University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Founded in 1919, UCLA is a public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, providing easy access to beaches, mountains and cultural attractions. The 400 acre campus is a mix of architectural styles, but is predominantly composed of Romanesque-style buildings. The campus boasts two museums, several performance venues and one of the largest university research libraries in the country.
Enrolling over 33,000 undergraduates, UCLA has the largest student enrollment of all University of California schools. It is considered very selective with a 9% acceptance rate and 90% of enrolled undergraduates hail from California. Prospective students complete the UC online application which includes a comprehensive review of the applicant's high school program, accomplishments/activities and responses to four personal insight questions. Standardized test scores are not considered in the admissions process.
Of the 130 majors, UCLA’s most popular include the biological sciences, performing arts, film/TV and design & media arts. About half of undergraduates choose to participate in faculty-led research. Two on-campus centers provide assistance to students across disciplines in identifying and applying for these opportunities. UCLA operates on a quarter system with three, ten week terms (fall, winter, spring) and an optional summer term. Students typically take three to four courses per term, and content tends to move quickly. Half of all classes enroll less than twenty students, but core classes in the first two years can be as large as 400 students with smaller discussion sections offered.
Incoming freshmen attend a three-day summer orientation program consisting of workshops, academic counseling and an introduction to campus life. The opportunity to pair with an upperclassmen mentor through the New Student Mentoring Network is offered to first-year students to assist with their transition to college life. UCLA’s first year Fiat Lux (“let there be light”) seminar program includes close to one hundred, one-credit seminars on a unique range of topics. Faculty members share their expertise and passions with small groups of students in discussion-based classes.
Almost 100% of all freshmen and 60% of all undergraduates live on “The Hill” in campus housing where various options are available. Students live in traditional double and triple rooms, suites and living learning communities (LLCs). LLCs provide a residential experience that combines academic and social opportunities with peers who share common interests. Current options include Creative Collective, Global Health, Interfaith and Technology Innovation. Campus dining has been ranked as one of the best in the country and includes fifteen dining halls, restaurants and snack bars.
Students participate in over 1,200 campus clubs and organizations focused on academic and personal interests, sports and identity/culture. Students have access to fifteen workout facilities and six pools. UCLA’s Marina Aquatic Center in Marina del Rey offers students classes and equipment rentals for activities including rowing, sailing, kayaking and sailing. School spirit abounds at UCLA and the Bruins have won 127 Division I NCAA championships across a variety of sports from volleyball to basketball to soccer. Football and basketball games draw big crowds and the annual “Crosstown Showdown” football game highlights the longstanding rivalry with the University of Southern California.
Who would thrive at UCLA?
UCLA is a good fit for a hard working, focused student with a strong academic record who wants a large school with a community feel. UCLA students tend to be socially active, proud of their school spirit and embrace the “California lifestyle”.
Interesting Facts
Four Nobel Prizes have been awarded to UCLA alumni or faculty members in the past ten years
284 Olympic medals have been won by UCLA alumni
During finals week, students participate in the Midnight Scream, collectively screaming at midnight to relieve stress.
The first internet transmission was sent from UCLA to Stanford in 1969. Immediately after it was sent, the UCLA computer broke down.
Notable Alumni
Kareem Abdul Jabbar-NBA Hall of Famer & six time NBA champion
Jack Black-Actor & Musician
Francis Ford Coppola-Oscar-winning movie director
Mayim Bialik-Actress & Neuroscientist
Sara Bareilles-Grammy winning singer & songwriter
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