A Record 116,452 Freshman and Transfer Students Apply to UC San Diego for Fall 2018

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Student volunteers greeting newly admitted students at UC San Diego Triton Days. Photos by Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego Publications.

The University of California San Diego has once again received a record number of applications, with 97,670 freshmen and 18,782 transfers applying for fall 2018 admission. Applications to the campus have been steadily climbing for more than a decade, as its reputation has grown as one of the world’s top research universities. UC San Diego saw a 10 percent increase among freshmen and 6 percent rise among transfers, compared to last year. UC San Diego has the second highest number of applicants among the University of California campuses.

UC San Diego continues to attract a diverse class. Approximately 35 percent of California freshman applicants and 28 percent of California Community College transfer applicants are from historically underrepresented populations. At the California freshman level, Native American applicants increased by 11 percent, Latino and Mexican-American applicants increased by 10 percent, and African American applicants increased by 8 percent, compared to fall 2017. From the California Community Colleges, Native American applicants increased by 18 percent, Latino and Mexican-American applicants increased by 16 percent and African American applicants by 5 percent.

“We are pleased to receive a record number of applications from so many diverse and talented young scholars,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “As a university constantly pushing the frontiers of knowledge to benefit society, UC San Diego continues to attract the best and the brightest students who make up our vibrant campus community.”

UC San Diego continues to see rises in applications from California residents, 11 percent at the freshman level, and 7 percent for transfers.

“The growth in California applicants can be attributed to our aggressive recruitment efforts at diverse schools and community colleges across the state,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Juan González. “We want students to know UC San Diego is accessible and affordable and we welcome bright, motivated students from all backgrounds.”

Welcome Week 2017.

UC San Diego received more applications from women than men, with 51 percent female.

The most popular majors chosen by applicants are in social sciences, engineering and biology. 

UC San Diego's groundbreaking research—which positively impacts lives locally, nationally and globally—contributes to the campus's popularity among applicants. For example, scientists are helping fight wildfires in North County San Diego with their online tool, WIFIRE, which provides valuable information for both the public and first responders. Also, UC San Diego students and researchers have produced the world’s first algae-based, renewable flip-flops, with a projected cost of $3 a pair. The impact of this campus innovation could be revolutionary, changing the world for the better environmentally.

UC San Diego is currently reviewing applications for admission and will release application decisions by spring 2018. At that time, the campus will host visits and events for all students who are offered admission. During UC San Diego Triton Days admitted students are encouraged to visit the campus and learn more about the benefits of enrolling in one of the top 10 universities in the U.S. 

To learn more about UC San Diego’s admissions, click here.