Founded in 1960, The University of California San Diego is a renowned public research university situated in the vibrant city of San Diego. UCSD has 33,343 undergraduates, and 9,533 graduate students enrolled on its campus. With countless success stories from its graduates worldwide over the years – UCSD stands as an esteemed institute that offers world-class education!
As part of the UC system, UCSD has recently joined a state-wide initiative to make California’s public universities more accessible to transfer students. If you are transitioning from a California community college or one of its many partner institutions, the unique support offered by the UC System will be especially advantageous for you. However, no matter where in the world you come from, UCSD offers an outstanding educational experience.
If you’re considering transferring to UCSD, read for additional information about the acceptance rate, decision date, and more!
UCSD Transfer Acceptance Rate
In 2022, UC San Diego welcomed 11,267 transfers after receiving 19,711 applications resulting in an acceptance rate of 58%.
The University of California San Diego accepts around 10,000 transfer students each year from the approximate 20,000 applications they receive.
UCSD’s Transfer Supplement Overview
To be considered for admission to UCSD, applicants must submit the following essay. “Please describe how you have prepared for your intended major, including your readiness to succeed in your upper-division courses once you enroll at the university.”
After completing the required essay, you must respond to three of the seven essays below.
- Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
- Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem-solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
- What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
- Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
- 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?
- What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
- Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admission to the University of California?
What GPA Do You Need For UCSD?
The University of California San Diego requires transfer students to demonstrate a 3.0 GPA or higher from their previous institution. According to the university website, accepted applicants largely had GPAs ranging between 3.48 -3.91. In our opinion, applicants should strive towards a GPA of 3.7 or higher; this is especially true for those applying out of state.
UCSD Deadline and Decision Date
The UCSD transfer application is due November 30th, and the portal opens August 1st, providing more than enough time for submission. Be sure to have your Fall semester grades submitted by January 31st, with FAFSA completed no later than March 2nd. Decisions usually come in late March or early April!
UCSD Application Requirements
The University of California San Diego only allows transfer students to enter at the junior level. Per their website, “To be eligible for transfer admission, you must complete a minimum of 60 UC-transferable semesters (90 quarter) units by the end of the spring term prior to fall admission.”
Before transferring, students must successfully complete a number of required courses with a grade of at least a “C” or better. These course requirements include two English composition classes, one math class, and at least four courses in two of the following disciplines: arts and humanities, physical and biological science, and social and behavioral sciences courses.
Moreover, most STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), as well as “capped” majors, require that students complete a chosen number of lower-level courses pertaining to the subject before transferring.