UCLA Admissions Counseling | Application Guidance (2024)

FAQs

Does UCLA require counselor recommendations? ›

We do not require or accept letters of recommendation in our process and we do not collect transcripts at the point of application.

There are only three factors that UCLA ranks as being “very important” to their admissions process: rigor of secondary school record, GPA, and application essays. Factors rated as “important” are: talent/ability, character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, and work experience.

The unweighted GPA requirements for UCLA are between 3.9 to 4.0 and the median GPA score is 4.0. UCLA considers unweighted GPA as a factor of admissions. Unweighted GPA is the average of the grades you got in high school (typically from at least grades 10th and 11th) based on a 4.0 scale.

Make sure your answers to the questions follow a logical structure. Try to think about how it may seem to an audience who doesn't know you. Input from people you trust — teachers, friends, relatives — can help you get perspective on how your answers affect those who are reading them. Be careful with humor and clichés.

While you may have had a really great relationship with someone you knew at age 12, colleges are interested in who you are now. Most colleges expect a letter from your school counselor and one from a teacher. If only one letter is required, you'll want to submit the person who has the most holistic view.

UC does not require (nor read) letters of recommendation at the time of application. A campus may ask for them later as part of a supplemental review, so be sure to check your email.

For students applying to programs outside the College of Letters and Science, however, the bar can be even higher. Here's a look at three of UCLA's most selective schools: the School of Nursing, Samueli School of Engineering and the School of Theater, Film and Television.

The average GPA of admitted transfer students is above 3.5 and admitted students have completed most or all major preparatory courses. We give highest priority to applicants from California community colleges and other UC campuses.

Though UCLA is a public research institution, it is well known for its low acceptance rates and high standards for prospective students. Like any prestigious university, getting into UCLA requires a certain level of academic success, an impressive resume, high standardized test scores, and a solid personal essay.

Does UCLA look at senior year grades? ›

UCs do look at the courses you take in senior year and take the rigor into consideration when evaluating you for admission; but as long as you maintain satisfactory grades (typically an unweighted B average, with no non-passing grades, is sufficient), your performance in your senior year courses will NOT affect your ...

What Is UCLA Looking for in Applicants? UCLA looks for candidates with a broad set of qualities, such as intellectual independence, responsibility, maturity, insight, leadership skills, motivation, initiative, and concern for others and the community.

You'll need to be at the top of your class to have a chance of being admitted to UCLA. You'll need straight As in all your classes to compete with other applicants since the average unweighted GPA of students admitted into UCLA is a 4.0.

UCLA does not consider SAT or ACT for admission or scholarship. All applications will be reviewed holistically based on the criteria approved by our faculty through comprehensive review, including grades, curriculum, activities/leadership/involvement, and the personal insight questions, to name a few.

Common App 911/UC App 911

UCLA is looking specifically for “intellectual curiosity” and “personal development” in your responses to these essay prompts. Remember, the school aims to foster the shared values of “a creative, ambitious and diverse student body.”

Are these letters required? These letters are optional. Students without a letter will not be at a disadvantage, but we do highly encourage invited students to use this opportunity as it can provide additional academic and personal context.

UCLA School of Law requires that applicants submit two letters of recommendation. At least one letter should be from someone familiar with the applicant's academic work, if at all possible. The Law School strongly prefers that letters be submitted through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service.

The application requirements for USC include one letter of recommendation either from your school counselor or a teacher. However, the School of Cinematic Arts requires two letters of recommendation. You can submit additional letters of recommendation if you feel they add further value to your application.