REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
University of California, Los Angeles
The #1 ranked public university in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a highly sought-after destination for students from all walks of life who share the same goal: to be part of an academic culture that values public service. Designed as a “college in a garden,” the 419-acre campus sprawls across the Santa Monica Mountain foothills and south into the Los Angeles basin. Its location in Westwood provides students with access to a myriad of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for scholars from around the globe. With over 125 undergraduate majors and more than 150 graduate programs, UCLA offers a comprehensive range of disciplines, ensuring that students have the resources and support to thrive in their respective fields.
REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
University of California,
Los Angeles
The #1 ranked public university in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a highly sought-after destination for students from all walks of life who share the same goal: to be part of an academic culture that values public service. Designed as a “college in a garden,” the 419-acre campus sprawls across the Santa Monica Mountain foothills and south into the Los Angeles basin. Its location in Westwood provides students with access to a myriad of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for scholars from around the globe. With over 125 undergraduate majors and more than 150 graduate programs, UCLA offers a comprehensive range of disciplines, ensuring that students have the resources and support to thrive in their respective fields.
REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
University of California, Los Angeles
The #1 ranked public university in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a highly sought-after destination for students from all walks of life who share the same goal: to be part of an academic culture that values public service. Designed as a “college in a garden,” the 419-acre campus sprawls across the Santa Monica Mountain foothills and south into the Los Angeles basin. Its location in Westwood provides students with access to a myriad of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for scholars from around the globe. With over 125 undergraduate majors and more than 150 graduate programs, UCLA offers a comprehensive range of disciplines, ensuring that students have the resources and support to thrive in their respective fields.
School Location:
LOS ANGELES, CA
School Type:
PUBLIC RESEARCH UNIVERSITY
Admissions Rates:
ADMITTED: 8.73%
GENERAL INFO
Dates/Deadlines:
Regular Deadline:
November 30
Regular Results: March 19
SAT/ACT Scores:
Test Blind for the 2024-2025
Admissions Cycle
School Information:
Undergraduate Population: 32,472
Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Interviews Considered: No
UCLA TIPS & GUIDE
How difficult is it to get into UCLA?
UCLA is an incredibly competitive school and the most applied-to university in the country. UCLA received nearly 150,000 applications in the 2022-23 cycle.
UCLA is committed to providing greater access and opportunity to California residents, and the campus plans to enroll substantially more Californian undergraduates starting in 2022, in alignment with UC’s agreement with the state Legislature to cap nonresident undergraduate enrollment at 18% by 2026.
In 2023, UCLA admitted 8.7% of applicants. The GPA of the middle 25-75% of students was 3.93, and 59% of admitted students had a 4.0. UCLA’s admission process is holistic and individualized. They thoroughly review every application, looking for students who challenge themselves academically, engage in extracurricular activities, and demonstrate a willingness to contribute in the community. Students’ GPA, course rigor, and application essays are considered very important in the admissions process.
What is UCLA known for?
UCLA is a cultural hub with significant contributions to the arts. The university’s Fowler Museum and Hammer Museum are key cultural institutions, while its School of Theater, Film, and Television has produced many prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Francis Ford Coppola, Ben Stiller, and Steve Martin.
How diverse is UCLA?
UCLA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its student body, which represents a wide array of backgrounds and perspectives. For the Class of 2027, 23% of students identified as Hispanic/Latinx, 3% as Black, 25% as White, and 30% as Asian. Additionally, 38% of the undergraduate student body identify as men, 60.1% as women, and 1% another gender.
How do I apply to UCLA?
Like all of the UC schools, UCLA does not accept the Common or Coalition App, instead requiring students to apply using the unique UC application. You will fill out one application that can be used for all 9 of the UC campuses, but each UC will be unaware of the other UCs you apply to. UC schools do not offer Early Action or Early Decision, and applications are due November 30th.
You can declare a major or apply undeclared on your UC application form. For freshmen applying to a major in the College, your choice of major will neither help nor hurt your prospects for admission.
To apply, you must complete 15 A-G courses with at least 11 courses finished prior to the beginning of your last year of high school. To be competitive in the UCLA admission process, applicants should present an academic profile much stronger than any minimum UC admission requirements. See here for a listing of the A-G requirements. Additionally, there are 8 personal insight questions, to which you will respond to 4. For students who chose a major outside the College in one of the professional schools, supplemental applications may be required and have specific deadlines. Finally, students should note that the university is test-blind.
Other schools at UCLA consider the following (which includes the holistic review conducted by Undergraduate Admission):
- The Samueli School of Engineering considers students by declared major. “Engineering, undecided” is also an option. Engineering does closely consider performance in the areas of math and science.
- The School of Nursing likewise emphasizes science and math preparation. You must submit a supplemental application directly to the School of Nursing.
- The School of the Arts and Architecture, Herb Alpert School of Music and the School of Theater, Film and Television consider students by declared major. These schools also closely consider the talent presented by the student through a portfolio, audition, or supplemental information collected through a school-specific application. This talent plays a critical role in the selection process.
What is the campus like at UCLA?
UCLA’s on-campus residential community is called the Hill because of its location on a hill adjacent to the west side of campus. Life on “the Hill” means you’re a short walk from classes and everything else that campus has to offer. UCLA offers incoming first-year undergraduates the opportunity to live in university-owned housing for four years, as well as a two-year option for all incoming transfer students, and 98% of first-year undergraduates choose to live in the residence halls.
UCLA’s facilities are state-of-the-art, providing students with access to cutting-edge laboratories, extensive libraries, and comfortable living accommodations. The campus includes numerous recreational and athletic facilities, such as the John Wooden Center and the Pauley Pavilion.
Dining options are abundant. In 2020, 2021, and 2022, Niche rated UCLA’s food the best college food in the nation. The chefs and dieticians keep the menus fresh with new recipes every day. Vegan and vegetarian, kosher, halal, and gluten-free dining options are offered, as well as flexible dining schedules (7 a.m.–2 a.m.).
With more than 1,200 clubs and student organizations, you’ll find ample opportunities to discover new interests and make new friends on campus. Among these, UCLA offers a student government program, an arts and culture program, a student business program, and a volunteer program.
Does UCLA have a good athletic department?
UCLA’s athletic teams, known as the Bruins, have a storied history of success. The university has won 123 NCAA championships across various sports, particularly in basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics. UCLA athletes have also excelled in the Olympics, bringing home numerous medals. Students who don’t compete at the varsity level can play on one of the school’s 30 intramural leagues or 50 club sports. The university also boasts 15 multipurpose workout facilities and six pools on campus for students to stay fit and healthy!
What are UCLA’s core curriculum and programs?
UCLA is home to the College and 12 highly ranked professional schools. The university’s expansive curriculum offers 3,900 courses across 130 majors and 90 minors.
The College houses 85 percent of undergraduates and includes the Humanities, Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences academic divisions. The 12 ranked professional schools include 5 schools that offer undergraduate programs. Those are the School of Arts and Architecture, School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Music, School or Nursing, School of Public Affairs, and School of Theater, Film, and Television. UCLA offers multiple options for students to begin and finish their degree program that suits their individual needs. You can earn two degrees at once, study abroad, or earn your master’s degree as an undergraduate.
The most popular majors at UCLA include: Social Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Psychology; Mathematics and Statistics; and Engineering.
Can I afford UCLA?
UCLA offers a variety of financial aid opportunities, and 63% of students receive financial aid. A financial aid award generally consists of a combination of scholarships and grant money from UCLA and other sources, low-interest loans, and a work-study job during the academic year. UCLA offers financial support that may be awarded based on need, academic merit, background, specific talents, or professional interests. You can use this net price calculator to learn more about your personal financial expectations.
Beginning in fall of 2022, University of California (UC) tuition for each incoming undergraduate class remains the same until the student graduates for up to six years. Known as the UC Tuition Stability Plan, this plan provides predictability for families in helping to manage their educational costs.
When you enroll at UCLA, you’re eligible to apply for the BruinPay Plan. This plan allows students and families to pay each academic quarter’s tuition and fees in three payments spread over the term.
