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Home / Testbook US / University of San Diego SAT, ACT & GPA

University of San Diego: SAT, ACT & GPA Requirements for Admissions

Last Updated on Feb 25, 2025
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Located in the beautiful coastal city of San Diego, California, the University of San Diego is a private Roman Catholic research university. It boasts excellence in academics combined with global citizenship and offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs within the business, law, engineering, and liberal arts. The university is primarily distinguished by its social justice, environmental sustainability, and leadership development efforts. Its beautiful campus, with an overlook of the Pacific Ocean, attracts students from all over the world.

San Diego itself is a biotechnology hub, defense hub, tourism hub, and an international trade hub, providing tremendous opportunities for University of San Diego students to seek internships, do research, and find career opportunities in more directions than one can think about. The University of San Diego focuses both on academic rigor and holistic education, providing a conducive space for intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth.

In this article, we take a look at the minimum admission requirements to University of San Diego, keeping an eye on their SAT/ACT scores, GPA, and some other pertinent requirements while applying to the university.

SAT Requirement at University of San Diego

University of San Diego is test-optional, meaning that students have the freedom to submit either SAT or ACT scores with their application. Even though submitting test scores is not mandatory, a good SAT score will add value to your application by demonstrating your academic competencies. If you believe that your SAT best represents your potential for academic success, then it will certainly improve your chances of being admitted at University of San Diego since University of San Diego also uses a holistic approach in evaluating applicants and provides consideration to several factors.

Mid 50% SAT Score Range of Admitted Students

When students choose to submit SAT scores, the mid 50% range of admitted students' scores can provide a useful benchmark. Students with scores within or above this range are likely to be more competitive. Keep in mind that University of San Diego uses a holistic review of the admissions process, so scores reflect just one piece of an applicant's profile.

SAT Score Range for Admitted Students

Component

Score Range

Evidence-Based Reading & Writing

610 - 680

Math

590 - 680

Composite Score

1200 - 1360

Check the SAT Percentile & Score Rankings. 

SAT Score Percentile

The table below provides an idea of where your scores might land in relation to other admitted students. That may help you know how competitive your SAT score is:

Component

Mean Score

25th Percentile

75th Percentile

Evidence-Based Reading & Writing

645

610

680

Math

635

590

680

Composite Score

1280

1200

1360

How to Improve Your SAT Score?

If you'd want to raise your SAT score before enrolling in the University of San Diego, have a look at these options:

  • Organize a Study Plan: Detail out a schedule marking time to every one of the subjects (Reading & Writing, Math) with goals.
  • Understanding the Structure of SAT: Familiarization with the structure of the test has got it that one doesn't get nervous about sitting on that day .
  • Use Official Study Materials: Official SAT prep books, official online tools, and official practice tests for practicing.
  • Take Practice Tests: Take as many full-length practice tests in an actual test environment to identify weak areas and improve your timing.
  • Rote Mastery of Math Formulas: Master crucial formulas and concepts such as distance rate time, circles, points lines rays, and planar figures, and work through the application under timed conditions.

GPA Requirement

While SAT or ACT scores are not required, high school GPA is of the utmost importance to the University of San Diego. Your GPA paints the picture of your academic ability throughout time. As such, it is one of the most important pieces for the holistic process in admissions at University of San Diego. The school honors students who can demonstrate excellent academic performance in a rigorous curriculum, especially in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or honors-level courses.

GPA of Admitted Students

It means that, for class 2025, the middle 50% of admitted students' GPA was between 3.7 and 4.2. Even if a student's GPA is not so high, it does not mean that he or she will not be competitive to get into the University of San Diego. If a student has good experience in leadership, significant involvement in extracurricular activities, or an impressive personal statement, then they can be very competitive with their application.

GPA Range

Percentage of Admitted Students

4.0 and above

30%

3.75 – 3.99

40%

3.50 – 3.74

20%

Below 3.50

10%

How to Get into University of San Diego?

If University of San Diego is your dream school, do the following:

  • Application: Apply at University of San Diego.edu/admissions. There, you may apply through the University of San Diego application portal or the Common Application, depending on your interests. Do notice deadlines and try to apply early in the application cycle.
  • Official Transcripts: Have your high school send official transcripts that include information about AP, IB, or honors courses.
  • Personal Statement: Develop a great personal statement that speaks about academic success, leadership experience, and involvement in any community service activities.
  • Optional SAT/ACT Scores: If you do submit scores, it's always best to be closer to or within the middle 50% of admitted students' scores.
  • Letters of Recommendation: These are only optional, but they can also be very powerful additions to your application-especially when they speak to academic ability and personal qualities.
  • Activities: Include any sports, clubs, leadership positions, or volunteer work you have been involved in.

How to Make My Application Stand Out for the University of San Diego?

To help make your application stand out in University of San Diego's highly competitive admissions process, focus on the following:

Leadership and Community Involvement

University of San Diego values applicants who demonstrate leadership and community engagement. If you have held leadership positions in clubs, volunteered, or been a part of community projects, be sure to include these activities with your application. University of San Diego likes applicants who will be active in campus life.

Difficulty Level Coursework

Another very important factor is the rigor of courses taken in high school. This could include AP classes, IB classes, or honors classes. These courses talk about your willingness to and ability to take on the challenge of academics in college. Be sure to elaborate courses or learning experiences which had a significant impact to prepare you for challenges while at University of San Diego.

Personal Statement

This is where you can let your personality shine through at University of San Diego beyond your GPA and test scores. Here is where you will explain your passions, future goals, and why University of San Diego is the best fit for you in order to accomplish those goals. If you have overcome some obstacles or have a clear mission, let that spirit shine to the admissions officers.

University of San Diego: The Bottom Line!

University of San Diego is the perfect blend of academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement. The admissions into University of San Diego are holistic in nature, meaning that the university takes every single aspect of you into consideration-from your GPA to your personal qualities and extracurricular activities as well. Therefore, a strong application goes hand in hand with high SAT scores if applicable, challenging coursework, and a great statement of purpose or personal statement. In the process of admissions, University of San Diego focuses on transforming students into responsible leaders for a better world.

University of San Diego FAQs

No, the university is test-optional; therefore, you are not obligated to upload SAT or ACT scores. If your scores are strong, however, they may add strength to your application.

The middle 50% of admitted students at University of San Diego scored in the 1200 to 1360 SAT range with an average composite score of 1280.

Yes. One may be admitted to University of San Diego with an SAT score that is below average, for the University of San Diego operates a holistic admissions process. That means while other factors like GPA, extracurricular activities, and your personal statement can be used to perhaps compensate for a below-average SAT score.

The middle 50% of admitted students have GPAs between 3.7 and 4.2, but a somewhat lower GPA can be countered by more significant extracurricular involvement or a wonderful personal statement.

Generally, letters of recommendation are not required in University of San Diego but, if they are submitted, can be very supportive to your application; especially those that point out one's both academic and personal strengths.
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