UCLA Admission Rate: Everything Explained

Understanding the UCLA Admission Rate is an important opportunity for prospective students as it helps in understanding the likelihood of acceptance and the level of competition.

When applying to UCLA, it’s essential to be aware of their admission rates and process to be well-prepared. The general average admission rate for UCLA is approximately 11.6%.

University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) started as a teacher training college in Los Angeles but gradually transformed into a full-fledged university.

It was established in 1919 and is located in Los Angeles, California. This university is ranked among the top 20 universities in the world.

It has a student body of about 45,000, including undergraduates, graduates, and Ph.D. students. UCLA boasts over 1,200 student organizations and clubs, attracting students from the United States and around the world.

What is UCLA’s Acceptance Rate?

UCLA’s admission rate is the percentage of applicants who are accepted out of the total number of students who apply.

This rate varies from year to year and depends on several factors such as the number of applicants, the number of available seats, and admission policies.

UCLA Admission Rate Details

The admission rate at UCLA varies each year depending on the number of applicants, their qualifications, and the number of available seats.

Below are some recent admission rates to give you an idea of how it fluctuates:

Type	Applicants	Admits	Acceptance Rate
Class of 2026	149,801	12,844	8.6%
Class of 2025	139,482	15,028	11%
Class of 2024	108,870	15,602	14%

Why is the Admission Rate Important?

UCLA’s admission rate is important for several reasons. The number of available seats is limited, but there are many applicants, so not all students can be accepted.

Therefore, admission is based on merit. Additionally, a lower admission rate often indicates a high-quality and popular university. These factors are considered when determining the admission rate.

UCLA Recent Admission Rate

Recently, UCLA’s admission rate has been around 10-14%, depending on the number of applicants and their qualifications.

Over the past decades, UCLA’s acceptance rates have significantly declined, reflecting increased selectivity. In 1980, nearly 75% of applicants were accepted.

This rate dropped to the low 40s by 1990, the high 20s by 2000, and the low 20s by 2010. By 2024, the acceptance rate has plummeted to below 10%.

For the Class of 2027, UCLA received 145,904 applications and admitted 12,799 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 11.6%.

In fall 2023, the acceptance rates were 9.4% for California residents, 8.6% for out-of-state applicants, and 6% for international applicants.

For the Class of 2027, the mid-50% GPA range was 4.2-4.31. Among enrolled students, 59% had a GPA of 4.0+ and 34% had a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99.

UCLA is test-blind and does not consider standardized test scores or class rank.

Admissions trends show that applications slightly decreased from 149k to 145k in the last cycle, 27% of the Class of 2027 were first-generation students.

On the other hand, 33% were from underrepresented backgrounds, and 64% of the freshman class received need-based aid.

The yield rate has increased from 44% to 52% since 2020.

Factors Affecting Admission Rate at UCLA

The admission rate can be influenced by several factors. If the number of applications exceeds the number of available seats, the admission rate can decrease.

Sometimes UCLA may change its admission policies, which can also impact the admission rate.

Additionally, the results and qualifications of applicants can affect the admission rate.

Read also about the Chast Student Bank Account

UCLA Academic Programs

UCLA has 13 colleges and schools that offer high-quality education in various fields.

• College of Letters and Science
• School of the Arts and Architecture
• School of Engineering and Applied Science (HSSEAS)
• School of Law
• David Geffen School of Medicine
• Fielding School of Public Health
• And many more.

Eligibility for UCLA Admission

To get admitted to UCLA, certain requirements and qualifications must be met. Below are the requirements in simple language:

High GPA (Grade Point Average)

GPA is a measure of your academic achievement, typically measured on a 4.0 scale.

Generally, to get into UCLA, your GPA should be 3.5 or higher. However, a higher GPA (3.8 or above) is better due to high competition.

SAT/ACT Scores

These are standardized tests used for college admissions in the United States.

The highest score for SAT is 1600, and for ACT, it’s 36. Typically, to get into UCLA, you need an SAT score of 1400 or above and an ACT score of 30 or above.

However, many institutions have relaxed these requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Course Requirements (A-G Requirements)

To get into UCLA, you need to complete a certain number of A-G courses:

• History/Social Science – 2 years
• English – 4 years
• Mathematics – 3 years (4 years recommended)
• Laboratory Science – 2 years (3 years recommended)
• Language Other Than English – 2 years (3 years recommended)
• Visual and Performing Arts – 1 year
• College Preparatory Electives – 1 year

UCLA Admission Requirements for Foreign Students

Foreign students can also apply to UCLA. There are specific requirements and processes for foreign students. Below are the details:

Educational Qualification

You need to be a high school graduate and submit your transcripts.

Generally, a GPA of 3.4 or above is required, but this depends on the program you are applying for.

Standard Qualification

Most programs require SAT or ACT scores. Generally, a score of 1400 or above on the SAT and 30 or above on the ACT is needed.

Proof of English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS is required. Usually, a TOEFL score of 80 or above and an IELTS score of 7 or above is needed.

Visa and Immigration Requirements

• F-1 Visa: Foreign students need to apply for an F-1 student visa.
• I-20 Form: You need to submit an I-20 form provided by UCLA when applying for a visa.

Financial Assistance

• Proof of Financial Capability: You need to prove that you can afford your study and living expenses in the United States.

Special Quota for UCLA Admission

There are special quotas for certain students at UCLA, such as:

• California Resident Preference: To avail of this quota, you need to be a permanent resident of California.
• First-Generation College Student: If you are the first in your family to attend college, you may receive special consideration.
• Low-Income Families: If your family income is below a certain limit, you can receive financial aid, scholarships, and tuition fee waivers.
• Transfer Students: There are reserved seats for students transferring from community colleges. There is a separate admission process for them.
• Veterans and Military Personnel: Special benefits are available for members of the US military or those serving in the military.

UCLA Study Duration

In the United States, it generally takes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree. The duration of study at UCLA may vary depending on your field of study and course load.

Bachelor’s Degree: Usually 4 years

• Full-Time Students: Generally, it takes 4 years for those taking a full course load (about 15-16 credits per term).
• Part-Time Students: It may take 5-6 years for those taking fewer courses.

Master’s Degree: Usually 2 years

Some programs can be completed in 1 year, but most take 2 years.

Professional Degree

• MBA: 2 years
• MD: 4 years
• JD: 3 years

UCLA is a world-class university known for its educational standards, research activities, and extensive opportunities for students.

When applying to UCLA, a specific application fee must be paid, which varies depending on the applicant’s residency and program.

Fees differ for California residents, non-residents, and international students.