Want to be a Bruin? You’re in good company if you want to know how to get into UCLA. 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.
The University of California, Los Angeles (best known as UCLA) may be just a half-hour from the Hollywood entertainment mecca, but its students’ favorite majors include technical degrees like biology, business economics, political science, psychology, psychobiology and economics, making it a highly sought-after location for research and technology.
The application process for UCLA is managed solely by the UC Application Portal. Fortunately, you can use one application for nine campuses. This article will step you through the most important things to keep in mind when applying to UCLA.
HOW HARD IS IT TO GET INTO UCLA?
It is extremely difficult to get accepted to UCLA. The grade point average of people who get accepted to UCLA are in the highest of their class. People who successfully get into UCLA also tend to have impressive extracurricular activities and college applications essays.
UCLA Acceptance Rate
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). In order to get into a school like UCLA, you will need to excel in almost every major college application factor.
UCLA Regular, Early Action, and Early Decision Acceptance Rates
UCLA does not have any Early Action or Early Decision options. During UCLA’s regular decision cycle, it received 149,815 applications and accepted 12,844 students (9%). UCLA is the most applied to school in the country.
UCLA GPA Requirements
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. If your GPA is lower than suggested at the time you apply, you may have to perform above average on your standardized tests. If you’re wondering how to get into UCLA with bad grades or if your grades aren’t as high as they could have been due to life experiences or hardship, you should consider writing about it in your additional information section.
UCLA Unweighted GPA Requirements
The unweighted GPA requirements for UCLA are between 3.9 to 4.0 and the median GPA score is 4.0. 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. For an unweighted GPA, 4.0 is the highest possible grade and neither honors, AP, or IB courses are given extra weight.
Unweighted Average GPA: 3.93
GPA Distribution: Unweighted
4.0 = 59.1%
3.75 - 3.99 = 34.0%
3.5 - 3.74 = 4.9%
3.25 - 3.49 = 1.6%
3.00 - 3.24 = .3%
2.50 - 2.99 = 0.4%
2.00 - 2.49 = 0.1%
1.00 - 1.99 = 0.0%
<1.00 = 0.0%
What GPA should I have?
Applicants should be between 3.80 and 4.0 to be strong candidates for admission to this school. Having less than this will require compensating by having outstanding extracurricular activities or personal statement.
UCLA Weighted GPA Requirements
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. UCLA’s website states that “[t]he 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.” This includes a maximum of 8 points between 10th and 11th grades.
How to Calculate UCLA's Weighted GPA for California Resident Applicants
Honors courses are Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate Higher Level (IB HL) and designated Standard Level (IB SL) courses, UC-transferable college courses and UC-certified honors courses that appear on your school's course list.
For 10th grade, you cannot use more than 4 honors points.
Grades of D or F in an honors course do not earn an extra point.
Grades of CR (credit) or P (pass) in an honors course do not earn an extra point.
Classes taken during the summer after 9th grade count as 10th grade; classes in summer after 10th grade count as 10th grade; classes in summer after 11th grade count as 11th grade.
One college course = one grade = one honors point.
These came from UCLA website on its requirements for calculating weighted GPA.
How to Calculate UCLA's Weighted GPA for Non-California Resident Applicants
UCLA will grant honors weight for AP or IB courses and transferable college courses only.
UCLA will not grant weight for school-designated honors courses.
The weight is given to letter grades of A, B, or C.
This excerpt came from UCLA website on its requirements for calculating unweighted GPA.
UCLA SAT Requirements
UCLA admissions does not consider SAT scores as a part of your application for scholarship consideration. However, there are still a few things you should know about UCLA’s requirements around the SAT.
UCLA SAT Score Policy
UCLA does not “consider ACT or SAT test scores for admissions decisions or the awarding of scholarships for any applicants.” However, “if you choose to submit [SAT] test scores as part of your application, they may be used for course placement after you enroll.” Source: UCLA website. Not submitting SAT scores will not negatively affect your application.
UCLA SAT Writing Score Policy
On the University of California Los Angeles website, you can find UCLA’s writing score policy: “UC no longer collects the essay/writing scores for the SAT/ACT tests. 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. Certain scores may be high enough to meet UC’s Entry-Level Writing Requirement.”
UCLA ACT Requirements
UCLA admissions does not consider ACT scores as a part of your application for scholarship consideration. However, there are still a few things you should know about UCLA’s requirements around the ACT.
UCLA ACT Score Policy
Just like with SAT scores, UCLA does not “consider ACT or SAT test scores for admissions decisions or the awarding of scholarships for any applicants.” However, “if you choose to submit [ACT] test scores as part of your application, they may be used for course placement after you enroll.” Source: UCLA website. Not submitting ACT scores will not negatively affect your application.
UCLA ACT Writing Score Policy
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. Certain scores may be high enough to meet UC’s Entry-Level Writing Requirement.”
UCLA Application Requirements
UCLA Application 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. Test scores must be postmarked or electronically submitted on or before July 15.
The 13 Elements of Comprehensive Review: What You Need to Know
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. You can find these here, or here:
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.
These are the 13 criteria that UC readers use to determine whether you’re in or out.
In the guide (link to button below), I’ll walk you through (1) each of the 13 elements while offering tips to capture any interesting, important contextual information about you that could set you apart from other UC applicants, (2) help you find your topics, and (3) give you two ideas for how to structure your essays.
Click here to check out the free guide to writing fabulous essays that answer the 13 elements of comprehensive review.
The UCLA Essay Prompts
Prompt #1
Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
Prompt #2
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.
Prompt #3
What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
Prompt #4
Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
Prompt #5
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?
Prompt #6
Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
Prompt #7
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
Prompt #8
Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admission to the University of California?
UCLA Essay Tips
Tip #1
Don’t forget to connect your personal insight questions to one or more of the 13 points of comprehensive review.
How do I know you should do this? 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.)
Tip #2
Make use of the many resources the UCs have provided For some good contextual advice, click here, and for some basic writing advice, click here.
Tip #3
Remember that it’s okay to answer your personal insight questions in a direct, straightforward way.
How do I know? 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. (A high school counselor raised her hand and asked, “Really? Bullet points? Like, really really?” and the UC Director was like, “Yup.”)
Will you personally choose to provide bullet points? That’s up to you. It may feel a little weird. But just know that at least a few of the UC directors have said it’s cool.
Tip #4
Write in such a way that a UC reader could skim your responses to the personal insight questions and get your main points.
Why? Because the reader will probably be spending about 6-8 minutes on your application. Not on each essay. ON YOUR WHOLE APPLICATION.
I just want to emphasize it’s cool—and smart—to get straight to the point. That being said …
Tip #5
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.
Why take the time to write a stand-out essay?
Answer: 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.
Quick example:
Michigan Supplement: Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (250 word limit).
— — —
UC Personal Insight Question #7: What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? (350 words).
I call this writing a “super” essay. By answering both prompts at once, you get deeper with the answer for both. Plus it saves you. So. Much. Time.
And guess what: You can do this for multiple prompts (3, 4, or 17).
For more on how to write a “super” essay, click here.
Click here to read the full Step-by-Step Guide for How to Write the UC Application Essays
UCLA Major-Specific Essays for Professional Programs
Major Application Deadlines for Fall Quarter
Deadline (please double check on link below
January 20
January 20
December 15
December 15
December 6
Freshman - December 7
Transfer - January 11
December 6
December 6
December 6
December 6
December 6
December 6
January 15
December 7
December 15
Source
Major
Architectural Studies
Art
Dance
Design | Media Arts
Ethnomusicology
Film and Television
Global Jazz Studies
Music Composition
Music Education
Music History and Industry
Music Performance
Musicology
Nursing
Theater
World Arts and Cultures
The following prompts were gathered from the UCLA admissions site.
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. We recommend that you refer to our FAQ (https://supplemental.arts.ucla.edu/help.php#DANCE) for best approaches to this section of the application.
Design | Media Arts
In 500 characters or less, list your TOP 5 CREATIVE INFLUENCES. 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.
(For a full list of Music Industry courses, please reference the course catalog here.)
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 albums remain at historic lows, and the live music sector has been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Given this complex history, what do you think the music industry will look like in the year 2025? How will music be consumed? What models for generating revenue will be dominant, and why? (400 words max)
OROption B. Creative portfolio option: Please upload 1-3 recorded (audio, visual, or both) examples of recent work in the highest quality audio possible. In the space for a written response below, please provide a detailed explanation of your specific role in the work (as lyricist, performer, producer, or a combination). If written scores or other documentation are available, please feel free to submit these as well.
Music Composition
Please provide a concise statement that describes why you wish to study music at UCLA. In your statement, and in no particular order, please discuss the following elements:
Your goals for studying music at UCLA
Your musical interests, experiences, and influences
Your professional/career objectives
You will have a maximum of 500 words. It is recommended that you write your statement in a separate word processing program, then cut and paste it into the web application.
Music Education
Please provide a concise statement that describes why you wish to study music at UCLA. In your statement, and in no particular order, please discuss the following elements:
Your musical interests, experiences, and influences
Your professional/career objectives
Why you want to study music education at UCLA
You will have a maximum of 500 words. It is recommended that you write your statement in a separate word processing program, then cut and paste it into the web application.
Music Performance
Please provide a concise statement that describes why you wish to study Music Performance at UCLA. In your statement, and in no particular order, please discuss the following elements:
Your goals for studying music at UCLA
Your musical interests, experiences, and influences
Your professional/career objectives
Your vision for community engagement and sustained relevance as a musician
You will have a maximum of 500 words. It is recommended that you write your statement in a separate word processing program, then cut and paste it into the web application.
Musicology
The Musicology major is not primarily a performance major, so there is no audition. Instead, your answers to the following two prompts will serve as your “audition” in words. A strong relationship to writing and verbal expression is fundamental to success in our program. The faculty will be reading these for thoughtfulness, originality, clarity, concision, and correct English.
Tell the admissions committee why you are attracted to the program (Tip: study the course offerings and the profiles of our professors to help craft your answer). (400 words maximum)
Tell the admissions committee what you think the study of musicology will teach you, and how you envision using those skills after college (Tip: stay focused on the program. You'll have other opportunities in the admission process to talk about your relationship to music, its importance to humanity, etc). For a basic overview of what “musicology” is, go here. (400 words maximum)
Theater - Acting
Acting Essay (300 word max).
An Essay on the following: In addition to generating empathy, how can acting be used to further social justice projects? Please provide a specific example in your answer.
Theater - Design/Production
Design Approach (6 page max). An Essay (2 page max) of your ORIGINAL design approach to any specific Early Modern production (i.e. Shakespeare, Spanish Golden Age, Ming or Qing Dynasties, etc.) Optional Supporting Images (2-4 page max) of your interpretation of your potential design approach.
Theater - Musical Theater
Musical Theater Acting Essay (300 word max). An Essay on the following: In addition to generating empathy, how can acting be used to further social justice projects? Please provide a specific example in your answer.
World Arts and Cultures
After reading the department’s mission statement (https://www.wacd.ucla.edu/about/mission), please explain what makes you an especially well-suited candidate for the BA in World Arts and Cultures. Your response must reflect whether and how you see cultures and arts as tools for expression and social transformation. 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.
Want advice on dozens of other supplemental essays?
Click here
Special thanks to Nicolas Sawyer for contributing to this post.
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