The College Monk

University of California San Diego (UCSD) — 2026

What SAT, ACT scores and GPA do you need for University of California San Diego (UCSD)? See the latest score ranges, admission requirements, deadlines

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Published Apr 14, 2026 • Updated Apr 14, 2026 • 2 min read

Our Commitment to Accuracy — The College Monk's editorial team verifies all information against official university data and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Data is updated for the 2026-2027 academic year. Learn about our editorial process.

University of California San Diego (UCSD) SAT Scores, ACT Scores & GPA Requirements 2026

What SAT and ACT scores do you need to get into University of California San Diego (UCSD)? The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1320-1510, with an average of 1415. University of California San Diego (UCSD) has an acceptance rate of 26.7%, making it very selective. Here is everything you need to know about test scores and academic requirements.

Quick Facts

MetricValue
Acceptance Rate26.7%
SAT Score Range (25th-75th)1320 - 1510
Average SAT Score1415
ACT Score Range (25th-75th)28 - 34
Average ACT Score31
Average GPA3
Application Deadline30th Nov

SAT Score Requirements

The middle 50% of admitted students at University of California San Diego (UCSD) score between 1320 and 1510 on the SAT. This means 25% of admitted students scored below 1320, and 25% scored above 1510.

SAT Section25th Percentile75th Percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing620700
Math640770
Composite13201510

What SAT score do you need for University of California San Diego (UCSD)? To be competitive, aim for at least 1480. A score of 1510 or above puts you in the top 25% of admitted students.

ACT Score Requirements

The middle 50% ACT composite score range at University of California San Diego (UCSD) is 28-34.

ACT Section25th Percentile75th Percentile
English2534
Math2633
Composite2834

GPA Requirements

The average GPA of admitted students at University of California San Diego (UCSD) is 3. A solid B+ average puts you in the competitive range.

Application Deadlines

Deadline TypeDate
Regular Decision30th Nov

Cost Overview

Cost CategoryAmount
In-State Tuition$16,758
Out-of-State Tuition$50,958

Check Your Chances

Use our Admissions Calculator to see how your scores compare to admitted students at University of California San Diego (UCSD). You can also view the full University of California San Diego (UCSD) profile for more details on programs, campus life, and financial aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average SAT score for University of California San Diego (UCSD)?
The average SAT score for admitted students at University of California San Diego (UCSD) is 1415.

What ACT score do I need for University of California San Diego (UCSD)?
The average ACT score is 31.

Is University of California San Diego (UCSD) hard to get into?
With an acceptance rate of 26.7%, University of California San Diego (UCSD) is moderately selective. Competitive scores and a well-rounded application are important.

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Key Takeaways

Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.

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