The acceptance rate at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) paints a vivid portrait of a fiercely competitive educational landscape. With the Samueli School of Engineering boasting a notoriously slim acceptance rate of just 4.9%, it’s evident that securing a spot there can feel akin to winning a lottery, if that lottery were populated by the best and brightest minds. Conversely, The College of Letters and Science provides a somewhat more welcoming embrace, accepting over 66% of its applicants. Yet, this myriad of statistics tells a deeper story about trends in ambition, the evolving dynamics of student demographics, and the increasing selectivity of programs that require not only stellar grades but also unwavering determination. As applications soar and admission practices adapt, prospective students must navigate an intricate maze—where understanding these rates is just the first step toward their academic dreams.
Admit Rates for UCLA Samueli School of Engineering
- The Samueli School of Engineering has a lower admit rate at 4.9%
- The UCLA Samueli School of Engineering had the second-lowest acceptance rate of 5.51%, making it a highly competitive program.
- The Henry Samueli School of Engineering only accepts 5% of students at UCLA.
Our Interpretation
The low admit rates for the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, ranging from 4.9% to 5.51%, reflect the school’s rigorous standards and highly competitive nature. This selectivity suggests that admission to the program is a significant achievement, implying that students who are accepted have demonstrated exceptional academic talent and potential. The relatively low acceptance rates also underscore the high value placed on engineering education at UCLA, making it an attractive option for top-caliber students seeking a world-class educational experience.
Admission Trends and Acceptance Rates Across Programs
- The College of Letters and Science has the highest admit rate at 11%,
- Over 66% of applicants are admitted to The College, compared to 24% for Engineering and 3% for Theater & Film
- The School of Nursing has a higher admit rate than most schools at 8%
- Herb Alpert School of Music has the lowest admit rate among all schools at 2.1%
- Schools with lower admit rates have more competitive programs, such as Engineering and Theater & Film
- The university accepts around 14% of applicants to its highly competitive programs.
- The College of Letters and Science had the highest acceptance rate besides the Herb Alpert School of Music, making it a more accessible option for students.
- Many admitted students still choose to submit their SAT and ACT scores, with averages of 1290-1510 SAT and 27-34 ACT.
Our Interpretation
The admission trends across various programs at the university reveal a stark contrast between highly competitive fields like Engineering and Theater & Film, which have admit rates as low as 2.1% and 3%, respectively, and more accessible options such as The College of Letters and Science, with an admit rate of 11%. This disparity highlights the varying levels of competitiveness within different academic programs, with students seeking admission to these fields facing significantly lower odds of acceptance.
UCLA Admissions Insights and Overview
- UCLA’s admissions process considers multiple factors beyond GPA and course rigor
- Students from different GPAs are considered for admission to various colleges and schools within UCLA
- UCLA’s admissions review process takes into account the educational opportunities available at each applicant’s high school
- UCLA receives over 113,000 applications annually for its undergraduate programs worldwide.
- UCLA is ranked among the top universities globally in various subjects like business, engineering, and arts.
- International students make up around 17% of the total student population at UCLA.
- UCLA has a strong reputation for producing graduates who go on to earn high salaries and achieve success in their fields.
- UCLA is the most selective public university in the country, rivaling top private universities like UC Berkeley and UNC Chapel Hill.
- To maximize chances of getting into UCLA, applicants must have a strong application across all areas, including essays, extracurricular activities, GPA, and course rigor.
- UCLA accepts a diverse class of freshman students each year, with a focus on contributing to campus diversity through student backgrounds and identities.
- The University of California system calculates UC GPA differently than high school GPA, using all courses and grades received for the application.
- UCLA implements a holistic review process for applications, considering academic achievement, personal qualities, and contributions to campus vitality.
- Applicants must complete 15 A-G courses with at least 11 finished before the last year of high school to be competitive in the UCLA admission process.
- UCLA considers alternative methods for fulfilling minimum requirements or course placement after enrollment if a required subject is not available.
- Applicants must present an academic profile stronger than the UC admission requirements to be competitive in the UCLA admission process.
- UCLA consistently ranks among the top universities globally in various prestigious ranking systems.
- The UCLA campus regularly makes it to lists ranking campus culture and life with over 1000 student-run organisations.
- UCLA has secured a prominent position in several categories including academic reputation, research output, faculty quality, and student satisfaction.
- UCLA offers a wide array of top-notch programs across various disciplines including engineering, business, computer science, psychology, biology, film and television, and social sciences.
- UCLA employs a holistic approach to evaluating applications, considering factors beyond academics.
- Financial aid and scholarships like UCLA Regents Scholarship are available for eligible students.
- UC considers academic grade point average in all completed A-G courses for admissions
- Each UC campus evaluates applications independently of other campuses, without knowing the status of the same application at another campus
Our Interpretation
The findings suggest that UCLA’s admissions process is highly selective and competitive, with the university receiving over 113,000 applications annually. To increase their chances of admission, applicants must demonstrate a strong academic profile, including a high GPA, rigorous coursework, and a well-rounded extracurricular record. The university’s holistic review process considers not only academic achievement but also personal qualities, contributions to campus diversity, and the educational opportunities available at each applicant’s high school. This approach allows UCLA to attract a diverse class of students who will contribute to the university’s vibrant campus culture and life, making it one of the top universities globally in various subjects.
UCLA Admissions Insights: Record Applications and Demographics
- UCLA received a record-breaking 170,047 applications for Fall 2023 admission.
- The university’s freshman application pool reached an all-time high of 145,910 students.
- Transfer student applications also surged to 24,137 for the junior year transfer program.
- UCLA’s admissions data showcases a significant increase in applicant numbers over recent years.
- The university received a record-breaking 149,815 applications from the Class of 2027.
- The acceptance rate continues to drop each year due to increasing applications, making it harder for students to get accepted.
- The Class of 2027 (2022-2024 applicants) had a plurality of Asian students, followed by White students, and then Hispanic/Latino students.
- The university admitted over 12,000 students out of 140,000 applicants in 2023.
- The university’s reputation as a world-class institution has led to a surge in applications.
- The university received over 145,910 applications for Fall 2023 semester.
- UCLA’s first-year applications have increased year-over-year often dramatically except for four times over the last 24 years, including the Class of 2027 when applications fell from an all-time high of 149,815 to 145,910.
- California residents can expect total fees around $38,000-$39,000 if staying in university accommodation.
- UCLA received 146,250 first-year applications, maintaining its top spot in national chart.
- Applications to UCs were up by 1.4% this year, led by gains in California applications.
- The number of Black applicants increased by 7%, Latinos by 2.5%, and American Indians by 1.9%.
- There was a 17.5% drop in applications to UCs from students intending to major in computer science.
- Transfer applications rebounded this year, increasing by more than 10% over last year’s numbers.
- California Community College applicants made up nearly 80% of transfer applications this year.
- UC Davis increased first-year applications by over 4%, and transfer applications grew by 12%.
Our Interpretation
The record-breaking 170,047 applications for Fall 2023 admission at UCLA reflect the university’s growing reputation as a world-class institution, attracting an increasingly diverse pool of students. Despite the surge in applications, the acceptance rate continues to drop, making it more challenging for students to secure a spot. The demographic trends reveal a slight increase in Black, Latino, and American Indian applicants, while computer science majors saw a notable decline. Transfer student applications also rebounded significantly, with California Community College applicants making up nearly 80% of transfer applications. This trend underscores the importance of community college pathways for students seeking to transfer to top universities like UCLA.
UCLA Admissions Insights
- UCLA receives over 145,000 applications annually, with a 8.7% admit rate overall.
- UCLA’s unweighted GPA maximum is 4.00, while the fully weighted GPA can reach up to 5.00
- The acceptance rate for UCLA’s Class of 2024 was 12.3%, with an average GPA of 4.13.
- UCLA has the lowest acceptance rate ever recorded at 8.6% for the class of 2027.
- UCLA School of Nursing had the lowest acceptance rate of just 0.83% among all UCLA schools.
- UCLA’s acceptance rate has declined to a historic low of 9% in 2024.
- UCLA is one of the most selective universities in the country with a 9% acceptance rate.
- UCLA’s GPA requirement is strict, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 required for admission.
- International students face lower acceptance rates compared to domestic applicants at UCLA.
- The School of Music has a relatively high acceptance rate of around 21% at UCLA.
- UCLA does not offer early action or early decision for any applications, ensuring a fair admissions process.
- UCLA has an acceptance rate of 9% for Fall 2023 semester.
- Only 12,737 applicants were admitted to UCLA out of 145,910 applicants.
- UCLA’s acceptance rate has been declining in recent years from 22% in 2012.
- The average GPA for admitted UCLA freshmen is 3.95 (unweighted GPA).
- UCLA does not require standardized test scores for admission.
- UCLA’s overall admission rate has plummeted over the last quarter of a century from 28.96% for the Class of 2004 to 8.57% for the Class of 2026.
- The admission rate has dropped year-over-year all but six times since the Class of 2004, with a couple of bumps in the road like for the Classes of 2009 and 2015.
- The number of admitted students has not yet been made public for the Class of 2028, making it impossible to calculate the overall admission rate for this class.
- UCLA does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes, but may use them for eligibility or course placement after enrollment.
- UCLA’s ACT number is 0448, and its College Board (SAT) number is 4837.
- The University of California acceptance rate is low specifically because of the university’s excellence in its academics and many more accolades.
- UCLA Acceptance Rate is 10% which falls on the lower end, reflecting the level of competition and selectivity among applicants vying for admission to the university.
- The current acceptance rate at UCLA stands at numbers around 8.57% according to various websites and sources, making it one of the hardest universities to get into!
- UCLA’s acceptance rate is around 10%, making it one of the most selective institutions.
- Competition among applicants contributes to the lower UCLA acceptance rate each year.
- Out-of-state freshman student enrollments at UCLA averaged 16.78% over the past ten years.
Our Interpretation
The UCLA admissions process has become increasingly competitive over the years, with a historic low acceptance rate of 8.6% recorded for the Class of 2027. This trend is consistent with the overall decline in admission rates, which have plummeted from 28.96% for the Class of 2004 to 8.57% for the Class of 2026. The School of Nursing stands out as the most exclusive program, with an acceptance rate of just 0.83%. In contrast, the School of Music has a relatively high acceptance rate of around 21%. The university’s decision not to consider standardized test scores for admission or scholarship purposes may be contributing to the decline in admission rates, making it even more challenging for applicants to stand out.
Insights on Admissions Practices and Student Engagement
- Students from all GPAs are considered for admission, with no disadvantage to those without honors courses
- The evaluation of applicants considers the educational opportunities available at their specific high school
- The university’s popularity among prospective students continues to grow, making it the most applied-to institution nationwide.
- The university’s commitment to fairness and a well-rounded view of its prospective students is reflected in its holistic approach to evaluating applicants.
- Competitive applicants earn high marks in the most rigorous curriculum available to them, and each application is reviewed within its context.
- Each application for admission is reviewed within the context of courses available to that student, considering individual circumstances and experiences.
- The University works on a quarter calendar-based system instead of the regular semester system which can be beneficial for students who prefer shorter terms.
- To listen to international students’ concerns, the college has multiple nation-based associations such as the Japanese Student Association (JSA), the Association of Chinese Americans (ACA) and more are at a place in the college.
- The university has a rigorous academic standard, with high expectations for students’ achievements.
- The comprehensive evaluation process ensures admitted students possess diverse skills and qualities.
- Part-time jobs and research internships can help students earn extra cash on the side.
- Prospective students consider acceptance rate when making decisions about their higher education journey.
- A low acceptance rate enhances perception of academic quality, attracting highly qualified students.
- Competition fosters strategies among applicants to enhance their profiles and chances of admission.
- Honors and Advanced Placement courses are given additional points in the evaluation process
- Eligible in the Local Context (ELC) ranking is considered as a factor in admissions decisions
- Quality of senior-year program and academic performance relative to high school opportunities are evaluated
- Outstanding performance in specific subject areas or special projects can impact admission decisions
- Recent improvement in academic performance, special talents, and achievements are also taken into account
- Life experiences, disabilities, low family income, and other special circumstances are considered for admissions
- Campuses consider all applications simultaneously but make independent admission decisions
- Tina’s extensive experience in higher education spans five years as Associate Dean of Admissions at Pomona College.
- She has worked as both a faculty member and admissions professional, overseeing communications and transfer admissions.
- Dr. Tina Brooks holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.A. in English with Honors from UW-Madison.
- Her background includes serving as Assistant Director of Admission and Transfer Coordinator at Scripps College.
- Tina has published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Fodor’s guide to Los Angeles, and many college alumni magazines.
- She has mentored students through Scholar Match, evaluated scholarships for the Davidson Institute, and interviewed for the Gates Scholarship and Posse Foundation.
- Dr. Brooks’ expertise spans writing, academic, and outcomes goals, making her a valuable resource for students.
Our Interpretation
The university’s holistic approach to evaluating applicants ensures that students from all GPAs are given a fair chance at admission, considering the unique educational opportunities available to them. This comprehensive evaluation process takes into account individual circumstances, experiences, and achievements, resulting in a diverse pool of admitted students with a wide range of skills and qualities. By prioritizing fairness and a well-rounded view of its prospective students, the university fosters a competitive environment that encourages applicants to enhance their profiles and showcase their unique strengths, ultimately attracting highly qualified students who are eager to succeed in a rigorous academic standard.
Key Insights on GPA, Admission Requirements, and Fees
- The maximum value possible for unweighted GPA is 4.00, while fully weighted GPA can reach up to 5.00
- The A-G requirements include 2 years of history/social science, 4 years of college-preparatory English, 3 years of mathematics, and 2 years of laboratory science.
- Applicants can choose to answer four out of eight personal questions, with each response limited to a maximum of 350 words.
- The personal questions are designed to give insight into the applicant’s true and authentic voice during the review process.
- The A-G requirements include 2 years of language other than English, 1 year of visual and performing arts, and 1 year of college-preparatory elective.
- Applicants can choose which four out of eight personal questions are most relevant to their experience and individual circumstances.
- Non-residents, including international students, may face total fees up to $71,000-$73,000 with accommodation.
Our Interpretation
The findings on GPA, admission requirements, and fees reveal a nuanced landscape that underscores the importance of academic rigor and personal authenticity. The distinction between unweighted and fully weighted GPAs highlights the value placed on comprehensive learning experiences, where students can excel beyond traditional boundaries. Meanwhile, the A-G requirements serve as a benchmark for college-preparatory excellence, emphasizing the development of well-rounded individuals through diverse subjects like history, English, mathematics, science, language, arts, and electives.
The personal questions, with their emphasis on authentic voice and experience, demonstrate an understanding that applicants are more than just academic achievers. They are individuals with unique perspectives and stories to share, which can be a powerful factor in the review process. Furthermore, the fees associated with non-resident admission underscore the economic realities of higher education, where costs can reach upwards of $70,000 for international students.
Ultimately, these findings suggest that success in this context is not solely defined by academic performance but also by personal growth, diversity of experience, and a willingness to engage authentically.