The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a highly regarded public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Known for its academic excellence, global reputation, and sunny campus life, UCLA offers students an outstanding education paired with unmatched cultural and professional opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Admissions to UCLA
Academic Programs
UCLA offers over 125 undergraduate majors across a range of disciplines. Academic divisions include the College of Letters and Science, the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Theater, Film, and Television, the School of Nursing, the Herb Alpert School of Music, and the School of the Arts and Architecture. Students have the freedom to explore diverse interests, often combining fields like data science and film or biology and public health.
Admissions Overview
Admission to UCLA is extremely competitive. For the Fall 2023 admissions cycle, the university received 149,813 freshman applications and admitted approximately 12,825 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 8.6 percent. The middle 50 percent weighted GPA of admitted students ranged from 4.21 to 4.31. UCLA continues to be test-blind, meaning it does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all during admissions decisions.
Academic Environment
The student-to-faculty ratio at UCLA is approximately 18:1. Despite its size, many upper-division courses have small class sizes, and students are encouraged to participate in faculty-led research. Undergraduate research is a hallmark of the UCLA experience, and students can access opportunities across all disciplines—from biology labs to film editing rooms to urban planning initiatives.
As one of the top-ranked public universities in the United States, UCLA attracts driven students from across the country and around the world. Applicants are advised to present a strong academic record, along with personal insight responses that reflect depth, leadership, and authenticity. Working with an experienced editor or admissions advisor can help polish your responses and ensure your application reflects your potential.
UCLA Admissions Statistics (Fall 2023)
| Statistic | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Applicants | 149,813 |
| Students Enrolled | 12,825 |
| Acceptance Rate | 8.6% |
| Middle 50% Weighted GPA | 4.21–4.31 |
| Total Undergraduate Enrollment | 32,423 |
| Countries Represented | 100+ |
Sources
- Admissions Data: Undergraduate Admission
- GPA and Enrollment Data: Academic Planning and Budget
- Additional Enrollment Information: Academic Planning and Budget
- U.S. News & World Report: U.S. News
Student Life at UCLA
With its location in Los Angeles, UCLA students benefit from easy access to film studios, music venues, tech startups, hiking trails, and beaches. Westwood Village, located adjacent to campus, offers shopping, movie theaters, and cafes, while Santa Monica, Hollywood, and downtown LA are all within reach.
The campus hosts more than 1,000 student organizations, including cultural associations, academic clubs, service organizations, and performance groups. Greek life is present but not central to student life. Students describe UCLA’s social environment as vibrant, diverse, and energetic.
Housing is guaranteed for three years for incoming freshmen, and the residential halls offer themed communities and plenty of social programming. Dining is consistently ranked among the best in the country, with a wide variety of healthy and international options.
What’s Good
There’s so much happening in LA, and UCLA students are at the heart of it—internships, concerts, film screenings, everything.
Campus is beautiful, and it’s sunny almost year-round.
The research opportunities here are phenomenal, even for freshmen.
What’s Not-So-Great
The size of the school can make it hard to get into certain classes, especially popular GE courses.
You need to be self-motivated—no one’s going to chase you down if you fall behind.
Traffic in LA is real, and parking on campus is tough.
Admissions Requirements at UCLA
UCLA uses the University of California application system and does not accept the Common App. The application includes academic history, extracurricular activities, and responses to four personal insight questions selected from a list of eight.
UCLA is test-blind, meaning SAT and ACT scores are not considered at all in admissions decisions. Instead, the university focuses on academic performance, quality of coursework, achievements, leadership, and insight provided through the application.
UCLA does not require letters of recommendation and does not offer interviews. All applicants are reviewed using a comprehensive, holistic process that takes into account academic accomplishments, personal background, and potential contributions to the campus community.
GPA Expectations
Competitive applicants to UCLA typically have a weighted GPA above 4.2. The university expects students to have challenged themselves with honors, AP, IB, or dual-enrollment coursework whenever available. While there is no minimum GPA, admission is highly selective, and most admitted students are in the top 10 percent of their class.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to apply to UCLA, your personal insight responses are one of the most important parts of your application. Thoughtful, well-written responses that show your values, experiences, and aspirations can set your application apart. Consider working with a trusted editor or advisor to ensure your application is as strong as it can be.
Note: All data and statistics are sourced from UCLA’s official admissions site and publicly available third-party resources. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official UCLA Undergraduate Admission website.