The UCLA acceptance rate for 2025-2026 shows how competitive it is to get into the University of California Los Angeles. This article covers the latest acceptance rate, average GPA, test score expectations, and key admission trends. It also explains how UCLA compares with other UC campuses and what students can do to improve their chances of getting accepted.
What is the Official UCLA Acceptance Rate 2025?
For the Fall 2025 admission cycle, UCLA recorded an overall acceptance rate of around 9.4 percent for the Class of 2029. According to official UCLA admission stats 2025, the university received about 145,058 total applications and offered admission to roughly 13,660 students.
These numbers show how selective UCLA has become in recent years. When you look at how many people applied to UCLA compared to those admitted, it is clear that competition continues to rise. Less than one in ten applicants secured a place, making UCLA one of the most competitive public universities in the United States.
The UCLA Class of 2029 acceptance rate highlights the growing interest in the University of California system and the university’s high academic standards. Students from across the country and around the world continue to apply in record numbers, pushing the UCLA total applications to new heights each year.
UCLA Average GPA: What Do You Need to Get In?
The average GPA for UCLA reflects the university’s highly competitive admission standards. For the Fall 2025 admitted class, the middle 50 percent of students reported a UCLA weighted GPA between 4.40 and 4.60 and a UCLA unweighted GPA between 3.95 and 4.00. These figures represent students who consistently achieved top grades while taking the most challenging courses available at their schools.
A weighted GPA above 4.4 shows that successful applicants earned high marks in advanced classes such as AP, IB, or honors programs. An unweighted GPA near 4.0 indicates nearly perfect grades on the standard scale. Together, these numbers suggest that most admitted students ranked within the top 10 percent of their graduating class.
The GPA needed for UCLA highlights the importance of both performance and rigor. While a UCLA 4.0 GPA demonstrates strong academic ability, students who exceed that range through challenging coursework are typically more competitive. Maintaining grades within these averages gives applicants a realistic chance of standing out in UCLA’s selective admissions process.
Does UCLA Have a Minimum GPA Requirement?
The minimum GPA for UCLA follows the University of California system standards. California residents must have at least a 3.0 GPA, while out-of-state applicants need a 3.4 GPA in their required college-preparatory courses. Meeting this baseline allows a student to qualify for consideration, but it does not guarantee admission.
UCLA’s admission requirements go far beyond the minimum threshold. The university’s admitted students typically earn GPAs well above these levels, reflecting the school’s highly competitive selection process. While a 3.0 or 3.4 GPA may meet eligibility rules, most successful applicants hold GPAs within the top range of their class, often above 4.4 on a weighted scale.
A UCLA 3.8 GPA can be considered solid, but it still falls below the average of admitted students. Applicants should focus on maintaining a strong academic record across challenging courses to be competitive. In essence, the minimum GPA sets the entry point for eligibility, but the real benchmark for admission lies much higher.
UCLA Acceptance Rate: In-State vs. Out-of-State
The UCLA in-state acceptance rate and UCLA out-of-state acceptance rate show clear differences in selectivity across applicant groups for Fall 2025.
|
Applicant Group |
Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
|
California Residents |
9.1% |
|
Out-of-State Applicants |
8.6% |
|
International Students |
6.1% |
The UCLA California acceptance rate is slightly higher because the university gives priority to in-state students as part of the University of California’s mission to serve residents. While this difference is small, it shows that California applicants have a modest advantage.
For students wondering is it harder to get into UCLA as an out-of-state student, the data confirms it is somewhat more competitive. Out-of-state applicants have fewer available spots and face a larger pool of high-achieving candidates from across the country.
International students encounter the most selective process with a 6.1 percent acceptance rate, making UCLA one of the most competitive universities worldwide. These figures highlight the university’s rigorous standards and the increasing level of competition among all applicant groups.
UCLA Acceptance Rate by Major (The Hardest Programs)
The UCLA acceptance rate by major varies widely because each school within the university admits students independently. Some programs are far more selective due to limited space and higher academic standards.
|
School or Program |
Estimated Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
|
Engineering (Henry Samueli School of Engineering) |
5–6% |
|
Nursing (School of Nursing) |
1–2% |
|
College of Letters and Science |
10–11% |
The UCLA engineering acceptance rate reflects the program’s focus on advanced math and science preparation. Students admitted to this school typically have top academic records and strong technical backgrounds.
The UCLA nursing acceptance rate is the lowest among all majors. This program admits only a small number of applicants each year and evaluates both academic achievement and demonstrated commitment to healthcare.
Meanwhile, the UCLA College of Letters and Science acceptance rate is slightly higher because it includes a broader range of majors across humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Understanding these figures helps applicants see how selectivity differs by program and why applying to certain UCLA schools, such as engineering or nursing, requires exceptional academic preparation.
UCLA Acceptance Rate 2026: Predictions & Trends
The UCLA acceptance rate 2024 was about 9 percent, based on roughly 146,000 applications. In 2025, total applications increased slightly, but available spots remained nearly the same, keeping the overall rate around 9.4 percent. This steady rise in applications, paired with limited enrollment capacity, shows a clear trend toward higher selectivity each year.
For the upcoming cycle, the UCLA acceptance rate 2026 prediction suggests another small drop. With the Class of 2030 expected to see another record number of applicants, the acceptance rate could fall to between 8 and 8.5 percent. The trend reflects UCLA’s growing popularity and its consistent position as one of the most sought-after public universities in the United States.
Students often ask, is UCLA getting harder to get into? The answer is yes. Each year, applicants present stronger academic profiles with higher GPAs and more rigorous coursework. Since space in each freshman class remains limited, even qualified students face increasing competition.
How to Improve Your Chances for UCLA (Beyond GPA)
Knowing how to get into UCLA requires more than earning top grades. The university uses a holistic review process that looks at the strength of your coursework, your personal insight essays, and the depth of your extracurricular involvement.
1. Take challenging courses
Enroll in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or honors classes whenever possible. Success in these courses shows academic readiness and commitment to growth. Course rigor is a major factor in what does UCLA look for when assessing applicants.
2. Write strong Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)
Your UCLA PIQs help you stand out. Use them to tell your story clearly and honestly. Reflect on experiences that shaped you, lessons you learned, and ways you have contributed to your school or community. UCLA values self-awareness and authenticity in these responses.
3. Participate in meaningful extracurriculars
Choose activities that genuinely interest you and stay committed to them over time. Leadership roles, community involvement, or creative projects all show initiative and purpose.
These UCLA application tips highlight what the university values most: academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and genuine personal impact. Applicants who balance strong academics with purpose-driven experiences present the most competitive profiles.
Calculate Your GPA for UCLA Admission
Use our UCLA GPA calculator to see how your academic record compares to the average admitted student profile. The tool follows the University of California grading system and helps you estimate both your weighted and unweighted GPA.
To begin, open the UC GPA calculator on our website. Enter your grades for courses taken in grades 10 and 11, including any AP, IB, or honors classes. The calculator will automatically add extra points for advanced coursework, allowing you to calculate my weighted GPA with accuracy.
Once you have your result, compare it with the middle 50 percent GPA range for UCLA applicants. This comparison shows where you stand academically and helps you understand how competitive your profile is. If your GPA is lower than the average range, focus on strengthening other parts of your application such as essays, test scores if applicable, and extracurricular achievements.