The historical trajectory of UCLA admissions can best be understood through a once-per-decade peek at the university’s shifting acceptance rates. In 1980, nearly three-quarters of those who applied were accepted; by 1990, this had dropped to the low 40s. However, by 2000, it had fallen to the high 20s. By 2010? The low 20s. Now, in 2024, the UCLA acceptance rate is under 10%.
Want some even more intimidating stats? In one recent cycle, of those who sported a 4.39 or better GPA, just 36% were admitted. Those who took 22 or more honors/AP classes in high school found success just 27% of the time. Now that UCLA boasts a similar acceptance rate to the likes of Georgetown and Carnegie Mellon and is even more selective than Berkeley, this begs the question, “What is the secret to getting in!?”
While there are rarely “secrets” in the world of college admissions, an examination of the available data, demographic info, and recent trends can illuminate the process at a given institution. Toward that aim, this article will provide an overview ofthe following topics:
- UCLA acceptance rate
- UCLA in-state vs. out-of-state acceptance rate
- UCLA acceptance rate by school/college
- SAT/ACT policy at UCLA and GPAs of admitted applicants
- Admissions trends
- The demographics of current UCLA undergraduates
- UCLA’s yield rate
- How UCLA’s admissions officers evaluate candidates
- Tips for applying to UCLA
- How to approach the UC Personal Insight essays
- How to assess whether applying to UCLA is even worth the $70 application fee (for you)
Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.
UCLA Acceptance Rate – Class of 2027
For the Class of 2027, the university received 145,904 applications. Of these, 12,799 were admitted for a UCLA acceptance rate of 11.6%.
Historical UCLA acceptance rates are as follows:
| Applicants | Admits | Acceptance Rate | |
| Class of 2026 | 149,801 | 12,844 | 8.6% |
| Class of 2025 | 139,482 | 15,028 | 11% |
| Class of 2024 | 108,870 | 15,602 | 14% |
UCLA In-State vs. Out-of-State Acceptance Rate
For entry in fall 2o23, UCLA received 90,785 applications from California residents and 55,118 from out-of-state/international applicants. The acceptance rates were as follows:
- California residents: 9.4%
- Out-of-state applicants: 8.6%
- International applicants: 6%
As you can see, California residents do not enjoy a significant edge over out-of-state or international students, unlike some other UC campuses.
UCLA Acceptance Rate by School/College
To further understand how difficult it is to get accepted to UCLA, it’s important to look at the acceptance rate of the school/college you are applying to. These acceptance rates range from >1-21%:
- The College: 11%
- Samueli School of Engineering: 4.9%
- School of Theater, Film and Television: 3.2%
- School of the Arts & Architecture: 4.8%
- Herb Alpert School of Music: 21%
- School of Nursing: .8%
What GPA do you need to get into UCLA?
Among those who enrolled in the Class of 2027, the mid-50% GPA was 4.2-4.31. 59% had a GPA of 4.0+ and 34% had a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99. As a test-blind institution, UCLA does not consider standardized test scores. They do not consider class rank, either.
Admissions Trends & Notes — Class of 2027
- Applications fell from 149k to 145k in the last cycle.
- All University of California schools continue to operate on a test-blind policy (more on this below)
- 27% of the Class of 2027 were first-generation students.
- 33% hailed from underrepresented backgrounds.
UCLA Acceptance Rate (Continued)
- 64% of the freshman class received need-based aid.
- Lastly, the yield rate has increased from 44% to 52% since 2020, meaning that more admitted students are choosing UCLA now than in previous years.
Who Actually Gets Into UCLA?
Most enrolled UCLA freshmen hailed from the Golden State and paid in-state tuition. The geographic breakdown is as follows:
- California residents – 79%
- Domestic non-residents – 14%
- International non-residents — 7%
Looking at ethnic identity, the breakdown of the Class of 2027 was as follows:
- Asian American: 36%
- Hispanic: 23%
- Black or African American: 7%
- International: 7%
- White: 23%
UCLA Acceptance Rate (Continued)
The breakdown by gender of the Class of 2027 shows far more women than men:
- Male: 35%
- Female: 63%
The 2023-24 freshman class included students from the following types of high schools:
- CA Public: 68%
- CA Private: 11%
- Outside California (Domestic Public/Private): 14%
- Foreign Institution: 8%
UCLA’s Yield Rate
UCLA’s yield rate is 52%. To compare this school to other elite public institutions, UT Austin, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UGA have similar yield rates.
How UCLA Rates Applicants
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. “Considered” factors are: first-generation status, geographical residence, and state residency.
UCLA, along with all other University of California campuses, dropped all use of standardized testingstarting with the Class of 2025 (those applying in the 2020-21 admissions cycle). This makes the traditionally holistic review process at UCLA even more pronounced.
UCLA Acceptance Rate (Continued)
In the admissions office’s own words: “Selection is based on a comprehensive review of all information—both academic and personal—presented in the application. All applications are read twice, in their entirety, by professionally trained readers. After independently reading and analyzing a file, the reader determines a comprehensive score that is the basis upon which the student is ultimately admitted or denied.”
Since UCLA possesses one of the premier athletic programs in the country, it most definitely helps if you are recruited as an athlete to join one of UCLA’s 25 Division I sports teams. A great number of incoming students are designated as “recruited athletes” each year, including (according to the most recent numbers available), 85% of the football team. However, recruited athletes possessed GPAs far below the average for the pool of general admits.
Tips for Applying to UCLA
If you plan on joining the 145,000+ Bruin hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:
- As noted above, UCLA is test-blind. If you submit test scores, they will not be reviewed or considered.
- While a holistic process, UCLA does not offer interviews.
- UCLA does not require or review recommendations.
- UCLA does not consider “demonstrated interest” in the admissions process.
- Lastly, make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the supplemental essays required by UCLA. In the 2024-25 cycle, there were eight total prompts, and applicants must respond to four (350 words each).
UC Essays
1) Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
2) Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
3) What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
4) Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
5) Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
6) Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
7) What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
8) Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admission to the University of California?
For detailed advice, visit our blog entitled How to Master the UC Personal Insight Prompts.
Should I apply to UCLA?
Getting into UCLA has never been more of a challenging endeavor, as it now requires near-perfect (or perfect) grades in a curriculum comprised mostly of honors/AP/IB courses. Even in-state applicants need to have pristine academic transcripts and other compelling attributes — you will not enjoy a sizable admissions boost just for being a California state resident.
UCLA Acceptance Rate – Final Thoughts
UCLA is an exceptional, world-class institution with a number of renowned academic programs. As such, all students need to make sure that they formulate an appropriate college list containing a complement of “target” and “safety” schools. You’ll definitely want to do this in collaboration with an admissions professional who is aware of the latest trends and strategies associated with your prospective colleges.
Ready to begin crafting your UC applications? Consider checking out the following:
- Should You Start College Applications in the Summer?
- What is Demonstrated Interest?
- Do Colleges Look at Social Media?
- College Fair Advice for High School Students
- How to Write the UC Activities List
- The Best UC Schools Ranked
- 25 Inspiring College Essay Topic Ideas
