A straight answer: 26.8% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 27 actually get in. No guessing. University of California, San Diego is a UNIV institution located in La Jolla, CA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose University of California, San Diego. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
What Students Miss When Looking at the University of California, San Diego Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at University of California, San Diego is one of the most searched admissions metrics, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many students treat it as a pass-or-fail indicator, when it’s really just a summary of past outcomes.
An acceptance rate of 26.8% blends together thousands of decisions made across different programs and applicant profiles. That makes it informative at a high level, but unreliable for predicting individual chances.
Acceptance Rates Reflect Applicant Behavior
Acceptance rates rise or fall largely based on who applies. When a university attracts more applicants who are still exploring options, acceptance rates tend to increase—even if academic standards stay consistent.
At University of California, San Diego, demand varies across departments, meaning selectivity isn’t evenly distributed. This is why some applicants experience a more competitive process than others.
How to Read Acceptance Rates More Accurately
Instead of focusing on whether the acceptance rate is “high” or “low,” applicants should ask how it applies to them. Academic background, intended major, and preparation level all shape admissions outcomes.
Viewed this way, the acceptance rate at University of California, San Diego becomes a planning reference—not a judgment.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into University of California, San Diego
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at University of California, San Diego based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherHow Students Should Use Admissions Information Going Forward
After reviewing admissions data, many students feel pressure to draw firm conclusions. But college admissions rarely reward certainty — they reward preparation and thoughtful decision-making.
Admissions outcomes are influenced by shifting factors: applicant interest, program capacity, and institutional priorities. That’s why the same university can feel approachable to one student and competitive to another.
Turning Research into Strategy
The best applicants use admissions information to shape their approach, not limit their options. They ask where they are competitive, where they may need stronger positioning, and how each school fits into their overall goals.
If University of California, San Diego aligns with your academic direction and expectations, then admissions data should help you plan — not second-guess yourself. Strategy, not speculation, leads to better outcomes.
Should You Apply to University of California, San Diego?
If 26.8% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore University of California, San Diego
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About University of California, San Diego Acceptance Rate
Is UC San Diego a public or private university?
UC San Diego is a public university, part of the University of California system, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
What are the top majors at UC San Diego?
The most popular undergraduate majors at UC San Diego include Biology, Cognitive Science, and Computer Science, reflecting the university's strong STEM focus.
What is the acceptance rate at UC San Diego?
The acceptance rate at UC San Diego varies each year; it is known to be competitive. Interested students should consult official resources for current data.
How large are class sizes at UC San Diego?
Class sizes at UC San Diego vary significantly, with 46% of classes having 2-19 students, and some larger courses accommodating over 100 students.
What is the academic calendar at UC San Diego?
UC San Diego follows a quarter academic calendar, which means students take courses in three ten-week terms each year, allowing for varied scheduling.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
University of California, San Diego isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
Everything you need to maximize your college application success