UC San Diego Triton Admission Guide

TRITON ADMISSION GUIDE

A world-class education taught by awardwinning faculty with an ocean backdrop. We are here to launch you on your journey.

THE UC SAN DIEGO COLLEGE SYSTEM

What is the college system?

UC San Diego’s unique college system provides students with individual advising, support, and resources. Each college has its own theme and general education requirements. You will be required to rank the colleges on the UC application, and you can pursue any major in any college.

MEET THE COLLEGES

REVELLE

Est. 1964 | revelle.ucsd.edu

Where the sciences, arts, and humanities join to educate and inspire multidisciplinary scholars.

JOHN MUIR

Est. 1967 | muir.ucsd.edu

Recognized for individuality and independent spirit.

THURGOOD MARSHALL

Est. 1970 | marshall.ucsd.edu

Shaping us as scholars and citizens.

EARL WARREN

Est. 1974 | warren.ucsd.edu

Fostering responsible citizenship in a global society.

LILIANA she/her

Microbiology & Sociology: Medicine and Science

What do you love about the college system?

admissions.ucsd.edu/colleges

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

Est. 1988 | roosevelt.ucsd.edu

Developing world citizens through scholarship, leadership, and service.

SIXTH

Est. 2001 | sixth.ucsd.edu

Innovative - Interconnected - Aware: Cultivating curious minds to tackle the complex challenges of our time.

SEVENTH

Est. 2019 | seventh.ucsd.edu

Equipping the next generation of scholars, leaders, and innovators with the tools to confront our changing planet.

EIGHTH

Est. 2022 | eighth.ucsd.edu

Committed to engagement and community in an effort to tackle worldwide challenges.

STUDENT STORY

The college system is one of my favorite aspects of UC San Diego and a large part of the reason I chose to attend. It blends the experience of a large research university with that of a smaller private school and, as an incoming first-year, it really eased my transition into college. Having a college system allows for a lot more resources and prevents the feeling of being washed out or overwhelmed because it creates tiny tightknit communities of students on campus and makes it easier to make friends.

2-YEAR HOUSING GUARANTEE

Live on-campus in your college neighborhood or transfer community.

admissions.ucsd.edu/ familyhousing

THE TRITON EDGE

UC San Diego scholars are among the best in the world. Here, you’ll be joining a community of fearless innovators and artists who are working to make global change.

TIME TO DEGREE

4 YEARS First-Year (12.1 quarters)

2.2 YEARS Transfers (6.7 quarters)

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

$1.64 BILLION in Annual Research Funding

Arts, sciences and engineering labs and studios fill our campus, as well as 18 research institutes.

FACULTY HONORS

Nobel Prize • Fields Medal • Balzan Prize • Pulitzer Prize • Kyoto Prize • MacArthur Foundation Award • National Medal of Science • Tony Award • Academy Award • National Humanities Medal

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

3,000 SQ. FT. of work and incubation space for student entrepreneurs offered in The Basement. Earn academic credit and gain valuable work experience through the Academic Internship Program.

TRAINING AND INTERNSHIPS

Thousands of hands-on experiences available on campus as well as at companies, nonprofits and in government–locally, nationally and globally.

Photo: Fallen Star

Photo: Scripps Beach

150+ MAJORS. HUNDREDS OF MINORS.

At UC San Diego, we take a distinctive and experimental approach to our programs of study. Our academic programs, taught by leading experts, prepare students to stand out and lead change. Forge your unique learning pathway today.

ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Black Diaspora & African

American Studies

Chinese Studies

Classical Studies

Dance

German Studies

Global South Studies

History

Italian Studies

Japanese Studies

Jewish Studies

Literature/Writing

Literatures in:

• English

• Spanish

Music

Music/Humanities

Music - Interdisciplinary Computing & the Arts

Philosophy

Russian, East European & Eurasia Studies

Study of Religion

Theatre

Visual Arts

• Art History/Criticism

• Interdisciplinary Computing & the Arts

• Media

• Speculative Design

• Studio

World Literature & Culture

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Biology with Specialization in Bioinformatics

Ecology, Behavior & Evolution

General Biology

Human Biology

Microbiology

Molecular & Cell Biology

Neurobiology

DATA SCIENCE

Data Science

ENGINEERING

Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering with a Specialization in:

• Aerothermodynamics

• Astrodynamics & Space Applications

• Flight Dynamics & Controls

Bioengineering

Bioengineering

• Bioinformatics

• BioSystems

• Biotechnology

Chemical Engineering

Computer Science

Computer Science & Engineering

- Computer Engineering

Computer Science with a Specialization in Bioinformatics

Electrical & Computer Engineering

- Computer Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering & Society

Engineering Physics

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering with a Specialization in:

• Controls & Robotics

• Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Systems

• Materials Science & Engineering

• Mechanics of Materials

• Renewable Energy & Environmental Flows

NanoEngineering

Structural Engineering

HEALTH SCIENCES

Public Health

Public Health with Concentrations in:

• Biostatistics

• Climate & Environmental Sciences

• Community Health Sciences

• Epidemiology

• Health Policy & Management Sciences

• Medicine Sciences

PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Applied Mathematics

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Biochemistry

Chemistry

Environmental Chemistry

General Physics

General Physics/Secondary Education

Mathematical Biology

Mathematics

Mathematics & Economics (Joint Major)

Mathematics

• Applied Science

• Computer Science

• Secondary Education

Molecular Synthesis

Pharmacological Chemistry

Physics

Physics with a Specialization in:

• Astrophysics

• Computational Physics

• Earth Sciences

• Materials Physics

Physics - Biophysics

Probability & Statistics

SCRIPPS INSTITUTION OF OCEANOGRAPHY

Environmental Systems

• Earth Sciences

• Ecology, Behavior & Evolution

• Environmental Chemistry

• Environmental Policy

Geosciences

Marine Biology

Oceanic & Atmospheric Sciences

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Anthropology with Concentration in:

• Archaeology

• Biological Anthropology

• Climate Change & Human Solutions

• Sociocultural Anthropology

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES DIVERSITY.UCSD.EDU

• Asian Pacific Islander Middle Eastern Desi American Programs and Services

• Black Resource Center

• Cross Cultural Center

• Intertribal Resource Center

• LGBT Resource Center

• Raza Resource Centro

• Student Veterans Resource Center

• Women’s Center

Biological Anthropology

Business Economics

Business Psychology

Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience

Cognitive Science

Cognitive Sciences with a Specialization in:

• Clinical Aspects of Cognition

• Design & Interaction

• Language & Culture

• Machine Learning & Neural Computation

• Neuroscience

Communication

Critical Gender Studies

Economics

Education Sciences

Ethnic Studies

Global Health

Human Developmental Sciences

Human Developmental Sciences with a Specialization in:

• Equity and Diversity

• Healthy Aging

International Studies

• Anthropology

• Economics

• History

• International Business

• Linguistics

• Literature

• Philosophy

• Political Science

• Sociology

Latin American Studies

Latin American Studies with a Concentration in:

• Mexico

• Migration & Border Studies

Linguistics

Linguistics - Language Studies

Linguistics with a Specialization in:

• Cognition & Language

• Language & Society

• Speech & Language Sciences

Mathematics & Economics (Joint

Political Science

Political Science

• American Politics

• Comparative Politics

• Data Analytics

• International Relations

• Political Theory

• Public Law

• Public Policy

• Race, Ethnicity & Politics

Psychology

Psychology with Specialization in:

• Clinical Psychology

• Cognitive Psychology

• Developmental Psychology

• Human Health

• Sensation & Perception

• Social Psychology

Real Estate & Development

Sociology

Sociology

• American Studies

• Culture & Communication

• Economy & Society

• International Studies

• Law & Society

• Science & Medicine

• Social Inequalities

Urban Studies & Planning

INTERESTED IN A LAW, MEDICAL OR BUSINESS CAREER?

UC San Diego offers many academic and pre-professional programs, mentorships, resources and support to ensure your success in graduate school and beyond!

CAREER.UCSD.EDU/UNDERGRADS

Photo: UC San Diego Pride Parade

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS FIRST-YEAR

The most competitive applicants to UC San Diego present an academic profile stronger than the minimum UC admission requirements below.

First-year applicants are in high school or graduated from high school and have not enrolled in or attended fall, winter or spring sessions at a college or university.

Apply as a first-year even if you’ve completed college courses during high school (including dual enrollment) and/or through the summer immediately after graduation.

ADMISSIONS.UCSD.EDU/FIRST-YEAR

COURSEWORK

3.0 OR BETTER IN THESE COURSES

The A–G subject requirements represent the 15 minimum academic preparatory courses that first-year applicants must have to meet UC admission requirements. Complete 11 of the 15 A–G requirements by the end of the junior year.

Photo: Research at Scripps Beach

GPA IN A-G COURSES

10TH & 11TH GRADE

3.0 OR BETTER CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS

3.4 OR BETTER NON-CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS

Please note: The GPAs listed above are the minimum requirements to be eligible for admission to the UC system, but students who are competitive for admission to our campus far exceed the minimum requirements for GPA.

PERSONAL INSIGHT QUESTIONS

• The personal insight questions are about getting to know you better— your life experience, interests, ambitions and inspirations.

• You must answer 4 out of 8 questions.

• Each answer is limited to a maximum of 350 words

For more details, visit admissions.ucsd.edu/first-year-piqs

EXAMS

• Demonstration of English proficiency is required for international students.

• UC San Diego does not consider SAT or ACT test scores as a factor in admissions decisions.

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

UC San Diego conducts a holistic review to consider these factors for each application.

• Overall grade-point average.

• Achievement in high school and college coursework including performance in honors, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses offered at your school.

• Academic accomplishments.

• Special talents, achievements and awards.

• Personal qualities.

• Quality of senior year course schedule.

• TOEFL, IELTS and/or Duolingo for International Applicants.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Applicants to Arts majors have the option to submit a portfolio or audition for faculty review. For more information visit artsandhumanities.ucsd.edu/students/undergraduate.html and click on Jump to the Admissions and Portfolio section. 7

TRANSFER

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

The most competitive applicants to UC San Diego present an academic profile much stronger than the minimum UC admission requirements below.

Transfer students are enrolled in fall, winter or spring session at a college or university after finishing high school.

Taking classes during summer term immediately after high school does not make you a transfer student.

ADMISSIONS.UCSD.EDU/TRANSFER

COURSEWORK AND UNITS

COMPLETE A MINIMUM OF 60 UC-TRANSFERABLE SEMESTER (90 QUARTER) UNITS

COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING

7-COURSE PATTERN

• 2 English composition

• 1 mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning

• 4 courses from at least 2 of the following:

TRANSFER SUPPORT

UC TRANSFER ADMISSION PLANNER

UC TAP is a free online tool to help prospective UC transfer students track and plan their coursework. For more details, visit uctap.universityofcalifornia.edu.

TRITON TRANSFER HUB

Staff and peer mentors at the Triton Transfer Hub support the diverse transfer population in connecting with the community and ensuring a successful pathway to graduation and beyond. For more details, visit transferstudents.ucsd.edu.

– Arts and humanities

– Social and behavioral sciences

– Physical and biological sciences

GPA 3.0 OR BETTER IN UC-TRANSFERABLE COURSES

Students admitted to UC San Diego often have GPAs that exceed the minimum. admissions.ucsd.edu/transfer

PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Applicants to Arts majors have the option to submit a portfolio or audition for faculty review. For more information visit artsandhumanities.ucsd.edu/students/ undergraduate.html and click on Jump to the Admissions and Portfolio section.

Photo: Birch Aquarium

MAJOR PREPARATION

We strongly encourage all applicants to complete the major preparation coursework outlined for your major on assist.org to help ease your transition to campus and accelerate your time-to-degree.

Applicants to all majors within the departments listed below are required to complete minimum coursework to be admitted into the major. You will be screened for the number of courses completed, the grades earned in those courses and your cumulative GPA.

• Biological Anthropology

• Biological Sciences

• Chemistry & Biochemistry

• Data Science

• Economics

• Engineering

• Environmental Systems

• Geosciences

• Marine Biology

• Mathematics

• Oceanic & Atmospheric Sciences

• Physics

• Public Health

• Real Estate & Development

• Urban Studies &Planning

Visit admissions.ucsd.edu/MajorPrep for full details.

PERSONAL INSIGHT QUESTIONS

The personal insight questions are about getting to know you better — your life experience, interests, ambitions and inspirations.

• You must answer 1 required question.

• You must also answer 3 out of 7 additional questions.

• Each answer is limited to a maximum of 350 words. For more details, visit admissions.ucsd.edu/transfer-piqs.

TRANSFERABILITY

• California Community College students: View UC-transferable courses at assist.org.

• UC campus students: Courses completed during a regular or summer session and UC Extension courses 1–199 are transferable.

• Other applicants: Courses from regionally accredited postsecondary institutions similar in content to those offered in the UC system may be transferable.

GENERAL EDUCATION

Although not required for admission, the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is a series of California Community College courses that fulfill lower-division general education requirements at every UC San Diego college, except Revelle College. Revelle requires transfer students with IGETC to complete 3 courses in math and 5 courses in science before transfer or while enrolled at UC San Diego. compare.ucsd.edu

International applicants must meet English Language Proficiency requirements. Learn more at admissions.ucsd.edu/ international .

FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION

• You can apply for aid via the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application starting December 2023. Submit the application that is right for you before March 2 to receive the best possible funding.

• The UC Tuition Stability Plan means your systemwide tuition rate will stay the same for up to six years (not including campus fees), allowing you to plan financially without any surprises along the way.

Learn more at fas.ucsd.edu.

TRITON SUCCESS

There are more than 234,000 TRITON ALUMNI worldwide… and growing!

TOP EMPLOYERS

TOP HIRING COUNTRIES

U.S. • China • Brazil • United Kingdom • Germany • India

$87,000 Average Base Salary of UC San Diego Graduates $143,500 Average Mid-Career Salary of UC San Diego Graduates

#8 BEST VALUE Public College - Princeton Review, 2023

ALUMNI STORY

NICKY YOURE he/him BA ‘21

Singer-songwriter

Nicky Youre transferred to UC San Diego from Golden West College to study international business, with the intention of pursuing a career in sales. After graduating in 2021, Nicky worked for Dell Technologies, but left to pursue his dream of making music full-time. His hit song “Sunroof,” which reached more than 650 million streams on Spotify in 2023, was written during his time at UC San Diego.

Nicky told UC San Diego Today: “The campus location and the friends I met at UC San Diego changed my life. ‘Sunroof’ was written as my senior year was coming to an end. I was living close to the ocean in Pacific Beach. I had lined up a job at the end of summer. Ultimately, I was just feeling really good and happy. I don’t think I would’ve written ‘Sunroof’ if all of those things had not lined up for me.”

Photo: Drone test at Scripps Beach

IMPORTANT DATES

AUG. 1 | UC application opens

OCT. 1-NOV. 30 | UC application submission period

DEC. 2023-MAR. 2, 2024 | FAFSA or California Dream Act Application priority submission period BY MAR. 31 | First-year application decisions released BY APR. 30 | Transfer application decisions released

MAY 1 | First-year deadline to accept offer of admission

JUNE 1 | Transfer deadline to accept offer of admission

Photo: Sun God Statue