FAQs from Prospective Freshman Applicants
Here are the most common questions we get from freshmen who are planning to apply UCLA.
Q: What is the next available term that I can apply to UCLA?
A: The next available term for freshman applicants is Fall Quarter 2014. The application for this term will be available in September, and the filing period is November 1-30, 2013.
The deadline to apply to all University of California campuses for Fall Quarter 2012 was November 30, 2012. Some other UC campuses may continue to accept applications after the deadline. You will need to contact those campuses individually to find out.
Q: How do I apply?
A: You can fill out and submit a UC application on the University of California's admissions site during the filing period.
Q: Where do I send transcripts or letters of recommendation?
A: UCLA does not usually want letters of recommendation or transcripts for the admission selection process. Our review is based on self-reported information provided on the UC Application form. In the event that we would need anything like this from you during our selection process, we would request them from you specifically.
Students who are admitted (and who intend to
enroll) are required to submit official transcripts; instructions
about where and when to send transcripts are included in the
admission packets.
Q: How do I sign up for my admission interview?
A: UCLA does not have an interview process. Applicants to non-arts majors are reviewed solely based on information contained in their applications. (Applicants to Dance, Ethnomusicology, Music, or Theater will, however, need to audition—see below.)
Q: What should I say in my personal statement?
A: The specific prompts for the personal statement can be found in the UC Application. We use the Statement to learn more about you as an individual and to understand the experiences, accomplishments, and points of view you would bring to the University's undergraduate student body. The personal statement is your opportunity to discuss attributes and experiences that may not be evident through a review of your academic record.
Q: I'm planning to apply to the Art (Design, Music, Theater, World Arts and Cultures) major for Fall, what additional information is required?
A: Depending on your major, you will have to submit a portfolio or perform an audition (in addition to other requirements). Follow the links below for detailed information on supplemental requirements and how to complete them.
- School of the Arts and Architecture*
- School of Nursing
- School of Theater, Film, and Television*
*The Architectural Studies, and Film and Television majors are not open to freshmen.
Q: Where do I get information on financial aid and scholarships?
A: Some scholarship information is listed in the UC Application, but most financial aid is dependent on the amount of money the school has for a particular quarter and the needs of the students attending. The first step in finding out whether you qualify for financial aid is to file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form between January 1 and and March 2 for financial aid beginning in the following fall term. For more information, contact the UCLA Financial Aid Office.
Q: I have heard that your test score requirements are changing. What are the new requirements for the ACT and SAT?
A: You must take one of the following:
SAT Subject Tests are not required, however applicants to the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science are strongly encouraged to take the following SAT Subject Tests: Math Level 2 and a science test (Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics) that is closely related to the applicant's intended major.
Q: If I take the ACT Assessment/SAT Reasoning Test more than once, does UCLA combine the scores and take the average of all of them, or do you only look at the first score?
A: If you take the ACT/SAT Reasoning more than once, we automatically consider the sitting with the highest composite score. We do not combine scores from different sittings or penalize you for taking the tests more than once. (Likewise, if you take the same SAT Subject Test more than once we will use the highest score.) Official scores must be sent directly to our office from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and all exams must be completed no later than the first week in December of the year in which you file your application (i.e., a student who applies for admission to the fall 2012 term in November 2011 would have to take all required tests by December 2011).
Q: I'm an international student; do I need to take the ACT, SATs or just the TOEFL?
A: International applicants are not exempt from the ACT/SAT eligibility requirement. All freshman applicants must take either the ACT Assessment or the SAT Reasoning Test by the December of the year they file their application.
International students whose language of instruction is not English are also required to take either the Test of English as as Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
