School Reviews
University of San Diego Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admission
A private Catholic research university with a 49% acceptance rate is the University of San Diego. The university’s 180-acre campus is breathtaking, with vistas of Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean and Spanish Renaissance architecture.
The University of San Diego is a short drive from beaches, mountains, and deserts. The university received a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for its excellence in the humanities and sciences.
For most of their sports, the USD Toreros (Bullfighters) play in the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference.
Have you thought about applying to the University of San Diego?
The average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students are included in the admissions statistics that you should be aware of.
What to know about USD
San Diego, California, is home to USD, a nonprofit private institution that only concentrates on a few available disciplines. The number of students in USD is close to 9,000.
Many students accepted into USD had SAT scores ranging from 1190 to 1370 or were accepted with an ACT score of 26 to 31.
Using sampling GPA data from over 150 schools, we estimated the average GPA of admitted students at the University of San Diego (USD), ranging from 3.48 to 3.71.
The University of San Diego accepts 49% of all applicants, and 17% of those students choose to enroll. Visit the admissions office online at sandiego.edu to learn more.
Check out this: University of Pittsburgh Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admission
What is USD Acceptance Rate in 2024?
The University of San Diego achieved a 49% acceptance rate for the 2018–19 admissions session.
This indicates that San Diego’s admissions process is challenging because 49 out of every 100 applicants were accepted.
What is USD Transfer Acceptance Rate?
USD accepts a competitive 49.87% of transfer applications. You need a GPA of at least 3.9 to transfer into USD; ideally, your GPA will be around 4.06.
Read also: Ole Miss Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admission
Is USD hard to get into?
59% of applications are accepted at USD. In terms of the lowest acceptance rate, it is ranked #38 in California. For qualified applicants,
USD is a more competitive institution with a good possibility of acceptance. Out of 13,171 applications, 7,731 were accepted last year.
With an average GPA of roughly 3.95 and an “A-” average in high school, the University of San Diego frequently accepts and draws these students.
Most first-year students graduate in the top 25% of their high school class. 13% of applicants who were given the option to enroll did so.
The application deadline is December 15, with a $55 application fee.
See also: Pace University Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admission
Does USD require test scores in 2024?
All applicants must submit their SAT or ACT scores to the University of San Diego. Sixty-nine percent of admitted students submitted their SAT scores during the 2018–19 admissions cycle.
According to admissions data, most admitted students to the University of San Diego scored in the top 35% nationwide on the SAT.
50% of applicants to the University of San Diego received scores between 600 and 680 on the evidence-based reading and writing portion, while 25% received scores below 600 and 25% received scores over 680.
50% of admitted students received math scores between 590 and 690, 25% received math scores below 590, and 25% received math scores over 690.
At the University of San Diego, candidates with a composite SAT score of 1370 or higher will have highly competitive odds.
All applicants must submit their SAT or ACT scores to the University of San Diego. 43% of accepted students in the admissions cycle for 2018–19 submitted their ACT scores.
According to admissions data, most admitted students to the University of San Diego scored in the top 18% nationwide on the ACT.
50% of those accepted to the University of San Diego had an average ACT score between 26 and 31, 25% over 31, and 25% below 26.
Check out also: Florida Southern College Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admissions
USD SAT Requirements
The SAT writing portion is unnecessary to enroll at the University of San Diego. San Diego participates in the score choice program, so the admissions office will consider the highest score you obtained on any SAT day from each section. SAT Subject tests are optional but will be taken into account if submitted.
USD ACT Requirements
The University of San Diego will only consider your best composite ACT score; it does not super score ACT results. The ACT writing portion is unnecessary to enroll at the University of San Diego.
What are the Admission Requirements for USD in 2024
Accepting nearly half of all applicants, the University of San Diego has a selective admissions process.
You will be better accepted if your SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the school’s average range.
However, San Diego also has a holistic admissions process that includes factors other than grades and test scores.
A strong application essay and compelling letters of recommendation can enhance your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a tight schedule.
Even if test scores fall outside the San Diego average, particularly applicants with a compelling story or track record may be seriously considered.
In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent passing students.
Most successful applicants find their high school GPA above 3.5, total SAT score above 1150 (ERW+M), and ACT composite score above 24. You will most likely be accepted if your number exceeds this low range.
Transfer Requirements for USD
Minimum GPA: To be admitted, applicants must have at least 24 semesters (36 quarters) of transferable college working credits and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
Official Transcript: The grade point average is calculated from all transferable academic courses in all semesters/semesters of college assignments. No maximum number of transferable credits exists, but a student must earn at least the last 30 semester credits in US dollars.
SAT Scores: If you have passed the Abitur and have completed at least 24 college or university semester units, the SAT I or ACT do not apply.
Letter of Recommendation: The letter of recommendation is intended to provide a professional assessment of your academic performance and potential for growth. Students should seek a recommendation from a university professor.
Essay: The essay required of all candidates is to understand better who you are. This is your chance to go beyond the facts and figures of your application.
Get a glimpse of how your experiences have shaped you as a person.
Application Fee: Non-refundable application fee of $55
See also: Muhlenberg College Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admissions
What GPA do you need to get into USD
Over 71% of new students had average high school GPAs of 3.75 or higher in 2019, and the average high school GPA for the incoming University of San Diego freshman was 3.93.
According to these findings, University of San Diego applicants who are most successful tend to have a majority of As.
To be admitted to USD, applicants must have very high marks. The University of San Diego’s admitted freshman class’s average high school GPA was 3.95 on a 4.0 scale, showing that most A- students are accepted and ultimately enroll.
California residents must earn a GPA of 3.0 (or better) with no grade lower than “C.” Non-California residents, including International applicants, must earn a GPA of 3.4 (or better) with no grade lower than a “C.” The school has the ninth-highest average GPA in California.
You have a strong chance of being accepted if your high school GPA satisfies these standards because USD accepts 59% of applicants.
Read also: UVU Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admissions
How to Apply to USD
Please apply in conjunction with the USD joint application. We’ve created a detailed guide, so check out The Common App: Everything You Need to Know.
Students are eligible to apply for the spring or fall semester. If you are considering spring enrollment, please apply by October 1. To be considered for fall enrollment, apply by December 15.
To apply, be sure to provide the following:
- Complete the application form from the Common App.
- Essay to one of the Common App prompts.
- Two short responses to a USD member’s prompt Advisor or Teacher.
- SAT or ACT Score.
- Official High School Diploma.
- $55 Application fee or fee waiver for international students: 6.5.
Check out also: Harcum College Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admissions
Alternative to USD
If You Enjoy the University of San Diego, You Might Enjoy These Institutions
- University of San Francisco
- San Diego State University
- Santa Clara University
- Arizona State University
- CSU – Long Beach
- UC – Davis
- UC – San Diego
Frequently Asked Questions
Sixty-seven percent of students send their SAT results to USD. When applying, 45% of applicants include their ACT scores.
Only 59 percent of applicants are accepted by USD. There is little rivalry for admission, and the college has ambiguous admission requirements. Check to see if you have the grades and scores required for admission.
Yes, accepted students may postpone enrollment at USD.
USD accepts transfer credits from approved universities that are qualified. USD takes:
CLEP specialty exams
Does USD accept credits earned through Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs?
International Baccalaureate (IB) credits are recognized by USD.
USD is a test-required currency. Even if you submit your test scores, they won’t be considered throughout the admissions process.
The acceptance rate for USD is 53%.
Early decision is not available from USD.
USD doesn’t provide any immediate action.
Conclusions
The University of San Diego receives applications from more qualified applicants than it can accept.
If you face a no thank you at the end of the admissions process, don’t blame yourself too much. Smart, motivated, and resourceful students grow and create wherever they go.
USD has been accepted for regulatory submission, but we strongly discourage it.
You must provide the admissions office with new information to appeal an admission decision. Update test results or correct incorrect certificates.
However, there is no guarantee that the decision will be reversed.
Completing at least one full year at another college and obtaining a GPA of at least 3.0 or above is eligible to apply for transfer.
The application process is much the same as the first year, but there are some notable changes, including If you have a faculty recommendation, you have the same chances as freshmen. Approximately 49% of transfer students are admitted.
You can reapply after your gap year, but this is riskier than simply going to another school and applying for your gap year there.
To determine if a gap year is right for you, visit our post. What are the benefits of a gap year?
Things to know when applying to college after a gap year.
We highly recommend checking out another great school and making the most of your time there.
Consider applying to other California schools, such as One of the California State Schools or the University of California Schools.
References
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