UCLA Acceptance Rate for Freshmen: Stats, Rankings, Decisions & More
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has seen a surge in applications over the past decade, reflecting its growing reputation as a world-class university. While this has led to a corresponding decrease in the acceptance rate, it also highlights the exceptional caliber of students seeking admission to UCLA.
In 2013, UCLA accepted 20% of applicants. The UCLA acceptance rate 2024 has declined to 9%, a reflection of the growing demand for a UCLA education. This trend continued in 2023, with the acceptance rate reaching a historic low, further solidifying UCLA’s position as one of the most selective universities in the country. This remarkable rise in selectivity underscores the exceptional quality of students vying for admission to UCLA, a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
While the acceptance rate may be lower, it’s important to remember that UCLA still admits a significant number of students each year. In 2023, for instance, UCLA admitted over 12,000 students out of a pool of over 140,000 applicants. This means that even though the competition is stiff, it’s still possible to gain admission to UCLA with hard work, dedication, and a strong application.
Is UCLA Prestigious?
UCLA is a top-tier university that consistently earns high marks from renowned ranking organizations such as U.S. News & World Report and QS World University Rankings. No wonder it’s among the most sought-after universities in the world!
- Ranked 29th by the QS World University Rankings 2024
- Ranked 15th by U.S. News & World Report 2024
- Ranked 18th by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
UCLA’s reputation as a world-class university is well-deserved. With an impressive roster of 16 Nobel Laureates, 15 MacArthur Fellows, and 120 NCAA championships, UCLA has also earned more Olympic medals than most countries. Its exceptional academic reputation, world-renowned faculty, groundbreaking research, and strong alumni network have made UCLA a household name synonymous with academic and athletic excellence.
What is the Acceptance Rate at UCLA?
According to the College Board’s Big Future’s latest report, UCLA acceptance rate for freshmen is 9%, which makes it extremely selective.
The acceptance rate can vary depending on your location and whether you’re applying as an international or domestic student. International students generally face lower acceptance rates compared to domestic applicants. One of the reasons for UCLA’s low acceptance rate is its strict GPA requirement. Simply applying isn’t enough; you need to demonstrate academic excellence. As part of the UC system, UCLA adheres to the system’s GPA requirement. To gain admission to any UC school, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and avoid any grades below a “C”.
UCLA’s acceptance rate isn’t the same for all majors. For instance, the School of Music has a relatively high acceptance rate of around 21%, while the UCLA School of Arts and Architecture is much more selective, with an acceptance rate of only 5%. And the Henry Samueli School of Engineering, the second-largest college, only accepts 5% of students. This means that students aiming for these competitive majors may face a tougher admissions process compared to those applying to the College of Letters and Science, which has a more generous acceptance rate of 11%.
The table below shows the details of UCLA freshman applications for 2023.
| Metrics | Total |
|---|---|
| Applicants | 145,910 |
| Admits | 12,737 |
| Enrolled | 6,587 |
| Admit Rate | 9% |
UCLA Admission Stats for 2024
To complete the admission process at the University of California, Los Angeles students are required to pay the non-refundable UCLA application fee. US students can refer to the table below to understand the University of California’s requirements:
| Particulars | UCLA Info |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | UG: Common Application/ UCLA portal |
| Application Deadline | 30 November 2024 |
| Application Fee | $135 (for U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents) |
| Acceptance Rate | 9% |
UCLA Acceptance Rates: Early Decision vs. Regular Decision
| Did you know? Do you know that UCLA does not offer early action or early decision for any applications? Also, UCLA follows a quarter-system calendar and only accepts applications for the fall term. |
Unlike many other universities that offer multiple application deadlines and early decision options, UCLA has a single application deadline and no special admission programs. This means that all applicants are evaluated equally and in the same time frame, ensuring a fair and consistent admissions process.
Additionally, UCLA does not consider standardized test scores such as the SAT exam or ACT as part of the admissions decision, further emphasizing the holistic approach to evaluating applicants. You may choose to send your scores, but it’s not mandatory and will not affect your decision for admission.
This unique approach to admissions reflects UCLA’s commitment to fairness and a well-rounded view of its prospective students. By eliminating the pressure of early decision deadlines and the emphasis on standardized test scores, UCLA aims to attract a diverse and talented student body that represents a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Applying to UCLA is straightforward and transparent. There’s no need to stress about juggling multiple deadlines or strategizing early decision applications. Instead, you can focus on crafting a compelling application that showcases your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and potential contributions to the UCLA community.
From the Desk of Yocket
University of California, Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. This means that only 9 out of every 100 applicants were admitted. The university received over 145,910 applications for the Fall 2023 semester, and only 12,737 were admitted, making it one of the most competitive universities in the country.
The acceptance rate at UCLA has been declining in recent years. In 2012, the acceptance rate was 22%. This decline is due in part to the increasing number of applications that UCLA receives each year. The university is also becoming more selective in its admissions process as it strives to maintain its high academic standards.
When deciding who to admit, UCLA weighs a lot of factors, including grades, extracurricular activities, and other parts of the application. They don’t require SAT scores.
The UCLA acceptance rate is just one factor to consider when building your college list. While you can’t control the UCLA acceptance rate, you can control how you present yourself in your application. Instead of dwelling on the admit rates, focus on crafting an outstanding application, meeting the GPA requirements, showcasing your strengths, and preparing for the possibility of applying to other schools as well!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the deadline for applying to UCLA?
The application deadline for UCLA freshmen is November 30.
2. What is the average GPA for UCLA applicants?
The average GPA for admitted UCLA freshmen in the most recent admissions cycle was 3.95 (unweighted GPA for fall 2022 admits).
3. What are the SAT and ACT scores for UCLA applicants?
UCLA does not require standardized test scores for admission. However, many admitted students still choose to submit their scores. The average SAT score for admitted freshmen in the most recent admissions cycle was between 1290–1510, and the average ACT score was between 27–34.
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May 2, 2024This comprehensive overview of UCLA’s acceptance rate, including insights into early decision and regular decision processes, is incredibly informative for prospective students. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about higher education. Thank you for providing such valuable insights!