UC San Diego Acceptance Rate: Admissions Statistics

The University of California, San Diego is once again ranked as the sixth-best public university in the U.S. Pretty impressive, yes, but with that kind of prestige comes a competitive admissions process. For the Class of 2028, UC San Diego only had an acceptance rate of 26.8%.

But what does that number actually mean for you? How does it impact your chances of becoming a Triton? In this post, we’re diving into UC San Diego’s acceptance rates, plus other admissions stats like yield rates, transfer acceptance rates, and waitlist acceptance rates. We’ll break down what these numbers mean and how they can affect your chances of getting in.

• What Is UC San Diego’s Acceptance Rate?
• UC San Diego Acceptance Rate Trends
• No Early Action and Early Decision for UC San Diego
• How to Get Accepted into UC San Diego
• UC San Diego Transfer Acceptance Rate
• UC San Diego Waitlist Acceptance Rate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is UC San Diego’s Acceptance Rate?

UC San Diego’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is 26.8%. It is not as low as other top schools, but make no mistake: the competition for a spot remains tough. Let’s take a closer look at this admission round’s numbers:

For the most recent class, 35,984 first-year applicants were accepted out of 134,444. This means that of about four students who applied, only one received an acceptance letter. This was not the lowest in the school’s history, but it definitely was a challenging round for those who dream of becoming a Triton.

UC San Diego yield rate

UC San Diego’s yield rate for the Class of 2028 sits at 20.4%, meaning that out of all the accepted students, only about one in five chose to enroll. A college’s yield rate is the percentage of admitted students who decide to enroll.

Here is UC San Diego’s yield rate for the last five years:

Over the past five years, UC San Diego’s yield rate has fluctuated, showing some variation in how many accepted students actually choose to enroll. For the Class of 2028, 7,341 students enrolled, resulting in a 20.4% yield rate. The Class of 2027 had a slightly higher yield, with 7,007 enrollees and a 21.6% rate. The Class of 2024 had the lowest yield rate in recent years at 16.8%, with 6,447 students enrolling.

This pattern shows that even though a lot of students apply to UC San Diego, many of those who get accepted end up choosing a different school. That’s one big reason why UC San San Diego’s yield rate stays lower than top UC schools like UCLA and UC Berkeley, where more than 40% of admitted students actually enroll.

UC San Diego Acceptance Rate Trends

UC San Diego’s acceptance rates have been all over the place over the years. Unlike UCLA and Berkeley, UC San Diego has never dropped below 15%, making it a bit easier to get into compared to other top UC schools. But in recent years, the numbers have mostly gone down, with a few small bumps along the way.

Here is a ten-year data of the school’s acceptance rates as reported by UC San Diego’s Common Data Set:

UC San Diego’s acceptance rate over the past 10 years has been anything but steady. The numbers have jumped up and down, showing a mix of increasing selectivity and occasional spikes in admissions.

From 2019 to 2024, UC San Diego’s acceptance rate was mostly in the 30-38% range. The Class of 2024 saw the highest acceptance rate at 38.3%, while the Class of 2020 wasn’t far behind at 35.9%. However, the acceptance rate began dropping significantly after that.

For the Classes of 2025 to 2028, the trend reversed. UC San Diego’s acceptance rate dropped to the mid-20s, marking a clear shift toward higher selectivity. The Class of 2026 had the lowest acceptance rate in recent years at 23.8%, while the Class of 2027 and Class of 2028 remained relatively low at 24.8% and 26.8%, respectively.

UC San Diego’s acceptance rates have been all over the place, and there are a few reasons for that. A big part of it comes down to the huge number of students applying, shifts in the university’s goals, and outside factors like the pandemic and changing college trends.

Recently, as one of the most-applied to colleges in the country, UC San Diego has had to be pickier, which explains the lower acceptance rates. But if history tells us anything, things could change again. Don’t be surprised if future classes see another shift in how hard it is to get in.

UC San Diego acceptance rate vs Ivy League schools

UC San Diego’s acceptance rates aren’t nearly as low as the Ivy League’s. The Ivies are known for being super selective:

The Ivy League schools are some of the hardest colleges to get into. Schools like Harvard (3.6%), Yale (3.7%), and Columbia (3.85%) have incredibly low acceptance rates, making them ultra-competitive. Princeton isn’t far behind at 4.6%, keeping its place among the most selective universities.

While UC San Diego’s acceptance rate isn’t as low as the Ivies, it’s still a competitive school. Getting in isn’t easy, but compared to private universities, public schools like UC San Diego tend to admit more students. That’s because state schools are built to serve larger student populations, often accepting tens of thousands of applicants each year.

Lastly, many public universities give priority to in-state students, making college more accessible for residents. Since private universities don’t have to follow this rule, they usually admit fewer students overall, lowering their acceptance rates.

No Early Action and Early Decision for UC San Diego

UC San Diego does not offer Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED). Like all UC schools, UC San Diego follows a single, regular admission deadline. This means all applicants—regardless of major or residency—apply and get decisions at the same time.

UC San Diego application deadline

If you’re applying to UC San Diego, mark your calendar—November 30 is the deadline every year. Since the UC system doesn’t offer Early Action or Early Decision, everyone applies at the same time, whether you’re a freshman or a transfer student. No extensions, no exceptions, so don’t wait until the last minute!

Decisions start rolling out in late March for freshmen and late April to early May for transfers. You’ll find out through the UC Application Portal, so keep an eye on your email for updates.

How to Get Accepted into UC San Diego

UC San Diego has a strong academic reputation and with that comes a pretty competitive admissions process. Getting in isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible. With the right preparation and a solid application, you’ve got a real shot at becoming a Triton!

Something important to know is that UC San Diego is test-blind, so SAT and ACT scores won’t be considered for admission or scholarships. You can still submit them, but they’ll only come into play for things like course placement or meeting basic eligibility requirements after you’re accepted. UC San Diego also doesn’t ask for letters of recommendation as part of the general application.

Wondering how to make your application shine among thousands of others? Here are a few important things to focus on:

Target GPA

To get into UC San Diego, you’ll need to meet the minimum GPA requirements for your A-G courses:

• California residents need at least a 3.0 GPA with no grades lower than a C.
• Non-California residents and international students need a 3.4 GPA or higher, also with no grades below a C.

Just hitting the minimum GPA won’t guarantee you a spot. UC San Diego is extremely competitive, and the numbers prove it. The average GPA for admitted students is 4.20, which means most applicants are taking honors, AP, or IB courses and earning top grades. To stand out, you’ll want to challenge yourself academically and aim for the highest grades possible!

Extracurriculars

UC San Diego isn’t just looking for straight-A students. It wants innovators, leaders, and changemakers. Your involvement in the arts, sports, community service, research, or any other passion matters just as much as your GPA.

More than anything, UC San Diego thrives on curiosity, creativity, and diversity. Maybe you have a unique story, a fresh perspective, or a drive to push boundaries—whatever makes you, you is what will help you stand out. The campus is full of big ideas and bold thinkers, so showing how you’ll contribute to that energy is crucial.

Most importantly, be real. UC San Diego values initiative, leadership, and impact, so let your passions shine. Stay true to yourself and show them why you belong in Triton Nation.

Personal Insight Questions

As a first-year applicant, you’ll choose four out of eight questions to answer, with each response limited to 350 words. You get to decide which ones to tackle, so pick the ones that truly reflect who you are and what makes your story unique.

Now, imagine UC San Diego is a person you’re meeting for the first time. What would you want them to know about you? These questions are your chance to share your journey—your creativity, leadership, challenges, passions, or anything that defines you. No matter which ones you choose, be authentic, honest, and let your personality shine—just like you would in real life.

You can check out all the questions here and start thinking about your answers.

And if you’re looking for a detailed breakdown of every requirement, check out our step-by-step guide to UC San Diego’s admissions process. It’s packed with tips to help you put together a strong application and improve your chances of getting into one of the most sought-after schools in the country.

UC San Diego Transfer Acceptance Rate

UC San Diego is one of the more welcoming UC schools for transfer students. For the Class of 2028, the university admitted 54.7% of transfer applicants, higher than both UCLA and Berkeley. Let’s look at the numbers:

While still competitive, the Class of 2028 transfer acceptance rate (54.7%) is notably higher than UC San Diego’s first-year acceptance rate (26.8%). This is common among UC schools, which prioritize transfer students, especially from California community colleges.

Overall, while UC San Diego’s transfer acceptance rate has remained above 50%, it hasn’t followed a strict upward or downward trend. The Class of 2027 stands out with the highest rate, while the Class of 2028 saw a slight decline. Still, transfer applicants—especially those from California community colleges—have a strong chance of getting in compared to first-year applicants.

Important dates and transfer requirements

If you’re thinking about transferring to UC San Diego, keep in mind that the application deadline is November 30 every year. UC San Diego only accepts transfer students for the fall quarter, so make sure to submit your application on time—late applications won’t be accepted.

To be eligible, you’ll need to meet these requirements by the spring before you transfer:

• Junior standing. Complete 60 semester (90 quarter) transferable units
• GPA of 3.2 or higher in transferable courses
• Required coursework:
  • Two transferable English courses (composition or critical thinking & writing)
  • One transferable math course (must require intermediate algebra or higher as a prerequisite)
  • Four transferable courses from at least two of these areas:

• • • Arts & Humanities
    • Social & Behavioral Sciences
    • Physical & Biological Sciences

• Progress toward your major prep courses before transferring

You’ll also need to answer four Personal Insight Questions—one required and three of your choice from a list of seven. Pick the ones that best reflect your experiences and what you want UC San Diego to know about you.

Most importantly, be yourself. These questions are your chance to tell your story, highlight your passions, and show what makes you unique.

UC San Diego Waitlist Acceptance Rate

UC San Diego hasn’t released its latest waitlist data yet, but for the Class of 2027, the waitlist acceptance rate was 9%. It hasn’t always been this low. Over the last five years, the school’s waitlist numbers have gone up and down, making the chances of getting off the list pretty unpredictable:

For the Class of 2027 (Fall 2023), UC San Diego admitted 2,616 students from 29,087 on the waitlist, resulting in an 9% acceptance rate. That’s a big jump from the 4.7% acceptance rate in Fall 2022.

The real shocker was in Fall 2021, when not a single student was admitted from the 8,835 students who opted in—a 0% waitlist acceptance rate. In contrast, earlier years were much more generous. Fall 2020 had the highest waitlist acceptance rate at 26.8%.

UC San Diego’s waitlist numbers change a lot from year to year, mostly depending on how many spots are available. In 2019 and 2020, more students got in because fewer people enrolled than expected. But in 2021, demand was so high that no one was admitted from the waitlist. More recently, in 2022 and 2023, fewer waitlisted students were accepted, likely because more students chose to enroll, leaving less room.

In short, being on UC San Diego’s waitlist is a gamble. Some years, thousands get admitted, while other years, almost no one does. If you’re waitlisted, keep your hopes up, but always have a backup plan!

What to do if you’re waitlisted

Getting waitlisted isn’t a rejection. It’s more like a “maybe.” UC San Diego sees you as a strong applicant, but there just isn’t a spot available right now. The waitlist gives the school a backup pool of students in case some admitted applicants decide not to enroll.

Here’s how you can improve your chances of getting off the waitlist:

• Confirm your spot. Make sure you officially accept your place on the waitlist by following UC San Diego’s instructions. If you skip this step, you won’t be considered.
• Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Write a short, genuine note to UC San Diego’s admissions office letting them know you’re still excited about attending.
• Keep your grades up. Stay consistent with your academics and extracurriculars. UC San Diego values commitment and strong performance, even after you submit your application.
• Stay grounded. The waitlist process is unpredictable. It’s okay to hope for the best, but also focus on the schools where you’ve already been admitted to make sure you’re ready for college.

The best way to avoid the stress of the waitlist is to submit a strong application from the start. But if you do find yourself on the list, following these steps can help you stand out as a committed and qualified applicant.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is UC San Diego’s latest overall acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, UC San Diego’s acceptance rate sits at 26.8%. Out of 134,444 first-year applicants, 35,984 were admitted.

2. What is UC San Diego’s transfer acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, UC San Diego admitted 54.7% of transfer applicants, accepting 12,298 students from a pool of 22,488 applications.

3. What is UC San Diego’s waitlist acceptance rate?

UC San Diego hasn’t shared its full waitlist data for the Class of 2028 yet. For the Class of 2027, the university admitted 2,616 students from a waitlist of 29,087, leading to a 9% acceptance rate.

4. What is UC San Diego’s GPA requirement?

To apply to UC San Diego, you’ll need to meet the minimum GPA requirement. California residents must have at least a 3.0 GPA, while out-of-state applicants need a 3.4 GPA to qualify.

5. Does UC San Diego accept standardized test scores?

No, UC San Diego doesn’t consider SAT or ACT scores for admissions or scholarships. The UC system is test-blind, so your scores won’t be factored into the decision process. However, you can still submit them for things like course placement or meeting certain requirements after you’re admitted.

Takeaways

UC San Diego consistently ranks among the top public universities in the U.S. and is known for its strong academics and research. With that reputation comes tough competition, making admissions more selective every year.

• UC San Diego’s overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 26.8%, with a yield rate of 20.4%.
• UC San Diego’s transfer acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 54.7%, and the waitlist acceptance rate was 9%.
• California residents need a minimum 3.0 GPA, while out-of-state and international applicants must have at least a 3.4 GPA. But to be truly competitive, aiming for a 4.0+ GPA with rigorous coursework will give you a stronger chance of admission.
• With UC San Diego’s competitive admissions, working with an expert in college admissions can help you create a strong and stand-out application, thereby increasing your chances of getting in.