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.
LAMBERTO He/Him
Interdisciplinary Computing and the Arts (ICAM)
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
What do you love about the college system?
I come from a small community college and I love the idea of having smaller communities within this large university. It allows us to build smaller networks. Through my college, I’ve met people from different majors, backgrounds, races, and religions. I love that the college system brings us all together as students, regardless of where we’re from or what we’re studying.
2-YEAR HOUSING GUARANTEE
Live on-campus in your college neighborhood or transfer community.
admissions.ucsd.edu/
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 (12.0 quarters)
2.2 YEARS Transfers (6.7 quarters)
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
$1.76 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:
Photo: Scripps Beach
160+ 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
Visit UCSD.EDU/CATALOG for the most complete information on all of UC San Diego’s undergraduate programs.
Please note: this list of majors may be organized differently on the UC application.
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
- Artificial Intelligence
- 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
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 Major)
Media Industries & Communication
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
For selective majors, visit admissions.ucsd.edu/selective
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.
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.
GPA IN A-G COURSES
10TH & 11TH GRADE
3.0 OR BETTER CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS 3.4 OR BETTER NON-CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
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.
Please note: The GPAs listed above are the minimum recommended 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 350 words
For more details, visit admissions.ucsd.edu/first-year-piqs
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
UC San Diego conducts a holistic review to consider these factors for each application.
• Overall GPA.
• 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.
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.
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.
Enrolling in dual enrollment programs (with or without completion of an Associate’s Degree) while in high school or taking classes during summer term immediately after high school does not make you a transfer student.
ADMISSIONS.UCSD.EDU/TRANSFER
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 our diverse transfer population in connecting with the community and ensuring a successful pathway to graduation and beyond. For more details, visit transferstudents.ucsd.edu.
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:
– Arts and humanities
– Social and behavioral sciences
– Physical and biological sciences
GPA
3.0 OR BETTER RECOMMENDED IN UC-TRANSFERABLE COURSES
Please note: The GPA listed above is the minimum recommended requirement to be eligible for admission to the UC system, but students admitted to UC san Diego 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.
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.
• Astronomy & Astrophysics
• 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
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 three out of seven 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 students with IGETC to complete these additional requirements before transfer, or while enrolled at UC San Diego: 3 courses in math and 4 courses in natural science. 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 October 1. 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.
Photo: UnOlympics
Photo: Triton Statue
TRITON SUCCESS
There are more than 245,000 TRITON ALUMNI worldwide… and growing!
TOP EMPLOYERS
TOP CAREER PATHS FOR TRITON ALUMNI
Engineering, Business, Education, Research, Community and Social Services, Media and Communications
$90,000 Average Base Salary of UC San Diego Graduates
$161,000 Average Mid-Career Salary of UC San Diego Graduates
#6 BEST VALUE Public College - Princeton Review, 2024
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
ALUMNI STORY
EM BEIHOLD she/her BA ‘20
Singer/Songwriter
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Em Beihold began playing piano at the age of seven. She released her first EP in 2017 while still in high school and enrolled at UC San Diego the same year. She graduated in 2020 with a degree in Communication and went on to release her debut single “Numb Little Bug” in 2022. The song immediately hit the Billboard Hot 100 charts and has reached more than 362 million streams on Spotify.
Em told UC San Diego Today: “What’s happening now is what I’ve wanted my whole life, but nothing prepares you for when your music goes viral. When I graduated and looked back, I realized how incredible an experience [UC San Diego] was. I really missed being around my friends all the time, the routine of being in La Jolla.”
Photo: Drone test at Scripps Beach
apply.universityofcalifornia.edu
IMPORTANT DATES
AUG. 1 | UC application opens
OCT. 1-NOV. 30 | UC application submission period
OCT. 1-MAR. 2 | FAFSA or California Dream Act Application priority submission period (subject to change) 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