Getting into the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a significant achievement, as it is one of the most prestigious public universities in the United States. With an acceptance rate of just 9%, UCLA is highly selective and admits only the most competitive applicants. The university adopts a holistic admission policy, taking into consideration GPA, extracurricular activities, personal achievements, and leadership positions.

UCLA is test-free, so the SAT Exam and ACT are not factored into the admissions process. That being said, knowing the average scores of students admitted can give one an idea of the academic quality UCLA looks for. In previous years, successful applicants had SAT scores ranging from 1290 to 1510 and ACT Exam scores between 27 and 34. Additionally, admitted students typically have a high school GPA between 4.18 and 4.32, demonstrating outstanding academic performance.

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Did You Know These Facts About UCLA?

1️⃣ UCLA produces Hollywood stars! 🎬 Alumni include actors like James Franco, Ben Stiller, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
2️⃣ UCLA has won over 120 NCAA championships! 🏆 The Bruins have one of the most successful athletic programs in the U.S.
3️⃣ It’s a top-tier research university! 🔬 UCLA receives billions in research funding and has made groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, technology, and environmental sciences.
4️⃣ The Royce Hall architecture is iconic! 🏛️ One of UCLA’s most famous landmarks, Royce Hall, is a popular filming location for movies and TV shows.
5️⃣ The Bruin Walk is a must-visit spot! 🐻 A lively campus hub, Bruin Walk is where students gather for events, clubs, and social activities.

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University of California Los Angeles Admission Requirements

UCLA seeks students with exceptional academic performance, leadership potential, and meaningful extracurricular involvement. The university does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions decisions but instead evaluates applicants based on coursework rigor, personal insight essays, and contributions to their communities.

If you have a strong GPA, solid SAT or ACT scores, and meaningful extracurriculars, you'll have a great shot at getting into University of California Los Angeles. But UCLA isn't just about numbers—it values students who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and passion for learning.

University of California Los Angeles GPA Requirement

UCLA places a strong emphasis on GPA, with most admitted students having a GPA between 4.18 and 4.32. This means that successful applicants have taken challenging coursework, including AP, IB, or honors classes, to achieve high academic standing.

UCLA Average GPA for Admitted Students

Getting into UCLA requires an outstanding academic record, and your GPA is a key factor in the admissions process. The UCLA average GPA for admitted students is between 4.18 and 4.32, meaning most successful applicants have top grades in rigorous coursework like AP, IB, or honors classes. Since competition is fierce, a strong GPA paired with impressive extracurriculars and a compelling personal statement can help your application stand out.

Since UCLA is extremely competitive, students with lower GPAs must compensate with outstanding extracurriculars, leadership roles, and compelling personal insight essays.

UCLA SAT Scores 

If you're aiming for UCLA, having a strong academic profile is key! Although UCLA SAT scores are no longer used for admissions, looking at past score trends can still provide you with an idea of how competitive the university is. In the past, admitted students usually scored between 1290 and 1510, with an average SAT score of 1400. For those who want to strengthen their application, focusing on a high GPA (4.18–4.32), impressive extracurriculars, and strong essays is the way to go!

Average UCLA SAT Score for Admitted Students 

If you're wondering about the average UCLA SAT scores, you're not alone! UCLA is one of the most competitive universities in the U.S., and while it no longer considers SAT scores for admission, past data gives us a good idea of the academic standards of admitted students. If UCLA were still test-considering, a strong SAT score would need to be well above average to stand out. Here’s a breakdown of past SAT score ranges for admitted students:

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UCLA SAT Score Distribution

When looking at UCLA SAT scores, it's clear that admitted students in the past had impressive academic achievements. While UCLA no longer considers SAT scores in its admissions process, previous data can give you an idea of the competitive landscape. 

In the past, students who scored higher on the SAT had a stronger chance of acceptance, with scores typically falling within a specific range. Below is a breakdown of past UCLA SAT score distributions:

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University of California Los Angeles Schools That Use SAT Scores

While UCLA itself is test-blind and does not consider SAT scores for admissions, some other schools within the University of California system may still use standardized test scores for certain scholarship considerations or placement purposes. Here are some schools that previously considered SAT scores before the UC system went test-blind:

• UC Berkeley
• UC Davis
• UC Irvine
• UC Merced
• UC Riverside
• UC San Diego
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC Santa Cruz

Even though SAT scores are no longer required, strong GPA, extracurriculars, and essays are key to getting into a top UC school like UCLA!

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Is UCLA Test-Blind?

Yes, UCLA is test-blind, which means it does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admissions or scholarships—no matter how high your score is. The University of California (UC) system eliminated its standardized test requirement in 2020, making all UC schools, including UCLA, test-blind. However, if you do submit test scores, they might still be used for things like fulfilling eligibility requirements or course placement after you enroll. So, while strong test scores won’t impact your admission chances, they could still be useful later!

🚀Get to Know What Does Test Optional Policy Mean for College Admissions?

UCLA ACT Score 

UCLA has a holistic admissions policy, so ACT scores are not needed for your application. The university is test-blind, providing a good ACT score can still help improve your chances. Competitive applicants typically have UCLA ACT scores ranging from 27 to 34, with higher scores making you a stronger candidate, especially for competitive majors like engineering and business.

Average UCLA ACT Score for Admitted Students

Scoring well on the ACT can make your UCLA application more competitive, even though the university follows a holistic admissions process. With UCLA ACT scores typically ranging from 27 to 34, aiming for the higher end of this range can give you an edge. The average UCLA ACT score for admitted students is 30.5, which means many successful applicants score above 30. Strong academics, extracurriculars, and a compelling application can further boost your chances of admission.

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UCLA Acceptance Rate

With an acceptance rate of only 9%, UCLA is one of the most selective universities in the country. Out of over 149,000 applicants, only about 13,500 students secure admission.

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University of California Los Angeles Scholarships

UCLA provides several scholarships to students on the basis of academic excellence, financial needs, and co-curricular achievements. Some prominent scholarships are:

• Regents Scholarship (Most prestigious merit-based scholarship)
• Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan (Covers tuition for eligible California residents)
• UC Presidential Scholarship (For high-achieving students)
• Departmental Scholarships (Specific to different majors and programs)

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Conclusion

UCLA is among the most selective institutions in the U.S., with world-class education, vibrant campus life, and extensive research opportunities. With a 9% acceptance rate, a 4.18 – 4.32 GPA range, and holistic admissions, students need to demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and compelling personal history in order to become accepted.

If you want to become a Bruin, stay committed to achieving a high GPA, getting involved in quality extracurricular activities, and producing good personal insight essays. With hard work and determination, you can make your UCLA dream a reality!

Colleges That Uses SAT Scores

Many prestigious colleges and universities in the U.S. require SAT scores as part of their admissions process. Below is a list of some of the top colleges and universities that use SAT scores for their admissions.

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Colleges That Accept 1200 Score In SAT