UCLA Admissions 2024-2025
UCLA recently released their Common Data Set for 2024-2025, offering valuable insights into what it takes to be admitted to this highly selective institution. Let's examine the data to understand who gets into UCLA and what factors matter most in their admissions process.
UCLA’s Extraordinary Selectivity
UCLA’s admissions statistics reveal an incredibly competitive landscape:
Total applicants: 146,276
Admitted students: 13114
Enrolled students: 6,610
Acceptance rate: Approximately 8.9%
With fewer than 1 in 10 applicants receiving an offer, UCLA is the most selective public universities in the country. The sheer volume of applications—146,276—demonstrates the university's tremendous appeal to students nationwide and internationally.
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
Because the UC system is test-blind (SAT/ACT scores are not considered), GPA and course rigor carry enormous weight. Class rank is not considered either. That means your course rigor, grades, and real world achievements matter so much more for UCLA than they do for similarly selective colleges.
Average unweighted GPA: 3.93
Course expectations: At least 15 “A-G” college-prep units (4 years each of English & math, 3 lab sciences, 2+ years of language, etc.). Competitive admits typically exceed these minimums with multiple AP/IB or dual-enrollment courses.
GPA Distribution
The data shows an academically accomplished class:
56.31% had a perfect 4.0 GPA
36.12% had GPAs between 3.75 and 3.99
5.23% had GPAs between 3.50 and 3.74
Only .09% had GPAs below 3.50
These statistics demonstrate that virtually all UCLA admits have excellent high school academic performance.
Demographic Information
UCLA's first-year class shows a disturbingly small number of African American students relative to other ethnicities. This may suggest some bias in their admissions process that should be addressed.
Nonresidents: 305 (7.4%)
Hispanic/Latino: 1701 (25.7%)
Black or African American: 218 (3.2%)
White: 1347 (20%)
Asian: 2023 (30%)
Other Groups: 831 (12.5%)
What Matters Most in UCLA Admissions
“Very Important” Factors
Rigor of secondary-school record
Academic GPA
Personal Insight Question (PIQ) essays
“Important” Factors
Extracurricular activities
Talent/ability
Character & personal qualities
Volunteer work
Work experience
“Considered” Factors
First-generation status
Geographic or state residency
Level of applicant’s interest
“Not Considered” Factors
Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
Class rank
Recommendations
Interviews
Alumni relation
Race/ethnicity
What These Ratings Mean for Applicants
Academics still rule. With testing off the table, course rigor + grades are the non-negotiable foundation.
Essays are decisive. PIQs share top billing with GPA—use them to showcase intellectual curiosity, impact, and resilience.
Impact > volume. UCLA values sustained, meaningful contributions in a few areas over a long activity list.
No testing back door. Even high SAT/ACT scores can’t boost you; invest that prep time in deeper projects instead.
Notable Campus Metrics
Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1
Four-year graduation rate: 87% (six-year: 93%)
Housing: 96% of first-years live in university housing their first year.
These figures show UCLA’s ability to shepherd large cohorts to on-time graduation while still offering strong faculty access.
What This Means for Future Applicants
Maximize rigor early. Load up on AP/IB, dual-enrollment, and advanced math/science every year.
Demonstrate sustained leadership. Depth and impact in activities—especially those with community benefit—stand out.
Craft powerful PIQs. Tell concrete stories that reveal your character, initiative, and intellectual vitality.
Channel test-prep time into projects. Independent research, creative work, or community initiatives now carry more weight than unused scores.
Combine data with narrative. UCLA admits have near-perfect academics; what separates the admit stack is the story of how you’ll enrich the Bruin community.
Need help applying to UCLA for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle? If so, contact an admissions expert at Cosmic College Consulting today!
