- Large public research university
- One of nine undergraduate campuses that make up the University of California system
- UCLA has the largest enrolment, but is smallest in terms of physical footprint
- 30,000+ undergraduates – large but tight-knit community
- 12% international from 90+ countries
- Politically liberal
- Overall superb faculty, first-rate academics and an athletics powerhouse
- One of the most selective public universities in the US
Location
- Very diverse city and state – diversity is a real value of the university
- College town vibe in a city centre location – sandwiched between Bel Air and Beverly Hills
- Westwood neighbourhood is bustling with 15 movie theatres, coffee shops, restaurants and shopping
- Beautiful 419 acre campus – lots of gardens and landscaping
- North campus tends to be liberal arts focused, south campus is STEM
- Beach (5 miles), mountains and Hollywood are all within easy reach
- Many students ride a bike for transportation
Academic
- 200 fields of study
- 125+ majors / 90+ minors
- Many students purse multiple, and often diverse, disciplines
- Apply to a particular school or programme
- College of Letters and Sciences – chosen major has no bearing on the admissions decision
- Speciality programmes – Engineering, Music, Nursing, and Theatre, Film and Television (most have supplementary applications)
- Intense academic environment, particularly in STEM
- Strong programmes across the board, but particularly: Economics, Sociology, Biology, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Political Science, Maths, Engineering, and Film.
- Economics, Sociology, Biology and Political Science have the highest enrolment
- Arts and Media programmes amongst the best in the world – first rate School of Theatre, Film and TV – students can study in Verona, Italy with the Theatre Overseas Program.
- Research is a huge part of the UCLA experience across all faculties – two undergraduate research centres: one for the sciences and one for arts, humanities and social sciences
- Top 10 in US for federal research funding
- 6,000+ research projects taking place at any one time across the campus – creating new knowledge with faculty is a key goal
- 57% of undergrad classes have fewer than 20 students, but some classes can have 300-400
Admissions
- UC Application only
- UCLA received more applications than anywhere else in the US – 100,000+
- Every application is read at least twice
- Holistic review: academic achievement, personal qualities, potential to contribute to campus life, achievement in academic enrichment programmes, other achievements in areas such as performing arts, athletics, community service, etc.
- Students may apply to whichever of the nine campuses they like – separate fee for each
- Grades are self reported – a transcript is not submitted until after acceptance
- No recommendations
- No interviews
- Do not consider SAT or ACT for admission or scholarship purposes.
- Personal Insight Questions (PIQ) – choose 4 out of 8. 350 words max. The best responses = authentic. What do you want UCLA to know about you? Write in a language that you feel comfortable in. No gimmicks. The priority is helping admissions to get to know you in an insightful way.
- Sophomore + junior year are used to create the UC GPA
- 3.4 min GPA for out-of-state students
- The context of an applicant’s school is very carefully considered – what opportunities were available, and did you take advantage of them? Applicants should be looking to take the most rigorous curriculum available to them.
- Very committed to the transfer process – focused on community colleges within California
- Max 18% of students can be from out-of-state/international
- Generally don’t grant deferrals unless for military service or extenuating health circumstances
- Do not use demonstrated interest in any way
- Legacy is not considered
- Accept TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo
- Admissions decisions released in late March
Finances
- Merit scholarships average $5,600 each
- 300 athletics scholarships in 21 sports
- Estimated nonCalifornia resident cost = $68,474 (2021) for tuition and costs if living in UCLA residence halls.
Accommodation
- Very residential campus – a big part of the UCLA experience
- 3 year housing guarantee
- 48% of undergrads live on campus
- Faculty-in-Residence Program
- Residential Learning communities for students with shared interests
- 15 dining halls, restaurants and snack bars – the food has a great reputation
Activities
- 1,200+ student organisations
- NCAA Div 1 – students/alumni have won more than 260 Olympic medals
- Many big-name entertainers, speakers and political figures come to campus
- Lots of live music and theatre
- Volunteer Day is very popular – 8,000+ students take part
- Very entrepreneurial campus with lots of business start ups
- 3 day summer orientation for incoming 1st year students – workshops, counselling, introduction to campus, early class registration
Visit the UCLA website
