How hard is it to get into UCLA?
With a 9% acceptance rate, University of California, Los Angeles is highly selective — a 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
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Try Halo freeUCLA 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
- UCLA official website
- UCLA on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
- Admissions figures compiled from the Common Data Set and IPEDS.
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.