UCLA admission standards?

Hey guys, UCLA is my dream school but I'm a bit stressed about their admission standards. I know they're a selective school, but does anyone know what they prioritize the most during admissions or any special advice to increase chances? Cheers!

UCLA is indeed a competitive school and having a clear understanding of the institution's admission process could definitely help you put together a competitive application.

For UCLA, strong academic achievement is key. They look at the rigor of your coursework within the context of what is available at your high school. So having a good mix of honors, AP, or IB classes, where available, is a must. Maintain a strong GPA and aim for consistency in your academic performance.

While it cannot be emphasized enough that they are currently test-blind in their holistic review process and will not consider your ACT or SAT scores at all for the 2024-2025 application cycle, that doesn't mean the academic part of your application is over after coursework. The essays you write for the UC Application will provide a window into your academic curiosity and intellectual vitality.

Extracurriculars also play a vital role. UCLA seeks students who demonstrate leadership and involvement outside of the classroom. Remember, similar to other competitive schools, UCLA is interested more in depth than breadth when it comes to extracurricular pursuits. They prefer to see you deeply involved in a few areas over a long period of time, particularly if you have achieved a leadership role or made a distinguished contribution.

It's also crucial to note that UCLA uses comprehensive review, which takes into consideration academic and non-academic factors. They aim to complete a fair reading of each applicant in the context of their school, family circumstance, and community. So, while the UC Application doesn't ask for it, writing an additional comments essay about any personal, family, or school difficulty you've faced could help put your application in context.

Lastly, spend time on your personal insight questions. These are a significant feature of the UC application, and each should highlight a different aspect about you - they're your chance to showcase your personality, interests, and how you’ll contribute to the UCLA community. Make sure your responses align with UCLA's principles of community, which value diversity, integrity, and respect among other aspects.

Remember, there's no guaranteed formula for admission, but doing your best in these areas can help you present a strong application. Good luck!