What are the most prestigious scholarships available at UCLA?

I'm starting to look into applying to UCLA, and I want to know what the most prestigious scholarships they offer are. Are there specific ones I should aim for if I'm focused on both academics and extracurriculars?

UCLA offers a variety of scholarships that cater to different interests and accomplishments. As you go through the application process, it's important that you familiarise yourself with the different scholarships available, their qualifications and eligibility criteria, to see which ones might be a good fit for you.

One of the most prestigious scholarships at UCLA is the Regents Scholarship Program. It's the most distinguished scholarship offered to entering undergraduates, and it is merit-based. The Regents Scholarship offers a $2,000 honorarium per year on top of any financial aid package, priority enrollment for all courses, and guaranteed on-campus housing. This is awarded to those displaying superb academic achievements as well as a high level of involvement in extracurricular activities.

Another prestigious scholarship is the Alumni Scholarships Program. The UCLA Alumni Scholarships Program is one of the largest and oldest scholarship providers at UCLA. They offer multiple scholarships like the Freshmen Scholars Society, Bruin Transfer Scholars, etc., based on different criteria including academic achievement, leadership abilities, community service and overcoming hardships. The benefits can range from $6,000 to $20,000 over four years.

For students planning to major in the physical or life sciences (which covers most STEM majors), the Dr. Ursula Mandel Scholarship is also quite prestigious, providing up to $15,000 annually. The Mandel scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated superior educational achievement and are committed to a career in the sciences.

Keep in mind that the eligibility criteria for these scholarships varies, so make sure to thoroughly research the specifics of each one. You can find more detailed information on UCLA's financial aid and scholarships office's website. Remember to also look for external scholarships that you might qualify for based on your interests, leadership, community service, and other accomplishments.