The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university. It was founded in 1919 as the Southern Branch of the University of California and became the University of California, Los Angeles in 1927. UCLA is also renowned for its research programs and has been the birthplace of many groundbreaking discoveries and innovations in fields such as medicine, technology, and the arts.
Its research centers and institutes include the California NanoSystems Institute, the Center for the Study of Women, the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, and the Hammer Museum. UCLA also has a strong athletic program, with 25 NCAA Division I teams known as the Bruins. The University’s location in Los Angeles, California, provides unique opportunities for students to engage in cultural and professional activities. The students are also able to access internships and job opportunities in various industries. The university has produced numerous distinguished alumni, including multiple Nobel laureates, CEOs, politicians, and cultural icons.
Location
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The campus is situated on 419 acres of land and features a mix of historic and modern buildings, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities. One of the most notable features of the UCLA campus is the Bruin Walk, a pedestrian thoroughfare lined with trees and dotted with sculptures and fountains. The campus also features a number of historic buildings, including Royce Hall and Powell Library, both of which were built in the 1920s.
UCLA’s location in Los Angeles provides access to a wealth of cultural and recreational opportunities. The campus is just a short drive from some of the city’s most famous attractions, including the Getty Center, the Santa Monica Pier, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The nearby Westwood Village also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Student Cohort
UCLA boasts a diverse student population. The university has 31,600 undergraduate students, 14,300 graduate students, and 5,400 international students.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio at UCLA is 18:1. 48% of UCLA classes have fewer than 20 students. The students get the opportunity to learn from a world-renowned faculty at UCLA.
Four-year Completion Rate
The first-year retention rate at UCLA is 97%. The four-year graduation rate is 82.50%. The five-year graduation rate is 90.80% and the six-year graduation rate is 92.10%.
Admission
Acceptance Rate
UCLA is a highly competitive institution with an acceptance rate of 9%. 149,815 students applied to UCLA and 12,844 students were admitted. 31% of students are first-generation students and there are 10% international students. 46% of students come from Southern California, 29% of students represent the rest of California, and 16% of students belong to the other states in the U.S. International students represent 90 countries of the word.
Acceptance GPA
The average high school GPA of accepted students is more than 4.43.
Types of Admission
University of California, Los Angeles is a part of the University of California. All applicants apply through the UC application portal with just one application. The application needs to be submitted by 30th November every year.
Application Components
Complete the UC application and add the high school transcripts.
Standardized Test Score: The University of California is test blind. They have a holistic review of the application process.
Essays: The applicants can choose any 4 prompts from the Personal Insight Questions.
Academics
University of California, Los Angeles comprises of four academic divisions including Humanities, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences. The academics encompass 50 departments, 99 undergraduate majors, more than 60 graduate degree programs, and over 40 Ph.D. programs. The programs focus on research and teaching across both traditional and emerging disciplines in the liberal arts and sciences. The undergraduate Education division serves as the campus driver of excellence and innovation in the undergraduate experience.
Majors
The College of Letters and Science is home to most of UCLA’s undergraduate majors, with additional undergraduate degree options offered by seven distinguished professional schools: the Herb Alpert School of Music, the Luskin School of Public Affairs, the Samueli School of Engineering, School of Education & Information Studies, School of Nursing, School of the Arts and Architecture, and School of Theater, Film, and Television.
Most Popular Majors
Economics
Sociology
Biology
Political Science and Government
Psychology
Physiological Psychology
Computational and Applied Mathematics
English
History
Computer Science
Minors
UCLA offers more than 90 undergraduate minors. Minors are offered by the College and by six schools with undergraduate majors—the School of the Arts and Architecture, the Herb Alpert School of Music, the School of Theater, Film, and Television, the Samueli School of Engineering, the Luskin School of Public Affairs, and the School of Education and Information Studies. Professional schools without undergraduate programs— Management and Public Health—offer minors to undergrads who want to explore these advanced fields. Minors such as “Food Studies” and “Disability Studies” are interdisciplinary programs designed by collaborating faculty from different fields of study.
Most Popular Minors
Film, TV, Digital Media
Education Studies
Chicano/o Studies
Global Health
History
Spanish
Global Studies
Entrepreneurship
Accounting
Public Affairs
Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Student Research Program:
UCLA provides research experiences for undergraduate students through specialized courses, seminars, tutorials, and departmental honors programs. There are two undergraduate research centers. One center is focused on science, math, and engineering, and the other is focused on the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The program gives students access to research projects, scholarships, and other opportunities.
Student Organizations
The UCLA students can participate in more than 1300 student groups. Some of the clubs include the Engineering Society, Grupo Folklorico, and UCLA Wushu. 75% of undergraduates participate in student clubs or organizations and 32% of students are active more than 5 hours a week.
Cost of Attendance
| UCLA Residence Halls | Off-Campus Apartments | Commuter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Fees | $15,154 | $15,154 | $15,154 |
| Food and Housing | $18,369 | $18,609 | $8,019 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment | $1,641 | $1,641 | $1,641 |
| Transportation | $778 | $1,458 | $2,451 |
| Personal | $2,226 | $2,340 | $2,535 |
| Health Insurance* | $3,842 | $3,842 | $3,842 |
| Loan Fees | $117 | $117 | $117 |
| Total – California Residents | $42,127 | $43,161 | $33,759 |
| Nonresident Supplemental Tuition | $34,200 | $34,200 | $34,200 |
| Total – Nonresidents | $76,327 | $77,361 | $67,959 |
* The UC SHIP health insurance requirement and fees can be waived if a student already has adequate insurance cover
In conclusion, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a highly esteemed public research university with a strong commitment to academic excellence, research, and community service. UCLA offers students an exceptional educational experience with access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a diverse community. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields of study, UCLA is a top-tier university that continues to attract and produce some of the brightest minds and leaders of tomorrow.
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