UC San Diego Class of 2029 Waitlist and Appeal Discussion

Colleges & Universities University of California - San Diego
1

Since Freshman decisions will be posting in the next few weeks for UC San Diego, I have started the Waitlist/Appeal Discussion thread.

2024 Waitlist Timeline: 2024: Friday May 17 after 3 PM, Friday May 24, Friday May 31, June 10, June 14, Rare admit posted on June 20. Email to opt out of waitlist posted June 21. Denials sent August 6.

Please note that the waitlist admit numbers vary from year to year depending upon how many admitted students SIR by May 1.

Below is some Waitlist data from the last few years:

UCSD 2024 Counselor Conference data

Number of qualified applicants offered a place on waiting list: 19200
Number accepting a place on the waitlist Not available
Number of waitlisted students admitted 4600
NO appeal information

UCSD Waitlist 2023

Number of qualified applicants offered a place on waiting list: 29087
Number accepting a place on the waitlist 19373
Number of waitlisted students admitted 2261
APPEALS: 729 APPROVED: 0

UCSD Waitlist 2022

Number of qualified applicants offered a place on waiting list: 51369
Number accepting a place on the waitlist 36113
Number of waitlisted students admitted 2400

General Waitlist Information:

  1. UCSD CDS states the waitlist is ranked but admissions states it is Not Ranked.
  2. There is no way to determine your chances from being admitted off the waitlist. It will be depend upon how many admitted students SIR and how many spots are open after the deadline.
  3. No specific timeline for waitlist admits. If space opens up before the SIR deadline of May 1, then students can be pulled from the waitlist.
  4. Residency type and major are not broken out for the UC waitlist statistics.
  5. The number of waitlisted students that actually enroll is not listed.
  6. No LOCI’s since UC’s do not consider demonstrated interest. Opting into the waitlist shows your interest in attending.
  7. Opting into the waitlist is by invitation only.
  8. You cannot appeal your decision while on the waitlist.
  9. New for Fall 2025, Waitlist opt ins can select an non-impacted/selective major 2nd alternate

Admissions appeal information:
Applicants who have new and compelling academic information that was not presented in their original application, may [submit an appeal through their Applicant Portal] by March 28. No appeals will be accepted after the deadline.

3

The CDS says the waitlist is ranked.

image
image1084×582 36.6 KB

4

Does anyone know when they start to pull from the waitlist? I had a friend whose kid got off the waitlist last year but it was super late. Like July maybe? Are any pulled off earlier?

5

Normally, all UC’s will start pulling from the waitlist after the May 1 SIR deadline.

Here is 3 years of information:

UCSD:
2022: Admits May 9 and May 18. Some rejections May 23. Short list with trickles of admits till May 17. Final rejections on June 18-30.
2023: Wave of admits including some capped majors such as DS/Undeclared Engineering and EE on May 10. Admits May 22. Few admits June 7. Some students denied from the waitlist June 12. More denials on June 30.
2024: Friday May 17 after 3 PM, Friday May 24, Friday May 31, June 10, June 14, Rare admit June 20. Email to opt out of waitlist posted June 21. Denials sent August 6.

1 Like
6

Can anyone clarify if UCSD is asking for a 3rd choice major when opting into the waitlist this year?

7

Does anyone know if the waitlist is actually ranked as the CDS says, and if so is there any way to know one’s ranks? I’m guessing no, but thought I’d ask just in case.

8

UCSD does state on the CDS the waitlist is ranked but from my experience, the UC’s have stated that they do not rank the Waitlist.

9

Yes, they allow you to pick a second alternate major

Screenshot 2025-03-15 at 11.13.30 AM
Screenshot 2025-03-15 at 11.13.30 AM2250×1062 209 KB

1 Like
10

Is it optional to pick or mandatory?

11

I’m not sure? You could try to pick a major that’s basically like your other choices, like I chose poli sci public policy as my 3rd and my 2nd choice was general poli sci but I don’t know if that’s considered a different major (I AM VERY CLUELESS WITH THIS WAITLIST)
I would choose something just in case it’s mandatory, better to have something picked

12

number of waitlists seem to have gone down. hopefully that number decreased this year too and they have more space for waitlists.

13

oh whoops i totally put my primary major in here. any way to like change that or email them or something? :joy:

1 Like
14

Seemed like they want the third choice to be a non-impacted major. If you are able to pick your first choice major again as third choice, it should be fine as it is a non-impacted major.

1 Like
15

I think you should be able to edit until the April 15 deadline.

1 Like
16

Is having adhd a good reason to use for an appeal? Havent mentioned it in my application so this would be new information. Also how likely is it for an appeal to get approved?

17

I do not have any appeal data for 2024 but for 2023 there were 729 appeals filed and 0 approved.

ADHD could be a reason to appeal. It will depend upon how you plan to approach your appeal and do not use it as an excuse but highlight your strengths and resilience in spite of it.

18

@Gumbymom My son is waitlisted as well for Business Economics. Where can I find non impacted majors so he can pick one for his alternate major?

19

It is easier to list the selective majors so anything not on the list is not impacted.

Current Selective Majors:

20

I’ve heard from a friend that his roommate actually got his appeal accepted after explaining that he has ADHD for 2024, I know it is unlikely but do you think that if I’m able to appeal in a way that shows how it affected me but still tried my best, it will count for a strong appeal?