University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public University · 33,600 undergraduates
Key Facts
- UC San Diego's middle 50% SAT range is 1300–1530 — 25% of admitted students scored above 1530, 25% scored below 1300
- UC San Diego is selective — overall acceptance rate is 23.6%
- UC San Diego currently requires standardized test scores for admission
- A score within or above the middle 50% range removes academic metrics as an obstacle; essays, recommendations, and context remain the deciding factors
- Students using Auriga's adaptive SAT prep improve an average of 150+ points toward their goal score
UC San Diego SAT Score Requirements — Class of 2030
Middle 50% SAT Range
1300–1530
23.6% acceptance rate
Typical Score Target
1415
Midpoint of middle 50%
Middle 50% ACT Range
29–34
ACT accepted equally
Test Policy
Test Required
2024-2025
What the SAT Range Actually Means
The middle 50% range (1300–1530) means that 25% of admitted students scored below 1300 and 25% scored above 1530. This is not a minimum cutoff — it's a distribution. Students are admitted with scores across a wide range.
A score within the middle 50% means you are academically competitive. Whether you're admitted depends on the strength of your complete application — essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and how you've used your opportunities.
A score above 1530 (the 75th percentile) removes academic metrics as an obstacle and lets your application compete on the strength of everything else. It does not guarantee admission at an institution as selective as UC San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need to get into UC San Diego?
UC San Diego's middle 50% SAT range is 1300–1530. There is no official minimum, but applicants with scores significantly below 1300 face a more difficult path at an institution with a 23.6% acceptance rate.
Is UC San Diego test optional?
As of 2024-2025, UC San Diego requires standardized test scores for admission.
What is the SAT score for the average admitted student at UC San Diego?
The midpoint of UC San Diego's middle 50% range is approximately 1415. However, roughly half of admitted students score above this, and half below — there is no single "average" that predicts admission.
Want to hit your target score for UC San Diego?
Auriga's adaptive AI SAT prep targets your weak areas and builds a personalized plan to get you to your goal score. Students improve an average of 150+ points.
Start AI SAT Prep — Free