“How to get into UCLA” is a common question we receive as college counselors with deep roots in California. With its world-class academics, vibrant campus, and prime Los Angeles location, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) attracts tens of thousands of applicants yearly, making it one of the most competitive colleges in the country.
In this blog—and in our beloved UC Guide crafted by former UC admissions officers—we’ll break down what it really takes to stand out in UCLA’s selective admissions process, including A-G requirements and academic benchmarks, essay tips, and application strategies that we’ve used with our UCLA admits.
We won’t sugarcoat it, getting into UCLA isn’t an easy task. With an acceptance rate hovering around 9%, UCLA is considered one of the most highly selective colleges in the United States. UCLA (the UCs in general) have become increasingly popular in recent years. While UCLA has always reported a higher number of yearly received applications, this number shot up to an all-time high in 2022. Below is a quick overview of how competitive the admissions process is at UCLA:
|
Year |
Applications Received |
Students Admitted |
Acceptance Rate |
|
2020 |
108,870 |
15,602 |
14% |
|
2021 |
139,482 |
15,028 |
11% |
|
2022 |
149,801 |
12,844 |
9% |
|
2023 |
145,903 |
12,736 |
9% |
|
2024 |
146,272 |
13,114 |
9% |
|
2025 |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
Learn more about UCLA’s yearly admissions data and acceptance rates.
Before we dive into how students can stay competitive and apply to UCLA successfully, let’s discuss why it’s so selective. The first reason can be found in the table above: UCLA receives thousands of applications annually, and the campus simply doesn’t have enough space to admit every qualified applicant. Similar to Ivy League admissions rates, it all comes down to a numbers game.
The second reason has to do with residency. This is good news for California residents, but not the greatest news for out-of-state applicants. Since the UCs are public universities, much of their funding comes from the state and taxpayers. For this reason, there are more seats available to California residents. Below is a table comparing in-state and out-of-state UCLA admissions data:
|
Year |
In-State Applications Received |
In-State Admit Rate |
Out-of-State Applications Received |
Out-of-State Admit Rate |
|
2020 |
67,942 |
9,205 (14%) |
23,039 |
4,743 (21%) |
|
2021 |
84,182 |
8,436 (10%) |
33,423 |
4,619 (14%) |
|
2022 |
91,558 |
8,425 (9%) |
34,686 |
3,084 (9%) |
|
2023 |
90,785 |
8,587 (9%) |
33,119 |
2,840 (9%) |
|
2024 |
92,325 |
8,790 (10%) |
31,906 |
2,946 (9%) |
|
2025 |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
As you can see, the acceptance rate, despite residency status, has decreased significantly in recent years. With less than 3,000 seats awarded to non-domestic applicants, it’s no surprise that even the most qualified candidates are being turned away from UCLA.
When applying to UCLA, it’s important to have all your ducks in a row. We’ve worked with many students who were unfamiliar with how the UC system works, specific requirements, and key deadlines. Some students are under the false impression that the UC system is similar to the Common App, the most commonly used college application platform. We’re here to remind students that the UC system is unique, and applying to UCLA unprepared is a foolproof way to submit an incomplete application.
UCLA (all UC campuses, really) relies on self-reported grades (weighted or unweighted) to make admissions decisions. While other colleges request electronic transcripts from students, UCLA trusts students to report their academic performance accurately.
So, what are A-G requirements, and how do they work? A-G requirements refer to college-preparatory courses taken in high school. Students are required to get a C or better in their courses to meet the minimum requirements and are to have completed 11 out of 15 A-G courses by the time they apply to UCLA.
The UC's official website provides a full A-G course breakdown, but for your convenience, here’s an abridged version:
For UCLA, there are specific courses (Sciences and Foreign Language) where a longer commitment is “recommended.” Be sure to keep that in mind if you’re aiming to apply to UCLA in the future!
While we’ve provided you with a shortened list of A-G requirements, it’s important to remember that this is the minimum requirement if students are looking to be considered by UCLA. For students hoping to set themselves apart from other qualified candidates, they must try to go above and beyond in their academics.
FAQ: How do I know if my course is UCLA-approved?
If you attend a California high school, you will be able to search for classes that meet these requirements using the UC application. Non-California applicants, should use the official UC A-G course list identifier to determine if their courses meet A-G requirements.
UCLA remains a test-free college, meaning it will not consider ACT or SAT scores when evaluating applicants or awarding scholarships. However, for students who have taken more rigorous courses such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB), you will have a chance to report your performance here. Students who have performed exceptionally well in these courses are encouraged to report on exams they’ve already taken and ones they hope to take in their senior year. This will add depth to their application and make them more competitive.
International students applying to UCLA are required to submit an English proficiency test if their high school is located abroad or the language of instruction is not English.
Students will be required to include activities and extracurricular involvement when applying to UCLA. Activities and awards will be entered into one of six categories:
Students can add up to 20 activities on their UCLA application. But don’t panic! It’s perfectly acceptable not to fill up all 20 boxes. When filling out this section for UCLA, students should focus on the following to enhance their candidacy:
Think of these as your blended interview, résumé, and best story showcase. This is a student’s greatest opportunity to share more about themselves.
As part of the UCLA application, students will be required to provide a 350-word response to four personal insight questions (PIQs). To maximize this section, here are our best tips:
Now that we’ve gone through the main components of the UCLA application, this next section will dive into how exactly students can stay competitive if they have their eyes set on UCLA.
Getting into UCLA takes more than just good grades; it requires a smart, strategic approach. Please note that even the most qualified candidates are turned away from UCLA (this goes back to the numbers game we mentioned earlier). So these expert tips will help you improve your candidacy, but will not guarantee admission to UCLA.
Meeting A-G requirements won’t guarantee admission to UCLA. It takes a high grade point average (GPA), rigorous courses, and upward academic trends to impress UCLA admissions officers.
UCLA reported the median GPA for 2024 admits was 4.60 weighted and 4.00 unweighted. This means that this is the barrier for entry for students, and applicants aiming to be more competitive than other students must have a higher GPA.
Another component of building a strong academic foundation is being strategic about course selection as early as grade 9. UCLA wants to see that students are taking rigorous courses and showcasing an upward trend in their academic pursuits. This means that courses should get more challenging as students progress through high school. By doing this, students highlight their ability to do college-level work.
Related: Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA? Which Do Colleges Care About?
FAQ: Can I get into UCLA with a 3.8 GPA?
Yes, it’s possible. At Collegewise, we’ve had plenty of students gain admission to UCLA with a 3.8 GPA or lower. UCLA evaluates applications holistically, so if other components of your application are very strong, you may still be a competitive applicant.
UCLA isn’t just looking for strong learners; it's also looking for students who demonstrate purpose, resilience, intellectual curiosity, and growth. It’s through the Activities and Awards section that students can touch on how they demonstrate each of these traits in their day-to-day lives.
We already shared a few key tips on how to fill out the Activities and Awards section, but being smart about extracurricular involvement doesn’t happen overnight, especially when you’re looking to make a long-term impact. That’s why students should start considering extracurriculars in grades 9 and 10, to give themselves enough time to explore their interests, find their passions, and say goodbye to any unfulfilling activities.
The reason PIQs are so specific in what they ask is that UCLA wants to identify if the student is the right fit for their campus. Some matches don’t work, and it’s the job of an admissions officer to identify if a student (and the college they’re applying to) and the right fit for one another. Competitive applicants should aim to weave in clarity of direction and genuine interest for UCLA and their intended major (if applicable) throughout every aspect of their application. This not only demonstrates commitment but also enhances the idea that you’re fully prepared to contribute to UCLA’s thriving campus environment.
Before we move on to the next point, we’d like to take a moment and emphasize that tailoring to purpose and fit does not mean being opportunistic. Admissions officers go through thousands of applications every year, and they’ve truly seen it all. Don’t attempt to outsmart admissions officers or embellish on experiences; this can potentially raise red flags for application readers. Instead, focus on authenticity!
If you’re familiar with the typical college admissions process, you’ve likely heard about common admissions deadlines such as Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision. Confusing, we know. You’ll be pleased to know that UCLA does not use these deadlines and instead has a very straightforward application timeline.
UCLA’s fixed admission timeline means that applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis (i.e., first-come, first-served). Once December 1 hits, application readers go through applications one at a time. This ensures that every application is assessed fairly, regardless of when they submit their application during the submission window.
So, what does this mean for students?
Every school has guiding principles, missions, and values that drive its culture. UCLA is no different than other colleges. Understanding UCLA’s specific principles and values and learning how to weave them into your application can help students stand out to admission readers. The only caveat here is similar to what we mentioned previously: be authentic, not opportunistic. It’s only valuable to highlight how you incorporate these same values into your life and how you hope to contribute to their thriving culture if it’s truthful. Otherwise, it may hurt your candidacy more than it helps.
Many students overlook the importance of the Additional Comments section. This section is especially useful to students who may have to explain specific circumstances to admissions officers. Perhaps a certain grade requires more clarification, or maybe you had a life-altering event happen during high school; this is where you’d provide that context. That said, this section is not an extension of the PIQs or another attempt to explain your extracurricular impact. Information added here should be new and additive to your application.
Some majors are in high demand and have fewer seats for students. The most selective programs at UCLA include:
In some cases, declaring a major can decrease your chances of UCLA acceptance because of increased competition. While UCLA does not require students to stick to their major after admission, it does impact how they are evaluated by application readers.
If you’re a student interested in a highly competitive major, your application components will be evaluated to ensure you’re demonstrating genuine interest and academic purpose going into college. If you’re hoping to declare a major at UCLA, be sure to tailor your application to it.
On the other hand, if you’re unsure what academic discipline you’d like to pursue, it is perfectly acceptable to apply undeclared. Undeclared does not mean uninterested.
UCLA has world-class academics, vibrant campus life, and an unforgettable location, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. UCLA is best suited for students who are highly motivated, self-starters, and individuals who thrive in a diverse, fast-paced environment. UCLA is similar to other highly selective colleges in that its campus is filled with thousands of high-achieving students and top faculty. If you’re a student who aims to take full advantage of your studies and immerse yourself in the diverse campus community, UCLA may be the right place for you.
If you’ve read through this blog and decided that UCLA may not be the right fit for you, there may be another UC campus that is. Or perhaps there are other colleges in California or elsewhere that offer similar experiences to UCLA. Take the time to ask yourself reflective questions in the early part of the college application process to ensure you build a well-rounded college list.
UCLA can be a great choice for students, and if your eyes are still set on this campus, we encourage you to consider working with Collegewise, where students can benefit from working directly or gaining insights from former UC admissions officers. Schedule a free 45-minute consultation with us today.
To support you on your college admissions journey, check out more of our helpful resources below:
About Us: With more than twenty years of experience, Collegewise counselors and tutors are at the forefront of the ever-evolving admissions landscape. Our work has always centered on you: the family. And just like we’ve always done, we look for ways for your student to be their best self - whether in the classroom, the applications, or in the right-fit college environment. Our range of counseling, test prep, academic tutoring, and essay management, all with the support of our proprietary platform, lead to 4x higher than average admissions rates.