UCLA Prerequisites?

Hey all! Basically I've got my heart set on UCLA, but I'm not entirely sure what prerequisites they might have for applicants... specifically for their Science programs. Anyone out there know anything about this?

UCLA is one of the most selective colleges in the US, and for its scientific programs, the prerequisites are understandably rigorous. Here's a general breakdown:

1. Academic GPA: UC admissions primarily consider your unweighted 'a-g' GPA, but UCLA tends to look favorably on AP/Dual enrollment courses and these could help boost your 'a-g' courses. GPA expectations are high; the majority of freshmen admitted have a GPA of 3.5 or above.

2. Laboratory Science: As the student is interested in Science programs, make sure to have at least 2 years of laboratory science, including two of these three: biology, chemistry, and physics.

3. Course Load: UCLA wants to see that you've challenged yourself with a rigorous course load within the context of what's offered at your high school. This means taking honors, AP, IB, or dual enrollment classes if they are offered at your school.

4. A-G Requirements: Like all UC schools, UCLA wants students who have completed the A-G requirements. For example, this includes 4 years of English, 3 years of Math (4 years recommended), and 2 years of History/Social Science among others.

5. Extracurriculars: UCLA, like other highly selective schools, values students who exhibit a "spike" of excellence in a particular field, rather than being "well-rounded." So, strong science-related extracurriculars would be favorable, like participation in the Science Olympiad or a high ranking in a regional or state science fair.

6. College Essays: College essays for UC schools including UCLA involve four 350-word essays called Personal Insight Questions (PIQs).Highly-ranked topics include a student's leadership abilities, how they've overcome a significant challenge, and educational opportunities they've taken advantage of. They should allow the admissions officers to see a clear picture of their interest in science.

7. Standardized test scores: As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, UCLA is test-blind, which means SAT or ACT scores are not considered in admissions evaluation.

I should note that these are general guidelines and there may be variations for certain programs. The competitiveness of admission can significantly depend on the specific science major you choose, so I would recommend contacting UCLA directly or visiting their official website for the most accurate and detailed requirements for your chosen field.

Lastly, keep in mind that your application is reviewed holistically, which means that all the different aspects of your application are taken into account - not just your academic performance. Your extracurricular involvement, your personal initiative, your community service activities, and overall character are all part of the evaluation process.