SAT
SAT Prep
Good SAT Score
1600 SAT Score 1590 SAT Score 1580 SAT Score 1570 SAT Score 1560 SAT Score 1550 SAT Score 1540 SAT Score 1530 SAT Score 1520 SAT Score 1510 SAT Score 1500 SAT Score 1490 SAT Score 1480 SAT Score 1470 SAT Score 1460 SAT Score 1450 SAT Score 1440 SAT Score 1430 SAT Score 1420 SAT Score 1410 SAT Score 1400 SAT Score 1390 SAT Score 1380 SAT Score 1370 SAT Score 1360 SAT Score 1350 SAT Score 1340 SAT Score 1330 SAT Score 1320 SAT Score 1310 SAT Score 1300 SAT Score 1290 SAT Score 1280 SAT Score 1270 SAT Score 1260 SAT Score 1250 SAT Score 1240 SAT Score 1230 SAT Score 1220 SAT Score 1210 SAT Score 1200 SAT Score 1190 SAT Score 1180 SAT Score 1170 SAT Score 1110 SAT Score 1100 SAT Score 1090 SAT Score 1080 SAT Score 1070 SAT Score 1060 SAT Score 1050 SAT Score 1040 SAT Score 1030 SAT Score 1020 SAT Score 1010 SAT Score 1000 SAT Score 990 SAT Score 980 SAT Score 970 SAT Score 960 SAT Score 950 SAT Score 940 SAT Score 930 SAT Score 920 SAT Score 910 SAT Score 900 SAT Score 890 SAT Score 880 SAT Score 850 SAT Score 840 SAT Score 830 SAT Score 820 SAT Score 810 SAT Score
Acceptance Rate
Math Prep
English Prep
ACT
ACT Scores Guide
SAT Tips
ACT Tips
College Guide

San Diego State University Acceptance Rate, SAT Scores, GPA & ACT Scores!

Last Updated on Mar 08, 2025
IMPORTANT LINKS

SDSU, situated in the cosmopolitan city of San Diego, California, is one of the most esteemed public research universities in the United States. SDSU, being a liberal arts institution with an extensive range of programs, actually has a 'welcome' campus community that is open to receiving students from every corner of the nation. The university’s SAT scores for entering students are usually between 1130 at the 25th percentile and 1340 at the 75th percentile, indicating the competitive admissions process. Admission to San Diego State University is competitive. Therefore, ensuring that one meets the requirements set by the San Diego State University SAT Exam Scores and ACT Exam scores along with GPA expectations is integral to a successful application.

Check Out the upcoming SAT Test Dates for your SAT Examination!

Did You Know Facts About San Diego State University? 

  • California's Third-Oldest University – SDSU, founded in 1897, is California's third-oldest university, first started as the San Diego Normal School to provide teacher training.
  • High Research Activity – SDSU is an R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity, which designates it as one of the highest-researching universities in the U.S.
  • Diverse Student Body – With more than 36,000 students, SDSU boasts a diverse and inclusive environment, with students from all 50 states and over 100 nations.
  • Home of the Aztecs – The university teams, the Aztecs, compete in the Mountain West Conference of NCAA Division I, while the football team plays at Snapdragon Stadium, one of the nation's newest, most advanced facilities.
  • Famous Alumni – SDSU has a number of famous alumni, such as actor Kawhi Leonard (NBA player), Gregory Peck (Academy Award-winning actor), and Ellen Ochoa (first Hispanic woman to travel in space).

Check Admission Requirements of Top US Universities Accepting SAT & ACT! 

Elements

Details

College Name

San Diego State University (SDSU)

College Location

San Diego, California

College Short Form

SDSU

Acceptance Rate

34%

Graduation Rate

78%

FAFSA Deadline

April 2

Early Decision

Not Offered

Regular Application Due

December 2

SAT Score

1130-1340

ACT Score

23-29

Also, Get to Know What is a Good SAT Score for Ivy League Schools! q

San Diego State University Admissions Requirements

San Diego State University has competitive admissions, emphasizing academic performance. The average admitted GPA is 3.86. It does not consider SAT or ACT scores for first-year admissions anymore, but can utilize them for course placement if admitted. For international students, evidence of English proficiency is needed, and SDSU accepts TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, and PTE Academic scores. SDSU’s holistic review considers academics, leadership, and personal qualities. Applicants must submit an online application, official transcripts, and a personal statement, with letters of recommendation optional.

Requirement

Details

SAT Scores

1130-1340

ACT Scores

23-29

Average GPA

3.86

Personal Statement

Required

Letters of Recommendation

Optional, but encouraged

Extracurricular Activities

Strongly considered

Application Fee

$70 (subject to change)

Also, Get Familiar with the New Digital SAT Format

Attempt the SAT Practice Test to Improve your SAT Scores! 

Ace your SAT Preparation with 50+ Full Digital SAT-Like Tests, 3000+ Practice Questions, Topic-Level Notes, Desmos Calculator Integration, Personalized Dashboard and Custom Study-Planners.

Ace the Upcoming SAT with SAT Math Prep Tips!

San Diego State University SAT Scores Requirements

San Diego State University has competitive SAT requirements, with the middle 50% of admitted students typically scoring between 1130 and 1340. While standardized test scores are currently optional for admission, a good SAT score can enhance an applicant's profile and demonstrate readiness for college-level coursework. SDSU emphasizes a holistic review process, meaning that a combination of academic performance, test scores (if submitted), and extracurricular involvement will be considered in the admissions decision.

Also, Get to Know What is a Good SAT Score for Ivy League Schools

San Diego State University SAT Scores Distribution 

The SAT is a standardized test that aims at examining students' skills in core subjects, such as Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematics. In admissions at SDSU, there is a great concern over San Diego State University SAT scores in determining academic preparedness and potential. The applicants who are going to score in the SAT at or above the 75th percentile are likely going to be a strong applicant. Those students who fall below the 25th percentile may have to strengthen other aspects of their application to enhance possibilities of getting in.

SAT Section

25th Percentile 

75th Percentile 

ERW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing)

560

670

Math

560

670

Composite 

1130

1340

Also, Get to Know How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?

Average SAT Scores for Admitted Students

Average SAT scores for admitted students often give applicants some idea of what scores are competitive. A composite SAT score around 1130-1340 is generally competitive when obtaining admission at SDSU. 

Also, Get Familiar with the New Digital SAT Format

Colleges That Accept SAT Scores

San Diego State University consists of various colleges and accepts San Diego State University SAT scores for the admission process. The list of colleges in SDSU is given below:

  • College of Arts and Letters
  • College of Business Administration
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Health and Human Services
  • College of Sciences

Get a List of All Colleges That Superscore the SAT

San Diego State University ACT Scores Requirements 

San Diego State University has a test-optional admissions policy, but applicants are not obligated to report ACT scores. Strong ACT scores can enhance an application, however, particularly for highly competitive programs. SDSU does not necessarily have a minimum ACT requirement, but applicants who score higher on the ACT stand a better opportunity for San Diego State University admissions.

San Diego State University ACT Scores Distribution 

Prospective students with scores above the 75th percentile have a higher likelihood of getting accepted, but those below the 25th percentile might find it necessary to emphasize other criteria in their application, including GPA, academic courses taken, and extracurricular activities. The middle 50% of SDSU admitted students generally have ACT composite scores in the following range:

  • 25th Percentile: 23
  • 75th Percentile: 29

Find out the Upcoming ACT Test Dates and Deadlines! 

San Diego State University GPA Requirements

San Diego State University (SDSU) has a competitive GPA requirement, with the average GPA of admitted students typically being around 3.86 on a 4.0 scale. SDSU considers a student's overall academic performance, including the rigor of courses taken, such as AP, IB, or honors classes.

Checkout ACT to SAT Conversion Tool By Testbook!

Average GPA of Admitted Students

The middle 50% of admitted students' average GPA range is between 3.86 and 4.0. A candidate will also have a good academic record, and a GPA above 3.8 will be competitive. San Diego State University considers GPA an important aspect of its admissions process. SDSU looks into weighted and unweighted GPAs, but awards more weight to rigorous coursework undertaken with honors, AP, or dual enrollment.

Admission Criteria

Middle 50% GPA Range

GPA

3.86 - 4.0

Also, Get to Know SAT Reading Strategy for your Upcoming Exam!

San Diego State University Acceptance Rate

San Diego State University is a selective school with an acceptance rate of about 34%. This is such that of every 100 who apply, around 34 are accepted. Being in high demand, SDSU lays heavy weight on academic record, strength of coursework, and extracurricular activities.

Particulars

Details

Total Applicants 

83,190

Admitted Students

28,433

Acceptance Rate

34%

Also, Get to Know What Colleges Take Superscore ACT?

San Diego State University Scholarships

SDSU offers a variety of scholarships to help students finance their education. Some notable scholarships include:

  • Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements.
  • Need-Based Scholarships: Available for students demonstrating financial need.
  • President’s Scholarship: Highly competitive, awarded to top-performing students.
  • SDSU Aztec Scholarships: A platform where students can apply for multiple university-based scholarships with a single application.
  • External Scholarships: SDSU provides resources to help students find private and external funding opportunities.

To be considered for San Diego State University, students need to have been meeting the SAT requirements and ACT scores in addition to a competitive GPA. SDSU seeks students who are well beyond sufficiently prepared academically and enthusiastic about learning, demonstrate leadership, and are community active. Having an idea of the SDSU SAT requirements and what is expected of GPA can assist applicants in doing their part to make their applications better and be more likely to be accepted into the university.

Acceptance Rate of Top U.S. Universities

Top US Universities

UCLA Acceptance Rate

Harvard Acceptance Rate

NYU Acceptance Rate

Penn State Acceptance Rate

SDSU Acceptance Rate

USC Acceptance Rate

Purdue Acceptance Rate

Notre Dame Acceptance Rate

Rutgers Acceptance Rate

Umich Acceptance Rate

UCF Acceptance Rate

University Of Southern California Acceptance Rate

Colleges That Uses SAT Scores

Category

Colleges/Universities

Ivy League Schools

Harvard University

Yale University

Princeton University

Columbia University

University of Pennsylvania

Dartmouth College

Brown University

Cornell University

Public Research Universities

University of California System (some campuses)

University of Michigan

University of Virginia

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Florida

National Universities

University of Chicago

Northwestern University

Johns Hopkins University

University of Southern California

Liberal Arts Colleges

Williams College

Amherst College

Swarthmore College

Middlebury College

Check Colleges Accepting Low ACT Score

College Name

ACT Score

SAT Score

Texas Southern University

15–19*

820–980*

Tennessee State University

16–21*

890–1080*

Clark Atlanta University

17–20*

860–1053*

Keiser University

15–21*

Not available*

Barry University

16–20*

860–1062*

Colleges That Accept 1200 Score In SAT

University

ACT Score

SAT Score

Wayne State University Admissions

21–27*

940–1200*

Kean University Admissions

16–25*

910–1150*

Eastern Michigan University Admissions

18–26*

910–1150*

Lamar University Admissions

18–24*

910–1120*

Radford University Admissions

19–26*

950–1150*

Grand Valley State University Admissions

21–28*

950–1180*

Central Connecticut State University Admissions

16–27*

925–1140*

University Of Memphis Admissions

17–24*

930–1175*

Sam Houston State University Admissions

19–25*

950–1130*

Oakland University Admissions

20–27*

900–1150*

University Of North Florida Admissions

20–26*

1010–1200*

San Diego State University (SDSU) has a competitive GPA requirement, with the average GPA of admitted students typically being around 3.86 on a 4.0 scale. SDSU considers a student's overall academic performance, including the rigor of courses taken, such as AP, IB, or honors classes.

Checkout ACT to SAT Conversion Tool By Testbook!

Average GPA of Admitted Students

The middle 50% of admitted students' average GPA range is between 3.86 and 4.0. A candidate will also have a good academic record, and a GPA above 3.8 will be competitive. San Diego State University considers GPA an important aspect of its admissions process. SDSU looks into weighted and unweighted GPAs, but awards more weight to rigorous coursework undertaken with honors, AP, or dual enrollment.

Admission Criteria

Middle 50% GPA Range

GPA

3.86 - 4.0

Also, Get to Know SAT Reading Strategy for your Upcoming Exam!

San Diego State University Acceptance Rate

San Diego State University is a selective school with an acceptance rate of about 34%. This is such that of every 100 who apply, around 34 are accepted. Being in high demand, SDSU lays heavy weight on academic record, strength of coursework, and extracurricular activities.

Particulars

Details

Total Applicants 

83,190

Admitted Students

28,433

Acceptance Rate

34%

Also, Get to Know What Colleges Take Superscore ACT?

San Diego State University Scholarships

SDSU offers a variety of scholarships to help students finance their education. Some notable scholarships include:

  • Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements.
  • Need-Based Scholarships: Available for students demonstrating financial need.
  • President’s Scholarship: Highly competitive, awarded to top-performing students.
  • SDSU Aztec Scholarships: A platform where students can apply for multiple university-based scholarships with a single application.
  • External Scholarships: SDSU provides resources to help students find private and external funding opportunities.

To be considered for San Diego State University, students need to have been meeting the SAT requirements and ACT scores in addition to a competitive GPA. SDSU seeks students who are well beyond sufficiently prepared academically and enthusiastic about learning, demonstrate leadership, and are community active. Having an idea of the SDSU SAT requirements and what is expected of GPA can assist applicants in doing their part to make their applications better and be more likely to be accepted into the university.

Acceptance Rate of Top U.S. Universities

Top US Universities

UCLA Acceptance Rate

Harvard Acceptance Rate

NYU Acceptance Rate

Penn State Acceptance Rate

SDSU Acceptance Rate

USC Acceptance Rate

Purdue Acceptance Rate

Notre Dame Acceptance Rate

Rutgers Acceptance Rate

Umich Acceptance Rate

UCF Acceptance Rate

University Of Southern California Acceptance Rate

Colleges That Uses SAT Scores

Category

Colleges/Universities

Ivy League Schools

Harvard University

Yale University

Princeton University

Columbia University

University of Pennsylvania

Dartmouth College

Brown University

Cornell University

Public Research Universities

University of California System (some campuses)

University of Michigan

University of Virginia

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Florida

National Universities

University of Chicago

Northwestern University

Johns Hopkins University

University of Southern California

Liberal Arts Colleges

Williams College

Amherst College

Swarthmore College

Middlebury College

Check Colleges Accepting Low ACT Score

College Name

ACT Score

SAT Score

Texas Southern University

15–19*

820–980*

Tennessee State University

16–21*

890–1080*

Clark Atlanta University

17–20*

860–1053*

Keiser University

15–21*

Not available*

Barry University

16–20*

860–1062*

Colleges That Accept 1200 Score In SAT

University

ACT Score

SAT Score

Wayne State University Admissions

21–27*

940–1200*

Kean University Admissions

16–25*

910–1150*

Eastern Michigan University Admissions

18–26*

910–1150*

Lamar University Admissions

18–24*

910–1120*

Radford University Admissions

19–26*

950–1150*

Grand Valley State University Admissions

21–28*

950–1180*

Central Connecticut State University Admissions

16–27*

925–1140*

University Of Memphis Admissions

17–24*

930–1175*

Sam Houston State University Admissions

19–25*

950–1130*

Oakland University Admissions

20–27*

900–1150*

University Of North Florida Admissions

20–26*

1010–1200*

San Diego State University Admissions FAQs

SDSU boasts a selective acceptance rate of approximately 34%, so for every 100 students who apply, only about 34 are accepted.

SDSU has a test-optional policy, but the middle 50% of accepted students usually have SAT scores ranging from 1130-1340 and ACT scores ranging from 23-29.

The GPA of admitted students averages around 3.86. A high GPA, especially with AP or honors courses, makes an applicant stronger.

Yes, SDSU offers merit-based, need-based, and specialized scholarships, including the President's Scholarship and SDSU Aztec Scholarships.

Yes, SDSU is an R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity, which means that SDSU has high research activity in many areas.

Yes, SDSU has a holistic review process, taking into account academics, leadership, and extracurricular activities in the admissions decision.

Report An Error