University of California Los Angeles Admission 2025

Discover the 2025 University of California Los Angeles admission process, requirements, and insider tips to secure your spot at this top university! The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the most prestigious public universities in the world, known for its cutting-edge research, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. As one of the most competitive schools in the UC system, getting into UCLA requires thorough preparation and a standout application. With more than 46,000 students, including over 32,000 undergraduates and 14,000 graduate students, UCLA was established in 1919.

The institution has an endowment of more than $5 billion and provides top-notch academics, innovative research opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities. Writing a compelling application is crucial, whether of your interest in UCLA’s esteemed College of Letters and Science, the Samueli School of Engineering, or the School of Theater, Film, and Television. If you’re planning to apply for the 2025 University of California Los Angeles admissions cycle, this guide will walk you through the requirements, deadlines, and strategies to maximize your chances of acceptance.

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About University of California Los Angeles Admissions

Despite the extremely competitive admissions procedure and low acceptance rate of the University of California, Los Angeles (9%), you may make your application stand out if you prepare it well. The holistic assessment process used by UCLA means that your chances of being accepted are influenced by your academic performance, extracurricular activities, personal insights, and distinctive experiences. To help you prepare for what to expect, let’s break down the essential components of the University of California Los Angeles admission criteria.

UCLA Acceptance Rate

With an acceptance rate of about 9% for the 2025 application cycle, the University of California, Los Angeles is still one of the most selective public universities in the United States. Over 145,000 students have applied to UCLA in recent years, setting a new record for the number of applicants to its prestigious programs. For a successful application, you must therefore be well-prepared for all of the University of California, Los Angeles admission standards and have a thorough understanding of the school’s acceptance rate.

Application Deadlines

Time is of the essence when applying to UCLA. UCLA maintains a rigorous application process, with various due dates based on program and study level. Your application will be taken into consideration for admission, scholarships, and other opportunities if you meet these deadlines. Below is a summary of the important due dates.

Undergraduate Admission Deadlines: Regular Decision (RD) November 30, 2025
Postgraduate Application Deadlines:
- Spring Admission: September 1, 2025
- Fall Admission: December 1, 202

Deadlines for UCLA graduate programs differ per department, so it’s important to confirm the precise dates and requirements with the school in question. Obtain all required paperwork, such as test results, recommendation letters, personal statements, and transcripts, to fulfill UCLA’s admissions standards. Early application submission guarantees you don’t miss any possibilities and gives you time for improvements!

Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s take a step-by-step look at the University of California Los Angeles admissions process to make sure you fulfill all the requirements and give the admissions committee your best self.

1. Fill out the UC Application: Start by completing the University of California (UC) Application, which is used for undergraduate admissions at UCLA and other UC schools. Personal insight questions on the application assist highlight your goals, accomplishments, and personality.

2. Submit Your Transcripts: Admitted students must submit their final transcripts prior to enrollment, even though UCLA does not require official transcripts at the time of admission. Make sure your UC application appropriately reflects the education you completed in high school.

3. Submit Standardized Test Scores (Optional): SAT and ACT results are not taken into account for making admissions or scholarship decisions at UCLA because of the school’s test-blind admissions policy. International students might have to submit their results from English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL (minimum score of 100) or IELTS (minimum score of 7.0).

4. Provide Letters of Recommendation: For the majority of undergraduate applicants, UCLA does not require letters of recommendation. Nonetheless, they could be required by certain specialist programs, such as the School of Nursing. Verify the particular criteria for your program.

5. Prepare Supplemental Materials: Portfolios, auditions, or other paperwork may be required for some programs, including those in the School of the Arts and Architecture, Herb Alpert School of Music, and School of Theater, Film, and Television. Examine the particular prerequisites for the major you plan to pursue.

6. Submit the UCLA Application Fee: Students from the United States must pay an application fee of $80, while those from other countries must pay $95 to the University of California Los Angeles. Eligible applicants can apply for fee waivers via the UC Application.

7. Monitor Your UCLA Admission Status: Once submitted, you will have access to the UC Application Portal, where you may monitor the status of your application, get updates, see if you have been admitted to the University of California Los Angeles, and reply to any information requests.

University California Los Angeles Admission Requirements

Creating a strong application requires an understanding of the University of California Los Angeles admissions standards. Now let’s discuss the particular requirements for UCLA admissions for both undergraduate and graduate applications!

1. Undergraduate Criteria

All students must adhere to the strict undergraduate admission requirements in order to be admitted. Here are the requirements for admission as an undergraduate!

Academic Excellence

Students with a solid high school academic record are sought after by UCLA. Competitive applicants usually undertake challenging courses across key areas, such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Languages, and the Arts, while no particular program is required. Strong marks from at least three years of mathematics coursework, including Algebra II, are required.

Extracurricular Involvement

Candidates who exhibit leadership, initiative, and commitment in extracurricular activities are highly valued by the University of California Los Angeles admissions committee. Your application may be strengthened by involvement in clubs, athletics, research, internships, community service, or personal projects.

Personal Insight Questions

Under the University of California Los Angeles admissions process, candidates must answer four of eight Personal Insight Questions in lieu of a conventional personal statement. You can highlight your distinct background, experiences, and goals with these answers. A strong impression on the admissions committee can be achieved with a well-written and persuasive response.

Undergraduate Eligibility Criteria

Program	Eligibility Criteria	Documents Required
Engineering (B.E./B.Tech)	solid background in science and math, including studies in physics, geometry, and algebra II.	High School Transcripts, Supplemental Application (If applicable)
Film, Television, and Digital Media	It could be necessary to provide a portfolio or creative supplement.	Portfolio, High School Transcripts, Personal Insight Questions
Business Economics	strong mathematical foundation, encompassing calculus and algebra.	High School Transcripts, Personal Insight Questions
Architecture	Submission of a portfolio and a solid artistic background are necessary.	Portfolio, High School Transcripts, Personal Insight Questions
Fine Arts (BFA)	For some programs, a portfolio or audition may be necessary.	Portfolio, Resume, High School Transcripts, Personal Insight Questions

2. Graduate Criteria

‍1. Bachelor’s Degree

You must have a four-year Bachelor’s degree from an approved university, usually with a GPA of 3.0 or better, in order to improve your admittance to the University of California Los Angeles. Higher GPA requirements can be required for some programs.

2. Standardized Tests

Results from standardized tests like the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT may be needed, depending on the program. It’s crucial to confirm the particular program requirements because some departments waive tests or have made the GRE optional.

3. Professional Experience

Some graduate schools favor or require relevant professional experience, especially in the fields of law, public policy, and business. This experience can improve your contributions to the program and offer insightful information.

4. Letters of Recommendation

Two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources are required for the majority of UCLA’s graduate programs. Good recommendations can draw attention to your accomplishments, credentials, and chances of succeeding in graduate school.

If you make sure your application satisfies these requirements, you can increase your chances of being admitted to the University of California Los Angeles’s competitive graduate programs. The institution takes a comprehensive approach, taking into account both work experience, personal qualities, and academic accomplishments.

3. Standardized Test Scores and GPA Expectations

A solid academic record is required for admission, even though the University of California Los Angeles admission criteria is test-blind for the 2025–2026 cycle. GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal insight replies are all important components of UCLA’s evaluation process because of its holistic approach. The following summarizes UCLA’s standardized test rules and GPA requirements:

SAT/ACT Policy: Test-blind (Not considered)
Average Unweighted GPA: 3.90 – 4.00
Average Weighted GPA: 4.18 – 4.31

Maintaining a high GPA and creating engaging personal insight responses are essential for sticking out because the University of California Los Angeles admission does not consider standardized test scores. Your application can be strengthened even further by taking part in leadership positions, relevant extracurricular activities, and distinctive personal experiences!

International Students’ Requirements for University of California Los Angeles Admission

To make sure you are ready for academic achievement, you must fulfill certain prerequisites when navigating the University of California Los Angeles’ requirements for international students. Academic performance, English language skills, and other necessary papers are all taken into account when UCLA considers applications.

1. Requirements for International Students in English Proficiency

Since English is UCLA’s principal medium of teaching, foreign applicants from non-English speaking nations must establish their competence on an authorized test, with the following suggested minimum scores:

IELTS: 7.0 overall
TOEFL iBT: 100, with at least 22 in each section
Duolingo English Test (DET): 120
PTE Academic: 68

The most competitive applicants at UCLA frequently score higher than these minimum requirements. Successful applicants, for example, usually have good section scores and a TOEFL iBT score above 110.

2. Necessary Documentation for International Students

International students at the University of California Los Angeles have the same admission rate as residential students, provided they complete English proficiency standards. International applicants, however, are required to submit the following paperwork:

Academic Records: Send in official transcripts from any secondary or post-secondary school you have attended. If the documents are not in English, certified translations have to be provided.
Standardized Test Scores: For undergraduate admissions, UCLA is test-blind, which means that SAT and ACT results are not taken into account. However, depending on their program, graduate applicants might require GRE or GMAT results.
Financial Support Evidence: International students must provide bank statements or official financial letters attesting to their ability to pay for tuition and living expenses for a minimum of one academic year.
Passport Copy: Processing your visa requires a good copy of the identity page of your current passport.

Your chances of securing your University of California Los Angeles admission will be improved if you make sure all necessary paperwork is ready and submitted on time! The institution is a great option for foreign students seeking higher education in the United States since it provides a lively and diverse student experience.

University of California Los Angeles Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to help students reach their academic objectives. Scholarships from UCLA are given out on the basis of leadership, community service, academic achievement, financial necessity, and special skills. By offering financial aid to both domestic and foreign students, UCLA contributes to the affordability and accessibility of education. Some scholarships are automatically considered through the UC application, while others require additional applications.

Scholarships can originate from the institution, private benefactors, and other organizations. Students must submit their University of California Los Angeles admission application by November 30, 2025, to be eligible for UCLA scholarships. In addition to merit-based and need-based scholarships, UCLA provides extra chances for transfer and overseas students. Obtaining financial aid and scholarships might be a big help in paying for your school because of UCLA’s tough admittance rate.

UCLA Scholarships

Requirement	Undergraduate	Graduate
Academic Excellence	Strong high school GPA (typically 4.0+ weighted)	Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher from undergraduate studies
Applications	Submit through the UC Application, include scholarship essays if required	Use UCLA's graduate application process to submit, and don't forget to include essays.
Letter of Recommendation	General scholarships do not require it, but departmental scholarships might.	Required from professors or professionals
Program-Specific Requirements	Additional resources are needed for some programs (arts programs, for example, require portfolios).	Depending on the program, GRE, GMAT, or LSAT results may be required.
Financial Need	California Dream Act or FAFSA applications for need-based financial aid	Financial documentation for need-based scholarships
Personal Statement	Merit scholarships usually don't require it.	Required to outline academic and career goals

Off-Campus Accommodation Options Near UCLA

Even though UCLA offers housing on campus, many students choose to live off campus because it gives them more freedom and flexibility. A variety of accommodation alternatives are available in the neighborhoods surrounding the institution, ranging from contemporary studios close to campus to shared apartments with roommates.

Study lounges, fitness centers, and easy access to public transportation are features of well-equipped student housing complexes close to the institution. for people looking for reasonably priced and secure off-campus living. These are a few of the top off-campus housing choices in the vicinity of the institution!

433 Midvale: The hotel features non-ensuite student private rooms with a range of amenities, including an elevator, air conditioning, a dishwasher, and much more, all just 11 minutes from the campus.
2854 Westwood Blvd: With a garden, parking, a washer-dryer, and other amenities, the house is only 17 minutes from the campus. Students can choose from rooms with ensuites on the premises.
Westwood Villa: The facility features a BBQ grill, an elevator, and a pool, and it’s only eighteen minutes from the campus. Students can choose from private rooms and studios on the property.

Frequently Asked Questions About UCLA Admission

1. What GPA is required to be admitted to UCLA?

UCLA requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for California residents and 3.4 for out-of-state and international students. However, due to high competition, admitted students typically have a weighted GPA above 4.0, with strong coursework in AP, IB, or honors classes.

2. Is UCLA test-optional or test-blind for the 2025 admissions cycle?

UCLA is test-blind, meaning SAT/ACT scores are NOT considered for admission. However, students can submit scores for placement purposes after being admitted.

3. How difficult is it to be accepted at UCLA?

UCLA is extremely competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 8-10%. Admissions are based on a holistic review, considering GPA, extracurriculars, personal insight questions (essays), and leadership experience.

4. How can I make my UCLA application stand out?

To improve your chances of admission:

Maintain a high GPA with rigorous coursework.
Write compelling personal insight essays that showcase your uniqueness.
Engage in leadership roles, community service, and extracurriculars.
Apply early and ensure all required materials are submitted.

In conclusion, gaining admission to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a competitive yet rewarding journey. As one of the most prestigious public universities in the world, UCLA attracts high-achieving students who excel academically, engage in meaningful extracurricular activities, and craft compelling personal insight essays. With its holistic admissions process, UCLA evaluates applicants beyond grades, considering leadership, creativity, and community impact.

To maximize your chances, maintain a strong GPA, participate in extracurriculars, and showcase your unique story through your application. Meeting deadlines, carefully preparing your essays, and ensuring a well-rounded application are crucial steps toward success.

While the competition is intense, UCLA’s world-class education, vibrant campus life, and career opportunities make it worth the effort. If you dream of being a Bruin, start preparing early, stay focused, and put your best foot forward.