UC San Diego vs Villanova University

Villanova University is the more selective of the two at 23%, versus 24% at UC San Diego. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

UC San Diego
Highly selective
24%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1490
Public · California
Villanova University
Highly selective
23%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1460
Private · Pennsylvania

UC San Diego vs Villanova University: the differences that matter

How UC San Diego and Villanova University stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

UC San Diego and Villanova University are almost equally selective (24% vs 23%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. UC San Diego leans more on application essay, work experience, while Villanova University puts more weight on class rank, standardized test scores, recommendations. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, UC San Diego's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1490 and Villanova University's is around 1460. Admitted students at UC San Diego post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorUC San DiegoVillanova University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class rankconsideredimportant
Standardized test scoresimportantvery important
Application essayvery importantimportant
Recommendationsconsideredimportant
Interviewnot consideredimportant
Extracurricular activitiesconsideredimportant
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is UC San Diego or Villanova University harder to get into?

Villanova University is harder to get into, with a 23% acceptance rate versus 24% at UC San Diego.

What's the difference in SAT scores between UC San Diego and Villanova University?

UC San Diego's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1490, and Villanova University's is around 1460.

What are my chances at UC San Diego and Villanova University?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.