The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), is one of the most selective universities in the prestigious public University of California system. Located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, UCLA offers an urban campus with access to all the nature the great state of California has to offer.
Established in 1919, UCLA is the only leading research university developed after 1900. In just about 100 years, UCLA has developed from a small, regional institution for Angelinos into a top college option for prospective students from around the world, especially those from California.
Read on to learn more about UCLA and what you can do to become a competitive applicant.
How to Get into UCLA: Table of Contents
As a part of the University of California system, UCLA participates in the UC application. This is the only way for a prospective student to apply to UCLA. The University of California system does not use the Common App.
When a student applies to any school in the UC system, they apply using the same UC application. That means that if you apply to one UC school, you can apply to any other UC school using the same application. The UC application deadline is November 30, slightly earlier than most regular applications for admission.
Early, Rolling, and Regular Decision
The University of California system only offers one application round. Even students who consider UCLA or any other UC school their first choice cannot apply early. Since Early Decision is not an option, students cannot apply to UCLA through a binding agreement.
Also, unlike many other public state systems, UC schools do not offer rolling admissions. All students applying to any UC school must submit their application by November 30 of their senior year.
The waitlist is one of three possible admissions decisions: admission, denial, or waitlist. Students must officially accept their place on the waitlist to possibly receive an offer of admission. However, being admitted off the waitlist is rare. For fall 2024, 9,198 studentsaccepted a spot on the waitlist and only 1,211 were admitted.
Since UCLA does not offer early application options, deferrals do not apply in their admissions process. However, it’s still helpful to understand how to navigate deferrals at other institutions that do offer early decision or early action options.
How Hard Is It to Get into UCLA: Early Prep
So, how hard is it to get into UCLA? The answer depends on a number of factors — primarily residency status. UCLA is more selective for out-of-state and international students.
UCLA seeks academically strong students who also demonstrate a commitment to their communities and a passion for making an impact. Here’s how to build a standout profile:
● Strong Academics: Show consistent performance or an upward grade trend.
● Engagement: Participate in extracurriculars, community service, part-time work, or creative pursuits.
● Specialization: Be a “pointy” applicant with depth in a particular area of interest.
Visit the Campus
UCLA offers in-person campus tours as well as virtual information sessions and eventsthrough their admissions office. Visiting campus helps you get a feel for the school environment and determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Connect with a Student
Prospective students can speak with current UCLA students through the admissions office to gain first-hand insights into student life and campus culture. You can also explore student experiences through the Daily Bruin (the student newspaper) or on social media.
How Do You Actually Get into UCLA? The Application
UCLA uses a holistic admissions review, meaning your academic achievement, personal qualities, and creative or extracurricular involvement all matter.
Personal Insight Questions (Essays)
Instead of a single personal statement, applicants must respond to four out of eight UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), with responses ranging from 250–350 words.
2025–26 Essay Prompts:
Choose prompts that showcase different sides of your personality and build a cohesive narrative across the essays.
UCLA does not accept letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors. Be sure to follow all application instructions carefully.
UCLA does not conduct interviews as part of the admissions process.
Contribution to the UCLA Community
UCLA values students who have positively contributed to their communities. They look for signs that applicants will continue to be engaged and make an impact on campus.
What Makes UCLA Unique?
UCLA is the flagship public research university in Los Angeles, offering students access to an urban campus experience alongside California’s natural beauty.
UCLA is ideal for academically driven students who want to immerse themselves in both intellectual and cultural pursuits.
UCLA FAQs
What GPA do I need to get into UCLA?
● Minimum: 3.0 (in-state) / 3.4 (out-of-state)
● Average admitted GPA: Around 3.93
Are SAT/ACT scores required?
● No. UCLA is test-blind.
How competitive is UCLA?
● Very. Acceptance rate is under 10%.
Does UCLA accept the Common App?
● No. Use the UC Application.
What are the application deadlines?
● Filing period: October 1–November 30 for the following fall.
Admissions Counseling with Futures Abroad
To gain admission to UCLA and other top universities, expert guidance can help students strategically plan and strengthen their applications. Futures Abroad offers personalized admissions counseling to help students:
● Build compelling applicant profiles
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● Select the right colleges
● Navigate the admissions process with confidence
Get started today with a consultation at Futures Abroad and take the first step toward your dream college.
