How selective is UCLA?

Question

I really would like to attend UCLA for at least a couple years in college. It seems like the perfect school for my dream job. Does anyone know how selective the school is/if it has a good reputation?

Answer 1

The UC systems has a lot of information about their admissions criteria and process available on the web at http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/general_info/adm_policies.html. You can even check your eligibility.

The UCLA web site states "UCLA is among the most selective universities in the country and is becoming more competitive for freshman applicants each year. This past year UCLA received more than 47,000 applications, with more than 90% coming from UC-eligible students. Generally the campus is able to admit about one in four freshman applicants for the fall term." The site has additional information about applying at http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/Prospect/Adm_fr/FrSel.htm

Answer 2

As far as UCLA having a good reputation, Yes, UCLA is ranked in the top 25 universities in the United States and has many departments that are ranked in the top 5 in the world. Statistically speaking, UCLA has more top ranking departments than even Harvard, Yale etc. Examples of these departments are Linguistics, Psychology, Anthropology, and countless others.

So to answer your other question, Yes, UCLA is very selective. Especially those departments that are ranked in the top 10 in the world. So the difficulty that you will experience in getting into the school depends on what your major is and whether you are entering as an undergraduate (to do a bachelors) or a graduate (to do a Phd) student.

My brother graduated from UCLA in the Psychology department and I am starting my Phd there in Hispanic Languages and Literatures in the fall.

Here is some advice: if you are trying to get in directly from highschool it will be a lot more competitive because you will be competing against people that are transferring from a community college. From what I have heard and experienced, Universities will favor transfer students who did their two years of General Education at a community college and did well because it shows that they are familiar with college level work and they have done well. Students going in directly from Highschool havent really been proven at the college level.

Aside from having better chances at getting into prestigious universities like UCLA by going to a community college first, I think it is also a better choice for many other reasons. Community colleges are extremely cheap money wise. You are going to be studying the same stuff the first two years of your college experience no matter whether you are at Harvard or your average community college, you will become accustomed to college level work, overall I think going to a community college to do your first two General Education years is much better.

Answer 3

Average SAT: 1284
SAT - Verbal Range (25-75%): 570-690
SAT - Math Range (25-75%): 600-720
TPR Projected Range SAT Writing: 620-720
Average Verbal SAT: 625
Average Math SAT: 659
ACT Composite Range (25-75%): 24-30
Average ACT: 27
Average High School GPA: 4.00
Students in top 10% of HS class: 97%

Total applicants who are accepted: 27%

After reviewing the stats, yes I would say it is selective and has a good rep.

Good luck!

Answer 4

It is a very competitive institution and you, of course, have to have the grades and know someone. But I am sure it isn't anything you can't handle so go for it and good luck.