Does UCLA accept more in-state students?

Yes, UCLA accepts significantly more in-state (California) students, prioritizing them due to state funding and demand, though it's still highly competitive, with around 80% of enrolled students being California residents, while out-of-state students compete for a smaller portion of spots, despite potentially higher individual acceptance rates. The University of California system aims to reserve a large percentage of seats for California residents, meaning in-state applicants have a better chance than out-of-state applicants with similar qualifications.

Is it easier to get into UCLA in-state?

Out-of-state students have a slightly higher acceptance rate than in-state students, but this is due to disparate application rates, and it is much harder for out of state students to gain admission generally. International students have a harder time than all domestic students.

Does UCLA favor in-state students?

Although transferring to UCLA offers a higher acceptance rate and is often the more appealing path for students, the admissions priorities are similar to those for first-year applicants—in-state California residents come first.

What is the in-state acceptance rate for UCLA?

The 9% UCLA acceptance rate compares to that of Dartmouth and UPenn, two Ivy League schools. The University of Los Angeles has one of the lowest college acceptance rates of any public university in the country.

Does UCLA accept out of state students?

GPA Requirements

The minimum high school GPA requirement for in-state applicants is a 3.0, while it's a 3.4 for out-of-state applicants. However, the typical admitted student has a much higher GPA than this. The average GPA for students admitted in fall 2024 was 3.93.

Can you get into a UC school? + My stats and how I got into UCLA

How to increase chances of getting into UCLA?

Build a Strong Academic Foundation

UCLA reported the median GPA for 2024 admits was 4.60 weighted and 4.00 unweighted. This means that this is the barrier for entry for students, and applicants aiming to be more competitive than other students must have a higher GPA.

Can you get a full ride to UCLA out of state?

If the Registrar classifies you as an out of state student, we will offer assistance to cover your out of state tuition. This support will include Federal Parent PLUS and/or Private Loans. Please be advised that University Grants and Scholarships will not cover your non-resident fees.

What major is the easiest to get into UCLA?

The "easiest" UCLA majors to get into often fall within the humanities or arts, with Ethnomusicology, Musicology, World Arts and Cultures, and certain humanities/social sciences (like Spanish, American Indian Studies, or English) showing higher admission rates, especially for transfers. However, admission difficulty varies significantly between freshman and transfer applicants, and "easy" is relative at a competitive school like UCLA; focusing on your genuine interest is key, as STEM fields, Engineering, and TFT have much lower admit rates. 

Which ivy has the lowest SAT?

While no Ivy League college publishes a hard cutoff, their admissions profiles tell a consistent story. Students who are admitted usually fall somewhere between 1480 and 1570 on the SAT. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT tend to sit at the higher end; Cornell, Dartmouth, and Brown trend slightly lower.

Is Berkeley or UCLA harder to get into?

UCLA is generally considered harder to get into than UC Berkeley due to having a lower overall acceptance rate and receiving more applications, making it the most selective UC, though both are extremely competitive and depend heavily on your major and profile. While UCLA often requires higher stats (especially GPA), Berkeley can be very competitive for specific programs like Engineering or Business, but might be slightly more holistic overall. 

Is UCLA not #1 anymore?

Yes, UCLA is no longer the #1 public university, losing the top spot to UC Berkeley in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, dropping to #2 public and #17 overall, ending an eight-year reign as the top public school. The shift occurred in rankings released in September 2025, with UC Berkeley taking the #1 public university spot, while UCLA remains a highly-ranked institution.
 

Is UCLA harder to get into than USC?

It's extremely competitive for both, but UCLA is generally harder to get into for in-state applicants due to higher GPA demands and a public university quota, while USC becomes exceptionally difficult for out-of-state applicants, often balancing academic rigor with the ability to pay, though recent acceptance rates are similar (around 9-10%), with UCLA receiving far more applicants. The specific difficulty depends heavily on your residency, major, and extracurricular profile, as UCLA emphasizes grades (test-blind) and USC weighs extracurriculars and financial contribution more heavily. 

Which is more prestigious, UC Berkeley or UCLA?

Both UCLA and UC Berkeley are highly prestigious, but Berkeley often edges out UCLA in global research rankings, while UCLA frequently leads in U.S. national rankings for undergraduate experience and social mobility, creating a dynamic rivalry where prestige depends on the specific metric and field. Berkeley is often seen as having stronger research heft and engineering/STEM programs, while UCLA is praised for its vibrant student life and strong undergraduate focus, though both are considered top-tier public universities. 

What is the hardest major to get into UCLA?

The hardest majors to get into at UCLA consistently have extremely low acceptance rates, with Nursing Prelicensure, Film and Television, and Computer Science often topping the list, alongside competitive engineering fields like Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, due to high demand and capped programs requiring strong supplemental applications or auditions, especially for arts. 

What is the #1 hardest college to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it changes slightly by year and criteria, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top with extremely low acceptance rates (often 3-4%) and intense competition for spots, though other top global universities like Oxford and Tsinghua are also incredibly selective. Harvard is frequently cited as the hardest due to its high volume of applications and focus on global leadership potential, while Caltech is known for its extreme difficulty in STEM. 

Is it cheaper to live on or off campus at UCLA?

To Summarize

If you're open to sharing and handling utilities, living off‑campus through UCLA Universe can be substantially cheaper and more flexible than living on campus. Many UCLA students find that even with utilities, rent is lower—and they get more freedom in return. Ready to get started?

What is Elon Musk's SAT score?

Elon Musk reportedly scored a 1400 on the SAT in the late 1980s, on his second attempt, according to his biographer Walter Isaacson, though this score is often discussed in relation to estimated IQ rather than as a definitive measure of his intelligence, with various interpretations placing his IQ in the mid-130s or higher, depending on the source and calculation.
 

Did Mark Zuckerberg get a 1600 on SAT?

Yes, reports widely state that Mark Zuckerberg scored a perfect 1600 (or sometimes a near-perfect 1590) on his SAT, achieving top marks before attending Harvard University, consistent with his reputation as a gifted student and programmer.
 

What was Bill Clinton's SAT score?

Bill Clinton

The 42nd president of the United States scored a 1032—12 points above average—on his SAT. Still, Clinton excelled at Georgetown University, where he majored in Foreign Service and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Later, Clinton attended Yale Law School and earned a Juris Doctor in 1973.

What is the easiest cluster at UCLA?

Probably the easiest set of classes I've done at UCLA. The whole Cluster 70 series was a breeze. If you took a lot of advanced science classes in high school, these series of classes will basically be an easier version of that.

What are the top 3 majors at UCLA?

UCLA's top majors vary slightly by source, but consistently feature Psychology, Business Economics (or Economics), Computer Science, Biology, Political Science, and Sociology, often appearing in the top 3 for popularity or applications, with Psychology being a perennial favorite in size and interest. 

What UC major has a 1% acceptance rate?

The University of California (UC) major with the lowest acceptance rate, often around 1%, is Nursing, particularly at campuses like UCLA and UC Irvine, making it the most competitive major, even more so than Computer Science or Engineering. Thousands apply for a limited number of spots, reflecting high demand for the profession despite the fierce competition. 

Will I get financial aid if my parents make over $400,000?

Yes, you can still get financial aid even if your parents earn over $400k, as there's no strict income cutoff for the FAFSA, but need-based grants will likely be reduced; you may qualify for federal loans, institutional aid, merit scholarships, or other resources, so always apply to see what you're eligible for based on your family's specific situation (size, assets, other factors). 

How much does UCLA cost a year?

For the 2024-2025 academic year, estimated UCLA undergraduate tuition and fees are around $15,203 for California residents and roughly $49,403 for non-residents, with total estimated costs (including housing, food, books, etc.) reaching about $43,137 for residents and $80,739 for non-residents when living on campus. These figures are estimates, and actual costs vary by student status and living arrangements, with graduate programs and professional schools having different fee structures. 

How to stand out to UCLA?

Remember, it's preferable to do one or two activities exceptionally well than to make a mediocre effort in many different activities. Prioritize extracurriculars that demonstrate your child's commitment, leadership, creativity, and initiative in order to make them stand out as a competitive applicant to UCLA.