- UC Quick Reference Guide (PDF) (pg. 56 – Reporting Student Data):
This section outlines the use of self-reported information followed by the receipt of final documents (high school transcript) after a student accepts an offer of admission, as well as the penalties for not providing accurate information. - The UC Transcript Information Website
- UC Academic Senate Regulation 420
Article 2. Submission of Academic Records 420.
Each applicant for freshman admission must arrange for the University to receive, prior to the date established by the Office of Admissions, the final official high school transcript as well as a transcript for all collegiate courses that have been attempted.
The final official transcript from the high school from which the applicant graduated must show the date of graduation and the grade and the year taken for each course used to satisfy the requirements specified in Regulation 424. (Am 19 May 69, CC 2 May 77; Am 26 May 82) (Am 17 June 2009).
I'm an arts major. How do I submit my portfolio?The Division of Arts & Humanities at UC San Diego is committed to a diverse incoming class and is actively seeking applicants who wish to major in History, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Theatre & Dance and Visual Arts. Submitting a portfolio is a way to enhance your overall UC San Diego application.
Arts
- Any incoming first-year or transfer applicant interested in pursuing a major in one of the Arts departments (Music, Theatre & Dance, Visual Arts) may submit an optional portfolio/audition tape.
Undeclared Arts Majors
- Undeclared Arts majors are welcome to submit a portfolio in your area of primary interest.
You may begin reviewing the submission requirements and loading your materials on October 1. However, you must complete your basic application to UC San Diego before you will be able to complete this supplemental submission, as you will need your application ID number from the UC Application. The department faculty will review the art portfolio/audition tape and share their evaluations with UC San Diego's Admissions Committee. Click here to submit a portfolio (after you have applied to UC San Diego).
How can I be sure I qualify as a California resident?Living at a California address does not mean you automatically have resident status in terms of tuition. The financial independence requirement makes it extremely difficult for most undergraduate students whose parents are not California residents to qualify for classification as a resident at the University of California. This includes students from community colleges and other post-secondary institutions within California. Transfer students who were classified as residents of California at their previous school should not assume that they will be classified as residents at UC San Diego. See the Registrar's Office webpages .
How should I select a College?Applicants to UC San Diego rank the colleges on the UC Application. We recommend reviewing the Colleges when completing your ranking. Students who are offered admission to UC San Diego are assigned a college based on this ranking. College assignment is not based on major choice or academic interest. Students may study any major regardless of college affiliation.
Will I get assigned to the first College on my rankings list?We do our best to assign you to a College that matches your rankings on the UC Application but we cannot guarantee you will be assigned to your highest-ranked College. Not to worry, though. Every College at UC San Diego features an exceptional academic program, friendly advisors, unforgettable traditions and state-of-the-art living facilities.
Do specific majors require a specific College selection?No, students may study any major regardless of college affiliation.
Will my College rankings impact my admission?Not at all. We assign students to Colleges after we determine that they will be admitted to UC San Diego.
Does UC San Diego offer deferment?UC San Diego admits only for the Fall term to which the student applied. Students who would like to enroll at a later date must reapply when they are ready to attend. Rare exceptions may be made for admitted students who have received military orders to report for active duty or if you require acute medical care for up to a maximum of one year only. Requests for deferment must be made by submitting the Request for Deferment Form. Only students who accept the offer of admission may be considered for a deferment. To be eligible to request a deferment, all transcripts and test scores must have been submitted by the deadline and validated.
Transfers
What is the plan for instruction for fall 2022?We are planning for fall 2022 teaching to be primarily in-person with normal classroom occupancy in accordance with public health guidelines. For more information, visit Return to Learn.
What if I am a transfer student?We have a dedicated page for prospective transfer students. Transfer students enrich the Triton community with a diversity of interests and experiences and thrive at UC San Diego!
Does my major have prerequisites? When do I have to complete them?Not all majors require completion of lower-division coursework for admission. Applicants for the departments listed on our Transfer Major Preparation site will be screened for completion of major preparation coursework and the grades earned.
What is the 7 course pattern?As part of the requirements for transfer admission, applicants must complete a pattern of courses known as the 7-course pattern.
What is ASSIST?ASSIST (Articulation System Stimulating Interinstitutional Student Transfer) is the official repository of articulation for California's public colleges and universities providing the most accurate and up-to-date information available about student transfer in California. ASSIST is a student-transfer information system that displays reports of how course credits earned at one California Community College can be applied when transferred to a California State University or University of California campus.
ASSIST is available at assist.org.
I am currently attending another 4 year university. How can I find out if my coursework will transfer?
UC San Diego does not have articulation agreements outside of the California Community College system. This means there is no official way to determine which courses will transfer to UC San Diego; however, the general rule of thumb, unofficially, is that if the course(s) was completed at a regionally accredited college or university, and, an equivalent course(s) is offered at the University of California, then the course might transfer to UC San Diego. The only official way to determine UC transferability is to apply for admission.
Please review the UC San Diego Catalog to determine program requirements by major.
How and when do I send my official transcripts?Undergraduate Applicants should not send transcripts prior to an offer of admission as they are not reviewed during the application review process. Applicants will be contacted directly if additional information is required.
Transfer Admitted Students that accept the offer of admission are required to submit official transcripts from every college/university they attended by July 1. For those who graduated from high school in the United States and completed a U.S. History course, you can submit a high school transcript to clear the American History & Institutions requirement.
You may send your official transcripts to the University of California San Diego either by mail or electronically through one of our preferred electronic transcript providers.
- SEND TRANSCRIPTS BY MAIL: You must order an official transcript from your academic institution which must be sent to us directly in a sealed envelope addressed as follows: University of California, San Diego – Office of Admissions
Attn: Transcripts
9500 Gilman Drive, # 0021
La Jolla, CA 92093-0021 - SEND TRANSCRIPTS ELECTRONICALLY through Parchment, a safe and secure method of requesting your official transcript(s). If your school is registered with Parchment to send electronic transcripts, please order transcripts through your school's website or create an account with Parchment directly. We also accept transcripts electronically through eTranscriptCA, Credential Solutions, Digitary, eScripSafe, Scribbles, SCOIR, and National Student Clearinghouse if your academic institution is registered with these e-transcript vendors. Please check whether your school utilizes these e-transcript vendors to send transcripts and order through your school's transcript ordering process. Make sure you select University of California San Diego in La Jolla, CA as the receiving school if you choose one of these e-transcript vendors. Some vendors may list our school as UC San Diego.
UC San Diego conducts a verification process for the students who accept the offer of admission to validate the applicants self-reported academic record. UC San Diego policy and procedure if UC San Diego or the Secretary has reason to believe that the high school diploma is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education:
Public Information on Procedures
- UC Quick Reference Guide (PDF) (pg. 56 – Reporting Student Data):
This section outlines the use of self-reported information followed by the receipt of final documents (high school transcript) after a student accepts an offer of admission, as well as the penalties for not providing accurate information. - The UC Transcript Information Website
- UC Academic Senate Regulation 420
Article 2. Submission of Academic Records 420.
Each applicant for freshman admission must arrange for the University to receive, prior to the date established by the Office of Admissions, the final official high school transcript as well as a transcript for all collegiate courses that have been attempted.
The final official transcript from the high school from which the applicant graduated must show the date of graduation and the grade and the year taken for each course used to satisfy the requirements specified in Regulation 424. (Am 19 May 69, CC 2 May 77; Am 26 May 82) (Am 17 June 2009).
Is IGETC completion required of all transfer students from California Community Colleges?Completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is not required for admission; however, completion will satisfy the lower-division/GE requirements for the following undergraduate colleges: John Muir, Earl Warren, Eleanor Roosevelt, Thurgood Marshall, Sixth and Seventh Colleges. Eighth College will begin accepting transfer students in 2025.
For Revelle College, IGETC does not clear all lower-division GE requirements. Students with IGETC are required to complete 3 courses in mathematics and 5 courses in natural science before transfer or while enrolled at UC San Diego.
Please refer to individual college websites for more information:
If you plan to follow the IGETC, consider:
- partial IGETC is also possible.
- following IGETC can make your path to graduation easier – once you transfer, you can concentrate on your major field of study.
UC San Diego admits only for the Fall term to which the student applied. Students who would like to enroll at a later date must reapply when they are ready to attend. Rare exceptions may be made for admitted students who have received military orders to report for active duty or if you require acute medical care for up to a maximum of one year only. Requests for deferment must be made by submitting the Request for Deferment Form. Only students who accept the offer of admission may be considered for a deferment. To be eligible to request a deferment, all transcripts and test scores must have been submitted by the deadline and validated.
Military Connected
I'm a veteran and I am thinking of applying to UC San Diego. Where should I begin?We have many resources and services dedicated to helping you transition from the military to college life. We have a Military-Connected page dedicated to helping you get started with your application to UC San Diego as an Undergraduate student.
Where can I find more information about on- and off-campus resources for Veterans?Use the links on our Military-Connected page to connect directly to a wide range of helpful resources.
I'm wondering if there are any specific benefits available to Veterans?Yes. We offer many benefits specifically for veterans, including financial aid for you and your dependents, priority class registration (after the first quarter), a welcome week orientation, active student veterans organizations and a student veterans resource center. Learn more about the complete scope of veterans benefits available at UC San Diego.
Does UC San Diego have an ROTC campus office?No, UC San Diego does not have an ROTC campus office. ROTC programs at San Diego State University and the University of San Diego handle UC San Diego's ROTC process. Learn more about using ROTC funds at UC San Diego.
International Students
How do my international courses match up?Visit the International Students webpage for additional information about the qualifications for International students.
Exams
Does UC San Diego require the SAT or ACT for first-year applicants?- UC San Diego will not consider SAT or ACT test scores as a factor in admissions decisions.
- Demonstration of English proficiency is still required for international students, please visit our webpage to learn more.
AP grade reports for tests taken in May are sent to the colleges or universities you designated at the time you took your exams when scores are released by CollegeBoard. You may also designate UC San Diego (school code 004836) as your Free Score Send Recipient.
Some grade reports take longer to reach us for four main reasons:
- inconsistent student identification information;
- late return of exam materials to the AP program; or
- some students test late using an alternative form of the exam; or
- you may have selected the wrong school and will need to submit another order. Be sure to verify UC San Diego (school code 004836) is the designated recipient of AP scores as there are several universities in San Diego.
If you requested your exams in May and they qualify for academic credit, the scores and credit will display on MyTritonLink on the Academic History page in time for new student enrollment.
What do I do if I've confirmed with College Board that all my scores were sent, but I still can't find them?
Official Advanced Placement scores will display on the Academic History section of MyTritonLink for students who have accepted the offer of admission when College Board sends AP scores to UC San Diego electronically. If your test scores are not showing by the time enrollment appointment times are published, please email us at receiptoftestscore@ad.ucsd.edu with the following information:
- date/s you requested your scores from College Board
- names used each time you took the exam (even if it only varies by the inclusion or exclusion of a middle initial)
- the year in which you took the exams
- the method of delivery you chose—one week or rush delivery.
If you need AP Calculus scores to fulfill a prerequisite and they are arriving late, you may email a copy of your results from College Board to the Math Placement Office at mathtesting@ucsd.edu and notify them that your AP scores may be delivered after July 15.
If you requested your tests after the month of May, we might not receive your test scores by your scheduled enrollment time. We will continue to process incoming test scores as they arrive; however, we cannot guarantee these scores will be posted in time for your enrollment. Tests are processed in the order they are received. Please allow a minimum of two weeks after you receive your confirmation from College Board that your scores have been sent. This will allow processing time for credit to be posted in the Academic History section of MyTritonLink.
I provided inconsistent information on my tests. What should I do?If the name you used varied in each testing sitting, College Board will not be able to match your name and will not be able to send us one grade report for the cumulative tests taken. If this is the case, you will need to request from College Board that a grade report, including AP grades from all prior years, be sent to UC San Diego.
What is the College Board code for UC San Diego?The number to use for College Board is 004836.
Why is it important that I send in my AP English Language and/or AP English Composition Scores?A score of 3 or higher fulfills the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement.
Why is it important that I send in my AP Calculus scores?AP Calculus scores are used to verify prerequisites for math courses. Scores of 3 or higher on the AP calculus AB exam earn 4 units of math credit (8 units for BC scores of 3 or higher). Scores of 2 may be used to place into introductory calculus courses (see UC San Diego General Catalog - Advanced Placement Credit).
If you have any questions regarding your math placement, please visit the Math Testing and Placement website or contact the Math Testing and Placement office at mathtesting@ucsd.edu.
I've taken AP Calculus tests but have not sent my scores yet. What should I do?If you have received:
- an AP calculus AB score of 2 or higher; or
- a BC score of 3 or higher; or
- if you received a BC score of 1 or 2 WITH an AB subgrade of 2 or higher,
then you should request from the College Board that your AP Calculus scores be sent to UC San Diego immediately.
(NOTE: AP Calculus AB scores of 1 or BC scores of 1 or 2 WITH an AB subgrade of 1 will not satisfy any prerequisites for math courses.)
Where can I look to be sure my AP Calculus scores have been sent here?Check your AP Student Grade Report. If the College Code 4836 is listed, then your scores have been sent to the UC San Diego Admissions Office.
Since your AP calculus scores may not be received and posted before the online enrollment period, you should also send a copy of your AP Student Grade Reports showing your AP Calculus score to the Math Testing and Placement Office (fax 858-534-1011 or email mathtesting@ucsd.edu) as early as possible.
Include your PID, your desired math placement, and your contact information on the fax or email. Once the Math Testing and Placement Office has received your AP Student Grade Report, they will pre-authorize you to enroll in your desired math course subject to the prerequisite you met and the timely receipt of your fax or email.
How do I request IB transcripts?To request International Baccalaureate (IB) transcripts, go to the IB website.
In order to complete the request form, you may need some of the following information:
University of California, San Diego
Office of Admissions
ATTN: TRANSCRIPTS
9500 Gilman Dr. # 0021
La Jolla, CA 92093-0021
United StatesApplicant Portal
What is the Applicant Portal?New applicants will be invited to log into the Applicant Portal where they can complete Checklist tasks and learn of their application decision in the spring. All applicants will receive an email notification in November with login instructions to create their account at that time.
How can I make changes to my UC Application after submission?You can log into your UC Application to review and, if necessary, change your telephone number, email, mailing address, TOEFL or International Exam Scores. You can also apply to additional campuses if they are still accepting applications. Minor changes to your activities, awards, volunteer work or employment are unlikely to have an impact on your admission decision and cannot be updated.
How can I submit academic updates to my UC Application after submission?After the Applicant Portal opens in October, applicants can update their choice of major and college ranking until January 31. Transfer students must log into the UC Application to submit the Transfer Academic Update by the priority deadline of January 31.
Who do I contact if I'm having trouble logging into the Applicant Portal?Look for an email invitation from UC San Diego containing Applicant Portal Login Instructions sent in mid-December to the email address you provided on your UC Application. You might need to look in your SPAM folder. The email will provide the Portal Link, Username and Pin to create your account. If you do not receive the email, please contact slatehelp@ucsd.edu and ask that they resend the email to you.
- UC Quick Reference Guide (PDF) (pg. 56 – Reporting Student Data):