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 $70
- 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 Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 Applicants
- Visit our Test Free information page for more details.