US University · Ranked #19
University of California, Los Angeles: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of California, Los Angeles is a highly selective university that admits roughly 8.6% of applicants. Set in Los Angeles, California and ranked #19 nationally in our dataset, University of California, Los Angeles attracts a deep, accomplished applicant pool, so a strong academic record is the entry ticket rather than the deciding factor. Successful candidates typically pair excellent grades with a clear, well-articulated reason for applying here specifically.
UCLA is a premier public research university in Westwood, Los Angeles, known for its top-ranked film school, strong STEM programs, and vibrant campus life.
This guide breaks down University of California, Los Angeles's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of California, Los Angeles admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 8.6%
- SAT range
- 1290–1510
- Average GPA
- 3.9
- In-state
- $13,401
- Out-of-state
- $43,003
- Enrollment
- 32,423
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Los Angeles, California
How hard is it to get into University of California, Los Angeles?
An acceptance rate of 8.6% places University of California, Los Angeles firmly in the highly selective category. Academic excellence is necessary but not sufficient here: the majority of denied applicants are fully qualified on paper. Decisions turn on the strength of essays, recommendations, and demonstrated depth in a few areas rather than a long list of activities.
Plan for University of California, Los Angeles as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of California, Los Angeles typically score between 1290 and 1510 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1290 and a quarter above 1510. A score at or above 1510 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.9 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1400 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.9. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1290) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of California, Los Angelesapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Regular Decision: Nov 30
University of California, Los Angeles operates on a single Regular Decision deadline of Nov 30, with no early round in our dataset. Without an early option, the practical advice is to treat Nov 30 as a hard target, finalize essays and recommendations well in advance, and submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Nov 30.
Notable programs at University of California, Los Angeles
- Film — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Biology — a common pre-health major with heavy lab and prerequisite expectations.
- Psychology — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
University of California, Los Angeles is particularly known for Film, Computer Science, Engineering, Biology, and Psychology.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of California, Los Angeles
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of California, Los Angeles costs significantly less for California residents: in-state tuition is about $13,401 per year versus roughly $43,003 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $29,602 annually. If you are not a California resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes University of California, Los Angeles an especially strong value for state residents.
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University of California, Los Angeles: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of California, Los Angeles?
- University of California, Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 8.6%, which makes it highly selective. Plan for University of California, Los Angeles as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
- What SAT score do you need for University of California, Los Angeles?
- Admitted students at University of California, Los Angeles typically score between 1290 and 1510 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1510 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1290 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of California, Los Angeles?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of California, Los Angeles is approximately 3.9 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.9 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of California, Los Angeles?
- University of California, Los Angeles's application deadlines: Regular Decision is Nov 30. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of California, Los Angeles a public or private university?
- University of California, Los Angeles is a public university. In-state students from California pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend University of California, Los Angeles?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of California, Los Angeles costs significantly less for California residents: in-state tuition is about $13,401 per year versus roughly $43,003 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $29,602 annually. If you are not a California resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.