The University of California, Los Angeles stands as one of America’s most prestigious public research universities. Nestled in Westwood’s vibrant neighborhood, UCLA consistently ranks among the top public universities globally. With its iconic Royce Hall and championship-winning athletic programs, UCLA offers an unparalleled blend of academic rigor and California sunshine.
UCLA Admission Requirements 2025
Academic Eligibility Criteria
UCLA maintains highly competitive admission standards for its 2025 intake. Successful applicants typically present:
- A minimum 3.9 unweighted GPA (average admitted student: 4.18 weighted)
- Completion of UC’s A-G course requirements with excellence
- Strong performance in honors/AP/IB courses (average admitted student: 8 semesters)
- While test scores remain optional, middle 50% SAT scores range 1300-1530
The university employs holistic review, considering personal achievements alongside academic metrics. Special consideration goes to California residents under the UC’s Master Plan for Higher Education.
Application Process Timeline
Prospective students must adhere to strict deadlines:
- August 1: UC application opens
- October 1: FAFSA/CADAA opens
- November 1-30: Filing period for applications
- March 31: Admission decisions released
- May 1: Enrollment confirmation deadline
The application fee stands at $80 for domestic applicants and $95 for international students, with fee waivers available for qualified candidates.
Academic Programs & Campus Life
Signature Academic Departments
UCLA boasts particular strength in several disciplines:
- The School of Theater, Film and Television counts 145 Oscar winners among alumni
- The Henry Samueli School of Engineering ranks top-15 nationally
- The David Geffen School of Medicine partners with top LA hospitals
- The Anderson School of Management offers highly-ranked MBA programs
Undergraduates can choose from 125+ majors across 109 academic departments, with neuroscience, political science, and business economics being particularly popular.
Student Experience & Resources
Campus life at UCLA offers:
- 1,200+ student organizations including 75 cultural groups
- The nation’s #1 ranked college dining program
- State-of-the-art recreation facilities spanning 5 acres
- On-campus housing guaranteed for 4 years (94% freshmen live on campus)
The 419-acre campus features iconic landmarks like the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden and Pauley Pavilion, home to legendary Bruins basketball.
Financial Considerations & Support
Tuition & Cost Breakdown
For 2024-2025, estimated annual costs are:
- California residents: $38,517 (tuition + living)
- Out-of-state students: $71,091 (includes $32,574 supplemental tuition)
- Professional degrees (law, medicine) range $50,000-$65,000 annually
Financial Aid Opportunities
UCLA distributes over $1 billion annually in financial aid:
- 45% undergraduates pay no tuition
- Average aid package covers 75% of costs for recipients
- Special programs include the UCLA Achievement Scholarship and Alumni Scholarships
- Work-study programs offer 5,000+ on-campus jobs annually
The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for California residents through combinations of grants, scholarships, and work opportunities.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Post-Graduation Success Rates
Within 6 months of graduation:
- 93% of Bruins are employed or in graduate programs
- Top employers include Google, Kaiser Permanente, and Los Angeles Unified School District
- Median starting salary: $65,000 (engineering graduates average $85,000)
Notable Alumni Connections
UCLA’s 500,000+ alumni network includes:
- 14 Nobel laureates
- 13 MacArthur Fellows
- 261 Olympic medals
- Entertainment icons like Francis Ford Coppola and Jackie Robinson
The UCLA Career Center hosts 400+ recruitment events annually and maintains partnerships with 2,000+ employers worldwide.
FAQs About UCLA Admissions
1. What GPA do I need for UCLA 2025?
While no minimum exists, successful applicants typically exceed 3.9 unweighted GPA with rigorous coursework.
2. Does UCLA prefer California residents?
Yes, as a public university, 90% of undergraduates come from California, with higher admission rates for residents.
3. Which majors are most competitive?
Film/TV, computer science, and nursing programs have particularly low acceptance rates (under 5%).
4. Can I transfer from community college?
Yes, UCLA admits 5,000+ transfer students annually, primarily from California CCs with TAG agreements.
5. What makes UCLA essays different?
UC applications use 8 personal insight questions (choose 4), emphasizing personal growth over accomplishments.