Do You Have the Makings of a Torero?
Learn more about what we look for in an applicant and how our admission counselors will review your application.
Application Process
To apply to USD, you must complete the Common Application and accompanying USD Member Questions. Visit www.commonapp.org to create a free user account and get started.
Application Deadlines
First-Year Students
Fall 2027
Early Action & Early Decision I: November 1, 2026
Early Decision II: January 5, 2027
Regular Decision: January 15, 2027
Spring 2027
Regular Decision: October 1, 2026
Transfer Students
Fall 2027
Regular Decision: March 1, 2027
Spring 2027
Regular Decision: November 1, 2026
Not sure which application deadline is right for you, or have questions about the admission process? Visit our FAQ page for more information.
Test-Free Admission - Fall 2027 Through Fall 2028 Applicants
In October 2020, the University of San Diego committed to a test-free admission process for all 2021 applicants and has since extended this policy through Fall 2028. To learn more about this decision and how it affects you as an applicant, visit our Test Free Information Page.
Fall 2026
Admissions Stats
22,600
Applications Received
38%
Acceptance Rate
3.8 - 4.2
Middle 50% Admitted GPA (Weighted)
Frequently Asked Questions:
The difference between Early Action and Early Decision is important to understand when coming up with your college application strategy. Early Action is non-binding, allowing you to apply to multiple schools and make an enrollment decision later based on acceptance, the amount of financial aid you secured and any other personal factors. Early Decision, however, is binding. If you are admitted, you agree to enroll. The deadline for both types of application is Nov. 1 at USD.
Applying for Early Decision does not increase your chances of admission at USD. All applications are reviewed using the same criteria, regardless of when you apply. Early Decision is best for students who are confident that USD is their first-choice school and are ready to commit if admitted. If you’re still exploring your options, applying Early Action or Regular Decision won’t put you at a disadvantage.
If you are denied admission as an Early Decision applicant, your application will not be deferred to the Regular Decision pool. You are, however, welcome to consider reapplying as a transfer student after completing college-level classes at another institution.
USD is a moderately selective university. For the Fall 2026 class, we received about 22,600 applications and admitted 38% of students who applied. Students who are admitted typically have strong academic records, with a middle 50% weighted GPA range of 3.9-4.3.
USD is a test-free institution, which means we do not review standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, as part of our admission process. This reflects our commitment to a holistic review process and to making college admissions more accessible and equitable.
Instead of standardized test scores, we take a full-picture approach to each applicant. We look at academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, commitment to social justice, appreciation of diverse perspectives and global awareness. We believe students have many ways to show who they are and how they’ll contribute as future Changemakers at USD.
Our holistic admission process means we review each application as a whole — not just grades or test scores. We look at academic performance, coursework, extracurricular involvement, leadership, community engagement and personal qualities to understand how each student may contribute to and thrive at USD.