Thinking about UCLA acceptance requirements

Hello to all! I'm really drawn to UCLA but seems a bit intimidating. How stringent are their acceptance requirements? What do they look for in prospective students above academics?

UCLA is indeed an extremely competitive institution with an acceptance rate hovering around 14.3%, which makes it quite selective. However, don't let statistics intimidate you! Yes, GPA and test scores matter (as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, UCLA has gone test-blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores), but try to think beyond just the numbers.

UCLA, or any UC school for that matter, looks for students who are well-rounded both acadically and personally. They consider the rigor of your coursework, meaning taking plenty of APs or IBs if available. They also take into account your academic performance throughout your high school, noting positive trends like improving grades year to year.

Beyond academics, UCLA places a great deal of emphasis on your involvement in school and community. While it's not necessary to be in every club, having high involvement in a few select activities can go a long way. Quality is more important than quantity in terms of extracurricular activities, from Tiers 1 - 4. They appreciate students who have shown leadership and initiative and have contributed to their communities.

Personal insight questions are a particularly important part of the application process at UCLA. They provide an excellent opportunity to tell your story and showcase your thought process on various experiences in your life. Avoid leaning into clichés here; an unique narrative will certainly stand out.

Lastly, remember UCLA will consider your application in context. They understand that opportunities can differ based on a variety of factors, so try to take full advantage of what's available to you. Please take these factors into consideration as you create your application. Best of luck!