportion of accepted students who decide to matriculate, divided by the overall count of admitted students. This figure is notably lower in comparison to numerous other prestigious public institutions such as UT-Austin, UNC Chapel Hill, and UGA, all of which exceed a 40% yield rate.

How UCSD Rates Applicants

There are only three factors that UC San Diego ranks as being “very important” to their process: rigor of secondary school record, GPA, and application essays. Factors are rated as “important” are: talent/ability character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, and state residency.

As mentioned previously, UC San Diego, along with all other UC campuses are now test-blind. This makes the traditionally holistic review process at UC San Diego even more pronounced. Every application “is reviewed by a minimum of 2 individuals.”

4) Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

5) Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

6) Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

7) What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? 

8) Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

The best approach here is to select the four prompts that are the best fit for you and elicit the most compelling and personal responses. For more, read our blog: How to Master to UC Personal Insight Essays.

Summary of UCSD Acceptance Rate 2023 | University of California, San Diego

Gaining admission to UCSD has become an increasingly demanding pursuit, necessitating nearly impeccable performance in 10 or more honors/AP/IB courses. Even for in-state candidates, a flawless academic track record and other compelling qualities are essential.

Consequently, it’s imperative for all students to meticulously construct a well-suited list of colleges, incorporating both “target” and “safety” schools. This process should ideally involve collaboration with an admissions expert well-versed in the current trends and tactics relevant to the colleges you’re considering.

Edidiong Ekpo

I'm Edidiong Ekpo, an experienced SEO content writer who writes well researched articles to educate the public on various niches across the web.

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