How to Get into UCLA: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements and Admissions

Want to be a Bruin? You’re in good company if you want to know how to get into UCLA. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a highly sought-after location for research and technology. This 100-plus-year-old research university is known for breaking the world record for the highest number of applications every year, for good reason: It’s the site of the Powell Library, where Ray Bradbury wrote Fahrenheit 451 in 1951, it’s where James Dean and Jim Morrison matriculated, and it finds itself in the center of a bustling worldwide hub of media, industrial, and trade industries. While UCLA is just a half-hour from the Hollywood entertainment mecca, its students’ favorite majors include technical degrees like biology, business economics, political science, psychology, psychobiology and economics.

Understanding UCLA's Competitiveness

It is extremely difficult to get accepted to UCLA. The UCLA acceptance rate is 9%, putting it in the top ten most competitive universities in California to get into. Acceptance rate is an indication of how competitive a school is, but it is also an indication of how popular a school is (particularly with Californian applicants). During UCLA’s regular decision cycle, it received 149,815 applications and accepted 12,844 students (9%). In order to get into UCLA, you will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of your class in order to get into UCLA. In order to get into a school like UCLA, you will need to excel in almost every major college application factor. UCLA does not have any Early Action or Early Decision options.

Academic Requirements: GPA

The grade point average of people who get accepted to UCLA are in the highest of their class. The unweighted GPA requirements for UCLA are between 3.9 to 4.0 and the median GPA score is 4.0. If your GPA is lower than suggested at the time you apply, you may have to perform above average on your standardized tests. The average GPA at UCLA is 3.93. UCLA considers unweighted GPA as a factor of admissions. Unweighted GPA is the average of the grades you got in high school (typically from at least grades 10th and 11th) based on a 4.0 scale. UCLA considers weighted GPA as one of its admissions factors. The median weighted GPA for UCLA is 4.58, and its middle 50 percentile ranges from 4.40 to 4.73, indicating that you will likely have to take higher level classes like AP and IB classes in order to be a competitive candidate for UCLA. UCLA describes how it calculates weighted GPA.

Standardized Testing: SAT and ACT

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. UCLA hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to UCLA will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1290, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1510. The average ACT score at UCLA is 31. The 25th percentile ACT score is 27, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 34. Even though UCLA likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 27 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application.

SAT Details

If you choose to report your [SAT] test scores, you should report your highest total/composite score from a single sitting, but do not include the essay/writing score. If you are offered admission, you can submit your official essay/writing scores to your campus of choice. From our research and talking to admissions officers, we've learned that 4-6 tests is a safe number to submit. The college understands that you want to have the best chance of admission, and retaking the test is a good way to do this. Within a reasonable number of tests, they honestly don't care how many times you've taken it. If you take it more than 6 times, colleges start wondering why you're not improving with each test. But below 6 tests, we strongly encourage retaking the test to maximize your chances. If your SAT score is currently below a 1510, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it.

ACT Details

Similarly to SAT score, UCLA’s ACT writing score policy is that “UC no longer collects the essay/writing scores for the SAT/ACT tests. If you choose to report your [ACT] test scores, you should report your highest total/composite score from a single sitting, but do not include the essay/writing score. If you are offered admission, you can submit your official [ACT] essay/writing scores to your campus of choice. When you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 34 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. UCLA considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.

A-G Requirements

Keep in mind that taking high school (A-G) courses isn't the only way to satisfy these requirements. You also may meet them by completing college courses or earning certain scores on various acceptable exams. 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. Competitive applicants earn high marks in the most rigorous curriculum available to them. Each application for admission is reviewed within the context of courses available to that student.

Here is a listing of the A-G requirements:

2 years history/social science
4 years of college-preparatory English that include frequent writing, from brainstorming to final paper, as well as reading of classic and modern literature. For each year required through the 11th grade, a grade of C or better in a non-transferable college course of 3 or more semester (4 or more quarter) units in English composition, literature (American or English) or foreign literature in translation.
3 years of mathematics (4 years recommended) that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry; a fourth year of math is strongly recommended. NOTE: All students must complete a geometry course or integrated math with geometry content (e.g., Math II).
2 years of laboratory science (3 years recommended), including or integrating topics that provide fundamental knowledge in two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, or physics. One year of approved interdisciplinary or earth and space sciences coursework can meet one year of the requirement.
2 years of language other than English (3 years recommended). Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, composition and culture. American Sign Language and classical languages, such as Latin and Greek, are acceptable, as are Native American languages. Grade of C or better in any transferable course(s) (excluding conversation) held by the college to be equivalent to two years of high school language.
1 year of visual and performing arts (if available)
1 year of college-preparatory elective

The UC Application and Personal Insight Questions

The application process for UCLA is managed solely by the UC Application Portal. Fortunately, you can use one application for nine campuses. You won't submit letters of recommendation or transcripts, just the UC application and your official test scores. The application opens in August but can only be submitted during the month of November.

In addition to your UC application, we take both your academic record and your personal experiences into consideration during the review process. These personal questions are just that - personal. This is your chance to augment the information elsewhere in your application and give us more insight into you during the review process. Our hope is to hear your true, authentic voice in your responses. As a first-year applicant, you may respond to four of eight questions. Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words. Which questions you choose to answer is entirely up to you. Because we receive more applicants than we have room to accept, admitted students usually have academic achievements far higher than the minimum requirements. We look for students who take advantage of the academic opportunities available to them. If you have advanced courses, we encourage you to take advantage of them. We do not require or accept letters of recommendation in our process and we do not collect transcripts at the point of application. However, once admitted, students are required to submit official transcripts from any high school or college they have attended. We do not offer admission interviews. Applicants are considered for admission based upon the information they submit in the UC application. However, some majors in our specialty schools require a supplemental application as part of their admission process. Supplemental applications may involve an audition, portfolio submission and/or letters of recommendation. Of course, a strong academic performance combined with sustained, meaningful involvement in extracurricular activities is the ideal.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Tips for Answering Personal Insight Questions

The first thing you need to know about the UC personal insight questions is that they are tied to the 13 elements of comprehensive review. The UC directors have publicly said that the questions correlate directly to the review points. So as you’re brainstorming your four topics, ask yourself: How will this help me on the 13 points of comprehensive review? (Tip: Your essay/personal insight question responses could connect to several of the 13 points.)

Remember that it’s okay to answer your personal insight questions in a direct, straightforward way. Because at a recent conference, one of the UC directors said publicly, “It’s okay to answer the questions in a direct, straightforward way.” And the other UC directors nodded. In fact, another director said it’s okay to just write bullet points in your response. Write in such a way that a UC reader could skim your responses to the personal insight questions and get your main points. Because the reader will probably be spending about 6-8 minutes on your application. Not on each essay. ON YOUR WHOLE APPLICATION.

If you’re applying to private schools via the Common App, it can be useful to write an essay that’s insightful, well-crafted and reveals your core values. You may be able to use your UC personal insight question essay for other schools. Since many selective schools require supplemental essays (that is: essays you write in addition to your main, 650-word Common App personal statement), it can be useful to write an essay that works for BOTH the UCs AND one or more private schools.

Supplemental Applications for Specific Majors

Applicants are considered for admission based upon the information they submit in the UC application. However, some majors in our specialty schools require a supplemental application as part of their admission process. Supplemental applications may involve an audition, portfolio submission and/or letters of recommendation.

The following prompts were gathered from the UCLA admissions site:

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

Architecture

Please provide a concise statement that describes why you wish to study architecture at UCLA. What interests you in architecture now, and why at UCLA? You will have 3500 characters (including spaces) / approximately 500 words.

Art

Please provide a concise statement describing your interest, experiences, and influences in art, and your goals for studying art at UCLA. You will have 2200 characters (including spaces) / approximately 300 words. We recommend that you write your statement in a separate word processing program, then copy/paste it into the web application.

Dance

Please respond to the following prompt: How might dance address some of the pressing social issues of our times? How do you see yourself or other choreographers as social change agents? You will have 3500 characters (including spaces) / approximately 500 words. We recommend that you write your statement in a separate word processing program, and then cut/paste it into the web application. What art or artists inspire you? These could be designers, painters, directors, photographers, video game makers, or any other type of cultural producer.

Ethnomusicology

You will be asked to write responses to the below prompts. Please keep in mind that your responses to these questions are a significant part of supplemental application review.

What are your reasons for wishing to major in Ethnomusicology? What do you expect from the program? What are your professional or career goals? (200 words maximum)
Briefly describe your musical background and performance skills. Mention any special interests in particular music traditions, and whether these are through family connections or your own instigation. Music courses you have taken may be included. (200 words maximum)
Indicate any special training (e.g. knowledge of foreign languages) or experiences (e.g. foreign travel, community development projects involving different cultures, family experience, etc.) that might be relevant to the study of music in a global perspective. (400 words maximum)

Film & Television

Personal Essay (2 page max). The personal essay should include a summary of your background, creative interests, academic and professional goals. The personal essay may include unusual life experiences, important influences in your life, your motivation to study film and television, and the kind of creative work you hope to pursue. Do not use the personal essay to flatter us; use these few pages to create a very personal and vivid picture of yourself, what is most important to you, and your creative and professional goals.
Life Challenge Essay (2 page max). Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? Things to consider: A challenge could be personal, or something you have faced in your community or school. Why was the challenge significant to you? This is a good opportunity to talk about any obstacles you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from the experience. Did you have support from someone else or did you handle it alone? If you’re currently working your way through a challenge, what are you doing now, and does that affect different aspects of your life? For example, ask yourself, “How has my life changed at home, at my school, with my friends, or with my family?” Please Note: This question is identical to optional Question #5 on the UC Application.
Writing Sample
- Critical Essay (3 page max). The critical essay is your analysis of a film or television program. This essay is NOT a review. You should assume the reader has seen the work you are discussing; do not include a plot summary. This essay is similar to what you would write in an English literature or film history course. It is your analysis of any aspect(s) of the work you have selected: the use of design, composition, color, lighting, sound, etc. as it relates to social observation or commentary, moral or philosophical elements, psychological aspects or relationships of the characters, dramatic structure, etc. OR
- Creative Writing (5 page max). You may submit any one kind or combination of creative writing: a short story, a film treatment, a storyboard, a script or play excerpt (including a short synopsis of the complete script), etc. Those interested in submitting poetry, photographs, and/or drawings must submit one other type of creative work. The total of all submitted creative writing combined cannot exceed the 5 page maximum. No preference is given to one type of creative work over another. DO NOT SUBMIT FILMS, DVDS, or CDS.

Global Jazz Studies

Please answer all three of the following prompts. You will have 750 words total to respond to all prompts. It is recommended that you write your statement in a separate word processing program, then copy and paste it into the online application.

What are your reasons for wishing to enroll in the B.A. in Global Jazz Studies? What do you expect from the program? What are your professional or career goals? (250 words maximum)
Briefly describe your musical background and performance skills. Music courses you have taken may be included. (250 words maximum)
Indicate any special training or experiences that might be relevant to the study of jazz from a global perspective. (250 words maximum)

Music History & Industry

You are required to complete a total of two personal statement responses. The first is required by everyone; the second is a choice between two options, option A (written response) or option B (creative portfolio submission with explanation). As Music History & Industry is not a performance-based major, this choice will allow you to play to your strengths, whether that means calling upon your business savvy or creative prowess.

Prompt #1: Below please find a list of the required lower division (first year and sophomore) major courses for the Music History & Industry BA. Please discuss the ways in which a practical and theoretical training in music (music theory, musicianship, and performance ensemble participation) will serve your goals of working within the music industry. (400 words max)

Required Lower Division Courses: Musicology M6A, M6B, M6C (Introduction to Musicianship); Music 20A, 20B, 20C (Music Theory I, II, III); Musicology 12W (Writing about Music); 2 Performance Organizations; 1 lower division Musicology or Music Industry elective.

Prompt #2: Please choose between option A or option B:

Option A. Written response option: In 1999, the best year the music industry has ever had, revenue from recorded music exceeded that from live musical performance by a factor of 10 to 1. By 2009, thanks to the collapse of the recording market, the ratio had fallen to 3 to 2. Current sales of individual sound recordings and alb…

Key Dates and Deadlines

August 1: UC Application Opens
October 1: Filing period opens for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Dream Act Application for all applicants; filing period opens for GPA Verification Form (required for California residents only for Cal Grant consideration)
October 1- December 1: Application filing period
March 2: Deadline for applicants to submit their financial aid application (FAFSA), Dream Act, and Cal Grant GPA verification forms
Late March: Admission notification
May 1: Deadline to submit your enrollment deposit and applications for on-campus housing and the UCLA College Honors Program
July 1: Send your final, official transcripts to admissions. They must be postmarked or electronically submitted on or before July 1.
July 15: Official AP, IB examination results must be sent to admissions.

Holistic Review Process

When we review first-year applicants we look at a wide variety of factors. Some are more easily quantifiable than others. Below are the primary academic factors we considered when we reviewed our first-year applicants for Fall Quarter 2023. All GPAs are calculated from courses completed in grades 10 and 11.

The fully weighted GPA includes an extra grade point for all UC-approved honors courses (which include AP, IB, school-based honors and transferable college courses) in which a grade of C or higher is earned. The maximum value possible is 5.00.

The unweighted GPA does not include any extra grade points for honors courses. The maximum value possible is 4.00.

Note: the evaluation of applicants takes into consideration the courses and educational opportunities available at their specific high school.

The 13 Factors of Comprehensive Review for the UC system are:

Grade-point average
Performance in and number of courses beyond minimum a-g requirements
UC-approved honors courses and advanced courses
Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) - CA residents only
Quality of senior-year program of study
Academic opportunities in California high schools
Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas
Achievements in special projects
Improvement in academic performance
Special talents, achievements and awards
Participation in educational preparation programs
Academic accomplishment in light of life experiences
Geographic location

Note: No single factor determines admission, as your application is evaluated holistically.

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