UCLA Acceptance Rates 2024

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and diversity in the nation’s education system, attracting top talent from across the globe. With an acceptance rate of just 9%, UCLA is one of the most selective public universities in the United States. The admissions process at UCLA is holistic, meaning that it evaluates a range of factors beyond mere academic achievement. This includes extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and personal characteristics, all aimed at admitting well-rounded individuals. UCLA’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community is evident in its admissions process, which seeks to reflect the rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences of its applicants. This article provides an in-depth look at the 2024 admissions data, including acceptance rates by subject, ethnicity, gender, and more.

UCLA Admission Statistics: Class of 2024

The Class of 2024 at UCLA is among the most diverse and talented in the university’s storied history. Here are some key statistics about the admitted students:

• Total applicants: 146,271
• Admitted students: 13,128
• Acceptance rate: 9%
• Average GPA: 3.95
• Average SAT score: 1290-1510
• Average ACT score: 27-34
• International students: 11% of the total student population
• California residents: 62% of the total student population

These figures underscore the competitive nature of UCLA’s admissions process and the high caliber of students who are drawn to this prestigious institution.

Source: UCLA: First-year admit data

Source: UCLA Admissions

Acceptance Rates by Subject

Like UC Berkeley and other University of California schools, UCLA does admit freshmen by major. However, UCLA's acceptance rate varied significantly depending on the school or program within UCLA:

Source: UCLA Admissions

Admitted Students: Profile and Statistics

UCLA’s admitted students for the Class of 2024 are a testament to the university’s commitment to academic excellence and diversity. This cohort is not only academically gifted but also diverse in terms of background and experience. Here are some key statistics about the admitted students:

• 62% of admitted students are California residents
• 11% of admitted students are international students
• 21% of admitted students are first-generation college students
• 25% of admitted students come from low-income backgrounds
• 45% of admitted students are from underrepresented minority groups

These statistics highlight UCLA’s efforts to create an inclusive environment that supports students from various walks of life.

Admission Requirements

UCLA’s admission criteria emphasize academic excellence and holistic review. The holistic review process considers extracurriculars, leadership, and community involvement alongside academics, aiming to admit well-rounded. Since UCLA has adopted a test-optional policy, high school GPA has become a critical factor in the application process.

For the Class of 2024, the middle 50% of admitted students had high school GPAs ranging from 4.20 to 4.30, with 97% in the top 10% of their graduating class. Even though standardized test scores are not mandatory, many students nonetheless choose to submit them: Typical SAT scores for those who submitted ranged from 560-680 (Critical Reading) and 600-760 (Math), while ACT scores averaged 25-31.

International applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency, with minimum TOEFL scores of 550 (paper) or 83 (internet-based). Students who do not meet the high bar are strongly encouraged to seek out SAT tutors or ACT Tutors for a chance at securing a place at UCLA, potentially from the Best Tutoring Companies in the USA.

Source: Ivy League Prep

Acceptance Rates by Ethnicity

UCLA is recognized as a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion in its admissions process, even in a state where affirmative action has been banned. Los Angeles County plays a significant role in the analysis of academic metrics related to university admissions, particularly in discussing GPA and admissions statistics for high schools in this region. In comparison to other top public and private universities, UCLA’s approach to fostering diversity is both innovative and impactful.

UCLA’s Approach

• Due to California’s Proposition 209, passed in 1996, no campus of the University of California, including UCLA and UC Berkeley, has been allowed to consider race, gender, or ethnicity in admissions decisions. As a result, UCLA focuses on holistic review and outreach programs targeting underserved communities.
• UCLA has developed programs like the Academic Advancement Program and the Center for Community College Partnerships, which aim to support first-generation and underrepresented students.
• Despite these challenges, UCLA’s student body is highly diverse, with a student body representing 138 countriesand four main ethnicities: 34% Asian, 32% Caucasian, 17% Hispanic, and 3% African American.

Source: UCLA Admissions

UCLA and Affirmative Action

• Affirmative Action refers to policies designed to increase opportunities for historically marginalized groups by considering factors like race and ethnicity in admissions. In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the use of race-based affirmative action in college admissions, meaning that colleges can no longer consider race as a standalone factor in admissions.
• This decision has changed the admission process of top US universities, in particulalr private institutions such as Harvard and Yale. UCLA, however, never used race-based affirmative action in their admissions since 1996, when California's Proposition 209 has prohibited public institutions from considering race, sex, or ethnicity in admissions decisions.
• Nonetheless, following the Supreme Court's decision, UCLA reaffirmed its commitment to diversity by expanding these programs and enhancing partnerships with community organizations to support underrepresented students.

Acceptance Rates by Gender

Gender distribution at UCLA is slightly skewed toward female applicants: 61% of the admitted students were female, while 39% were male as of fall 2023. This trend aligns with previous years, where female applicants have outnumbered their male counterparts lightly.

Source: US News

In an effort to promote further gender diversity, UCLA has taken up the following initiatives:

• Women in STEM Program: Provides mentorship, workshops, and resources to support female students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
• Center for the Study of Women: A research center dedicated to advancing knowledge on gender, sexuality, and women’s issues through academic research and public programs.
• UCLA Women’s Leadership Academy: Offers leadership training and career development opportunities for female students, staff, and faculty.
• LGBTQ+ Resource Center: Supports gender-diverse students by promoting inclusivity and offering resources for those identifying as non-binary, gender-fluid, or transgender.

Acceptance Rates for International Students

International students make up approximately 7% of UCLA’s student body, reflecting the university’s global appeal. However, international applicants, including both undergraduate and graduate students, often face unique challenges during the admissions process, which can result in a lower acceptance rate compared to domestic students. Accordingly, for international students, it is strongly advised to consider seeking US college application support.

• Lower Acceptance Rates: Due to limited spots for non-residents, the acceptance rate for international students is generally lower than for California residents. The competition is intensified by a large number of high-achieving international applicants.
• Common Hurdles Faced by International Students:
• Standardized Testing and Language Proficiency: Although UCLA has a test-optional policy, international students may still face language barriers. Those from non-English-speaking countries often need to submit TOEFL scores (minimum of 83 for internet-based or 550 for paper-based), demonstrating English proficiency.
• Credential Evaluation: International students may need to translate and evaluate their high school credentials to meet U.S. standards, which can be time-consuming and costly.
• Visa Requirements: Securing a student visa can be challenging and involves proving sufficient financial resources for tuition and living expenses.

Despite these obstacles, UCLA continues to attract a diverse pool of international applicants due to its reputation for academic excellence and strong support for international students. International students also often study under a variety of international curriculum, such as the IB. IB students would typically seek IB Tutors in United States or overseas to increase their competitiveness against global applicants. For students in California, those who want to aim at UCLA would often hire tutors, such as IB Tutors in Los Angeles, to supplement classroom learning. This is also true on the other side of the continent, where students seek out IB Tutors in New York to boost their chances of success.

Transfer Student Admissions

UCLA is dedicated to providing pathways for students to transfer from community colleges and other institutions, ensuring a diverse and dynamic student body. Here are some key statistics about transfer student admissions:

• Number of transfer students: 2,500
• Transfer student acceptance rate: 20%
• Average GPA of transfer students: 3.5
• Top feeder community colleges: Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles Valley College, Santa Monica College

These figures reflect UCLA’s commitment to supporting students from California community colleges and other institutions, providing them with opportunities to continue their education at a top-tier university.

Student Life at UCLA

UCLA offers a vibrant and diverse community that enriches the student experience through a wide array of academic, extracurricular, and cultural opportunities. Here are some key statistics about student life at UCLA:

• Number of student organizations: 1,200
• Number of cultural events: 500
• Number of athletic teams: 25
• Student-faculty ratio: 18:1
• Average class size: 20 students

These statistics illustrate the dynamic and engaging environment at UCLA, where students can thrive both academically and personally. Whether through joining one of the many student organizations, attending cultural events, or participating in athletic teams, UCLA students have countless opportunities to enrich their university experience.

Factors Affecting Future Acceptance Trends

• Several factors are likely to influence UCLA’s future acceptance rates:
• Increasing Applicant Pool: The number of applications has risen dramatically over the years, from approximately 86,000 in 2014 to over 146,000 for the Class of 2024. This upward trend suggests that future acceptance rates may continue to decline.
• Enhanced Academic Standards: As UCLA remains a top choice for high-achieving students, academic requirements such as GPA and standardized test scores (if applicable) are likely to become more stringent.
• Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: UCLA’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity may lead to strategic shifts in admissions policies to increase representation of underrepresented groups.
• Changes in Test-Optional Policies: The evolving landscape of standardized testing requirements may also impact future admissions, depending on how policies shift at the state and national levels. Students are therefore advised to look out for changes in UCLA admission requirements to stay updated.

Conclusion

The UCLA acceptance rates for 2024 reflect the ongoing trend of increasing competition, with a record number of applications and a historically low acceptance rate of 9%. Admission to UCLA remains challenging across various programs, particularly in selective fields like Nursing and Engineering. Nonetheless, the university's commitment to diversity and academic excellence continues to shape its admissions process, attracting a talented and diverse student body from around the world. For prospective applicants, understanding these trends is essential for preparing strong applications and improving their chances of gaining admission to one of the country's most prestigious public universities.