ucla admission requirements

Freshman applicants are required to take the ACT with Writing or the SAT with Essay no later than December of their senior year.

UCLA requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT test scores. In fact, of the 23 UC schools, UCLA is one of only three that require the writing portion of either test. This top-tier school looks for students who display a strong aptitude for both reading and writing on their college admissions exam. Additionally, by requiring the ACT with Writing or SAT with Essay, UCLA is looking for students to think critically about complex issues.

Furthermore, since only 20% of the nation’s four-year colleges require applicants to submit an essay score from either standardized test (ACT), it’s evident that UCLA values applicants who can write clearly and cogently. By requiring applicants to take the writing portion of their test—and submitting those results with their application—it indicates whether they’re able to organize their thoughts in a way that’s logical and coherent.

Finally, as one of the most selective public schools in the country (16%), UCLA seeks out top-performing students who excel academically and are involved outside of school. The required essay section shows they’re capable of crafting an argumentative essay on any topic at any time—which will be vital during their time at UCLA when professors ask them to make arguments based on previous research and coursework.

All freshman applicants must submit official scores from either the ACT with Writing or SAT with Essay taken by December of the senior year.

All freshman applicants must submit official scores from either the ACT with Writing or SAT with Essay taken by December of the senior year.

If you submit scores from both the ACT and SAT, we will consider whichever set of scores gives you the highest admission decision. We don’t prefer one test over another. We encourage you to take whichever test best reflects your individual strengths. You may also use either set of scores for scholarship consideration.

UCLA does not require that applicants submit all SAT Subject Test scores, but it is highly recommended that candidates take two to three different exams in subjects relevant to their major interests.

The personal essay will allow the admissions staff to get to know who you are as a student.

The personal essay will allow the admissions staff to get to know who you are as a student. Your essay should be limited to approximately 500 – 700 words (generally two typed pages double spaced). Some suggestions that can help you write an effective essay:

• “Write about yourself in an interesting way”
• “Be passionate about what you’re writing about”
• “Showcase your personality”

Some subjects that are wise to avoid when writing your personal statement:

• Your GPA and test scores unless there is a compelling reason for them not being up to par, such as a learning disability. The adcoms have access to this information and do not need you to state it.

English proficiency is one of the many factors considered when we evaluate your application.

English proficiency is one of the many factors considered when we evaluate your application. If English is not your native language and you have not studied for at least three years full-time at a secondary or postsecondary school in which English is the language of instruction, you must take an English proficiency test.

UCLA requires either the TOEFL or IELTS exams from all applicants whose first language (native language) is not English, except those who meet one of the following criteria:* One year of study within the last five years in regular academic sessions (not summer sessions) at a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association. A grade point average (GPA) of 2.4 (C+) or better, calculated on a 4.0 scale or equivalent, on transferable coursework is required.* Three years of full-time study and/or work experience where English was the principal medium of instruction and communication within the last five years in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom or United States.* Students from India who have completed their undergraduate degree from institutions located in Delhi may submit their applications without submitting TOEFL scores if they meet all other UCLA admission requirements for regular freshman admission with no exceptions.* Applicants to graduate programs are strongly urged to consult individual department websites for details pertaining to minimum score requirements for each exam as well as additional information regarding specific graduate program policies regarding standardized tests as part of their admissions process

In addition to reviewing your test scores and grades, we seek a diverse student body with a wide range of interests, talents and goals.

In addition to reviewing your test scores and grades, we seek a diverse student body with a wide range of interests, talents and goals. While creativity and artistic ability are not requirements for admission, they can be an asset to your application. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? Please respond in 200 words or fewer.

First-Year Applicants: Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

Transfer Applicants: Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?

Personal insight questions Imagine UC was a person.

Personal insight questions

Imagine UC was a person. We would like to get to know you better.

What would you want us to know about you? Let your life speak. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

We require transcripts documenting all coursework undertaken during high school, including summer school and community college coursework.

To apply for admission, you must submit official transcripts documenting all coursework undertaken during high school, including summer school and community college coursework. Unofficial transcripts are not acceptable. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Transcripts submitted to the University become the property of UCLA and cannot be returned or forwarded elsewhere.

Official transcripts must arrive in sealed envelopes from the issuing institution and bear an official stamp or seal over the envelope flap. Photocopies of official documents will not be accepted. Any documents that have been opened prior to receipt at UCLA will constitute unofficial documents and will not be considered valid credentials for admission purposes. Do not submit any additional documentation before receiving a written request from us — uninvited materials will not be reviewed and cannot be returned to you under any circumstances, even if we ask you later to provide further information

So, for any four-year degree program you apply to at UCLA, you may use only one set of grades from one junior year to meet minimum qualifications (note that campus ranking uses three years).

You may use the highest set of grades and test scores from a single junior year to apply to UCLA. You must send transcripts for all semesters and years you have attended high school. You may send transcripts from your sophomore year to demonstrate progress.

At UCLA, we calculate your GPA by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of letter-graded units undertaken (with some exceptions). Honors courses in which you have received an “A”, “B”, or “C” grade receive additional grade points. These are included when computing your weighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. So, for any four-year degree program you apply to at UCLA, you may use only one set of grades from one junior year to meet minimum qualifications (note that campus ranking uses three years).

UCLA receives far more applications than it can admit so admission is highly competitive.

UCLA receives far more applications than it can admit so admission is highly competitive.

• In 2020, the average GPA of admitted students was 3.9, and the average ACT composite score was 29.
• UCLA admits out-of-state applicants at a lower rate than in-state applicants – 32% vs 52% in 2019. While some colleges and universities will accept just about anyone who applies, these schools pride themselves on being very selective. Some require an applicant to meet as many as eight or nine requirements for admission such as: college prep classes, high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale), SAT/ACT test scores, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, and even community service experience.

You need good grades, but adcoms also want to see what you can offer them in terms of life experience and research opportunities

While grades are certainly important, they aren’t the only thing that matters. While it’s true that adcoms will be looking at your grades and test scores, what really sets you apart from other applicants is your unique story. In order to get into UCLA, it’s not enough to have good grades—you also have to have something interesting about yourself that makes you stand out from other students. This could be anything from a unique extracurricular activity or leadership experience, like a research internship on campus or an internship in an industry where you’re interested in working after graduation.

As with most competitive colleges, UCLA receives many more applications each year than it can accept. The competition for admission is fierce and there are no guarantees when applying to elite schools. But if you do get accepted into UCLA, you can rest assured that your chances of getting into other top US schools will increase significantly as well!

So while it may seem daunting at first glance to apply at such an elite school like UCLA (especially since there are so many people applying every year), don’t let this deter you from pursuing your dreams! If anything else just remember these two things: 1) You shouldn’t compare yourself based on anyone else’s stats or achievements because everyone has their own story 2) Your dream school should never be determined by statistics alone but rather what feels right for each individual person