Tips for applying to UCLA

Hey guys! I'm currently working on my college apps and I'm applying to UCLA. What questions did you guys have throughout the process and is there anything specific I should be aware of while submitting my app?

Hello! It's awesome that you're applying to UCLA; it's a great school. I'll share a few general tips and insights specific to the UCLA application process, to help you navigate it more smoothly.

1. University of California schools share a common application, so you'll only need to fill out one application for all the UC schools you choose to apply to. This means you can save time by working on a single application, but also remember that each school will see the same information you submit.

2. Personal insight questions play a significant role in the UC application. You will be given eight prompts and need to respond to four of them, each with a 350-word maximum. Make sure you select prompts that allow you to showcase unique aspects of your life, character, and experiences. Keep your responses focused and try to avoid overly generic answers.

3. With the Personal Insight Questions, avoid repeating information found elsewhere in your application, like your grades or extracurricular activities. Use these questions as an opportunity to provide new information and perspectives about yourself.

4. UCLA is a particularly competitive UC campus. Although it's important to demonstrate strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement, you should also aim to stand out from the crowd. Try to emphasize your unique passions, talents, or experiences that set you apart from other applicants.

5. Be mindful of deadlines, especially if you're applying to any special programs, scholarships, or majors with additional requirements. The application for the UC system typically opens in August and is due by the end of November, but specific deadlines might vary for particular programs or opportunities.