New application deadlines are now in effect starting for the Fall 2026 entering class:
Early Action & Early Decision Application Deadlines: November 1, 2025
Regular Decision Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
What We Look For In An Applicant
We seek innovative Changemakers. The thinkers, dreamers and explorers. Those who carry their passions near the surface, eager to bring positive change to the world around them.
We recognize achievement. Academic, extracurricular and personal. The accomplishments of our applicants demonstrate how they will continue to invest their time and energy on campus — both inside and outside of the classroom.
We value individuality. Understanding the stories of our applicants — their backgrounds, talents and perspectives — helps us understand the ways they will build upon the Torero community.
We are holistic. We commit to reviewing each applicant thoroughly, valuing their unique accomplishments and attributes that make them who they are in their entirety.
Application Review
When reviewing your application, we will consider the following in detail:
Grades and Academic Achievements
We are looking for dedicated students who will thrive in USD's academic environment. As a first-year applicant, we expect that your academic history will showcase a well-balanced secondary school program of college preparatory courses. To be considered a competitive applicant, we recommend that you work toward completing at least four or five academic subjects each year throughout high school while attempting accelerated coursework. When evaluating your transcript, we will calculate a weighted GPA that awards credit for any honors, AP or IB classes that you've completed.
When planning your high school studies, please refer to the following recommended plan:
| Subject | Years |
|---|---|
| English | 4 years |
| Mathematics | 3 or 4 years |
| Science (2 years with lab) | 3 or 4 years |
| World Language | 3 or 4 years |
| Social Studies | 2 or more years |
Changemaker Qualities
During our review, we are looking for Changemakers - those who are making a positive impact on the world around them. As we review your application, we will consider any leadership positions, social justice efforts, community engagement and service, special talents and/or faith commitments you have showcased during your high school career. A separate résumé of activities may be submitted, but is neither expected nor required.
Academic Letter of Recommendation
We require only one academic recommendation, which must come from your high school counselor or a teacher who taught you in an academic class. Additional recommendations may be submitted but are not required.
Essay
The essay is an opportunity for you to share your story and personalize your application. We want to hear your voice come through, sharing how your unique experiences have shaped your life, and we're excited to hear what you have to say! Before you begin, please take a moment to read through our AI use policies to ensure your work aligns with our expectations around academic integrity and originality.
See Common Application for topics and details.
- First-Year Applicants
- Transfer Applicants
- International First-Year Applicants
- International Transfer Applicants
- Undocumented Applicants
You are a first-year applicant if you: are a student who is currently enrolled in high school and will graduate at the end of the current academic year, OR has graduated from high school and has not yet completed college courses. Even if you enrolled in summer session classes immediately following high school graduation, you are still considered a first-year applicant.
- Completed Common Application
- Official high school transcript
- If sending via mail, please send to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
- If sending via mail, please send to:
- Essay and USD Member Questions. Read through our AI use policies here.
- Academic Letter of Recommendation
- Application fee of $75
- Fee waivers are available in cases of financial hardship. Requests must come from a school official and be printed on school letterhead or by submitting the College Board fee waiver form.
- Note: Test-Free Admission for Fall 2027 Through Fall 2028 Applicants
- Visit our Test Free information page for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The deadline for prospective USD students applying for the Fall 2026 semester, the Early Action and Early Decision deadline is November 1. The Regular Decision deadline is January 15.
The application process at the University of San Diego varies depending on whether you are a first-year applicant, transfer student, international student or undocumented student. Each pathway has its own requirements and deadlines, so it’s important to review the guidelines for your specific applicant type and submit all required materials through the appropriate application platform.
The University of San Diego looks for applicants with strong academic preparation, engagement in school and community and a desire to make an impact beyond the classroom. The admissions team considers more than just grades, taking a holistic approach to understand each student’s extracurricular involvement, experiences and personal qualities to see how they might thrive at USD.
USD requires one academic letter of recommendation from your high school counselor or a teacher who taught you in an academic subject. While you are welcome to submit additional letters of recommendations, they’re completely optional.
Your essay is your chance to share your story and make your application more personal. Focus on how your unique experiences have shaped who you are and what matters to you. USD is looking to understand your perspective, so choose a topic that feels authentic and meaningful.
Every dual enrollment, College in the High School, or Running Start class is individually evaluated to determine how it aligns with USD’s curriculum. While we are unable to officially confirm credit transfers prior to admission, you can explore our Transfer Articulation Database to see college courses that have historically transferred to our campus.
By default, any course that USD has not previously evaluated will transfer as elective credit. Upon being admitted and confirming your enrollment, you can work with your academic advisor to appeal for these credits to satisfy either core curriculum or major-related courses. This review process requires submitting the official course syllabus to the appropriate Department Chair to verify course equivalence. Because of this, we highly recommend that you save a digital copy of the syllabus for every college class you take.
If you are transferring coursework from a California institution, please utilize Assist.org to review USD’s articulation agreements.