University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
The University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego or UCSD) is a leading public research university located in La Jolla, California. Known for its ocean-view campus and rigorous academics, UC San Diego consistently ranks among the top public universities in the nation. It offers more than 160 undergraduate majors across six residential colleges and is celebrated for innovation in science, engineering, and the arts. UCSD’s selective admissions process, strong faculty resources, and vibrant student life make it a popular choice for applicants worldwide.
School Profile
Location: La Jolla, California
Type: Public
Founded: 1960
Address: 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0021, La Jolla, CA 92093
Phone: (858) 534‑4831
School Website: ucsd.edu
What You Need to Know to Apply to UC San Diego
Admissions Stats
录取率: 24.76%
Average High School GPA: 4.1
Average SAT Scores: N/A
Average ACT Scores: N/A
Application Information
Application Platforms: UC Application
Test-Optional Policy: Yes
Application Deadlines: Regular Decision (12/1)
Required Materials: Transcript
Affordability & Academic Value
Tuition & Fees
Tuition & Fees : $51,015
Room & Board (Food & Housing): $19,629
Academics
4-Year Graduation Rate: 75%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
UCSD Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)
UC San Diego does not require a separate supplemental essay beyond the University of California application. Instead, all UC applicants must respond to four of eight Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), each with a 350-word limit. These PIQs allow you to showcase your experiences, values and goals while demonstrating qualities such as leadership, creativity, resilience and community involvement.
What Are the PIQs?
The eight prompts cover a range of themes. They invite you to reflect on leadership, creativity, talents or skills, educational opportunities or barriers, significant challenges, academic passions, community impact, and a catch‑all “Why You?” question. By choosing four, you can highlight the dimensions of your life and character you most want UC San Diego to know.
Where to Find More Guidance
For a deep dive into each prompt, strategies on selecting the right questions and examples of standout responses, please see our dedicated post on UC Personal Insight Questions. That article offers prompt‑by‑prompt analyses and tips to help you craft compelling essays that showcase your unique story.
UCSD Application Checklist
1. Getting Started
Create your UC Application account on August 1.
Complete personal details and list all A–G courses and grades.
Choose intended major(s) and rank UCSD’s residential colleges.
2. Preparing Your Application
Select 4 out of 8 Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) and write up to 350 words each.
(Optional) Self-report SAT/ACT scores for placement purposes only.
Pay the $80 per campus application fee or request a fee waiver.
3. Submitting Your Application
Submit your application between October 1 and December 1.
Upload essays, verify all details, and finalize submission before the deadline.
From December, check your applicant portal regularly and respond to UCSD’s requests.
4. After Submission
File FAFSA or Dream Act Application by April 2 for priority aid consideration.
If admitted, accept your offer by May 1 and submit any required documents or deposits.
IvyMax Alumni Admitted by UCSD
Academic Profile
High School GPA: 4.3
Standardized Testing: N/A
AP Coursework: 9 AP Courses taken
AP Exam Performance: 4 scores of 5
Future Aspirations
This student led their school’s marine biology club, researched ocean acidification, and volunteered in coastal cleanups. They designed underwater drones, interned at an aquaculture startup, and tutored in STEM subjects. Planning to study Marine Biology at UC San Diego, they aim to create sustainable ocean technologies and inspire underrepresented students in STEM, crediting IvyMax’s mentorship for helping showcase their leadership and research.
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