Los Angeles, CA · Admissions

University of California, Los Angeles

Acceptance Rate & How to Get In

University of California, Los Angeles has a 9% acceptance rate, making it highly selectivea reach for nearly every applicant. Admitted students score around 1360–1530 on the SAT. Here is what the numbers say it takes to get in.

9%
Acceptance rate
1360–1530
SAT (mid 50%)
31–35
ACT (mid 50%)
Test-blind
Testing

How hard is it to get into UCLA?

With a 9% acceptance rate, University of California, Los Angeles is highly selectivea reach for nearly every applicant. It enrolls roughly 32,000 undergraduates (urban setting) in Los Angeles, CA. At this level, strong grades and scores are the baseline, not the differentiator — your essays and what makes you distinctive carry real weight.

What it takes to get in

  • SAT: admitted students land around 1360–1530 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
  • ACT: the middle 50% is about 31–35.
  • GPA: admitted students average around 3.93. Rigor (APs/IB/honors) matters as much as the number.
  • Testing policy: Test-blind. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
  • Essays: at UCLA's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.

Cost

Published tuition is about $46,300 out-of-state ($13,800 in-state) per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.

Notable programs

Film/TV · Engineering · Pre-Med · Performing Arts

See the Common App personal-statement guide

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UCLA admissions FAQ

What is University of California, Los Angeles's acceptance rate?
University of California, Los Angeles's acceptance rate is 9%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for UCLA?
Admitted students typically score about 1360–1530 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 31–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
Is UCLA test-optional?
University of California, Los Angeles's current testing policy is: Test-blind. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Sources & official links

Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on University of California, Los Angeles’s official admissions site.