How to Get Accepted into UCLA

Get help applying to one of the top universities in the US

About UCLA

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university located in Los Angeles, California. It is one of the leading institutions of higher education not only in the United States but also globally, consistently ranking among the top universities worldwide across various rankings. UCLA is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, groundbreaking research, and a diverse and dynamic student body. Its commitment to academic excellence is evident in its wide range of programs across disciplines, including highly ranked departments in psychology, engineering, business, law, medicine, and film. The university is also known for its significant contributions to research, particularly in areas such as technology, health sciences, and environmental sustainability.

Acceptance rates at UCLA are highly competitive, reflecting the university’s prestige and the quality of education it offers. In recent years, the acceptance rate has hovered around 12-16%, making it one of the most selective public universities in the country. This selectivity ensures that the student body is comprised of highly motivated and academically accomplished individuals from diverse backgrounds. The graduation rate is also impressive, with a large percentage of students successfully completing their degrees within six years, indicating strong academic support and resources available to students.

Beyond academics, UCLA offers a vibrant campus life with numerous extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, fostering a well-rounded student experience. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Bruins, compete in Division I of the NCAA, adding to the spirited campus culture. The alumni network is vast and influential, spanning across various fields and contributing to the university’s strong reputation in the job market. Overall, UCLA’s combination of academic rigor, research excellence, and a dynamic community makes it a top choice for students from around the globe.

How to Apply to UCLA

The admissions process at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is holistic and highly selective, reflecting the university’s commitment to enrolling a diverse and talented student body. Prospective students must submit a comprehensive application through the University of California (UC) system, which includes academic transcripts, standardized test scores (though these have become optional or not required in recent years, aligning with the UC system’s test-blind policy), essays, and information about extracurricular activities. UCLA places a significant emphasis on the personal insight questions (PIQs), which give applicants the opportunity to showcase their unique experiences, challenges overcome, personal achievements, and the diversity they bring to the campus community.

In evaluating applications, admissions officers consider a wide range of factors, including academic achievements, leadership experiences, community service, and other personal accomplishments, within the context of the opportunities available to the applicant. The process is designed to identify students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate the potential to contribute to the campus community in meaningful ways. Given the competitive nature of admissions, applicants are encouraged to apply broadly within the UC system and to ensure their applications comprehensively reflect their academic abilities, personal experiences, and future aspirations.

We’ve Helped Students Get into UCLA

Dr. Haig gives great advice to students on how to gain an edge when applying to colleges. He provides individual advice specially tailored around each student’s major and career pursuits. Without Dr. Haig I would not have been able to know what it takes to get into a high level university and make myself stand out in a large pool of applicants. He does a great job making the college application process as productive and enjoyable as possible.

Sagar Telang

UCLA, Scholarship

Jeff is a superb counselor and a great planner. He did several great things for our son. First he helped him find his goals by filtering through the huge set of universities and colleges, opened his eyes to the choices that were worthy and within reach (both in terms of academic level and financial requirements). After setting the focus on a limited number of viable choices, Jeff started to prepare our son for tackling the requirements. Jeff motivated him to take and handle more AP units and do whatever else needed to appeal to his goal universities.

Without Jeff pushing and motivating, I doubt my son could make it this strongly in a rather short time period. Last but not least Jeff finalized the process by reading and discussing essays and giving advice on how to develop resumes for getting admission.

Jeff has great experience in the end to end process of preparation, application and admission and does the job in a well organized, step by step manner which worked beautifully for us. We highly recommend Jeff and thank him for all his efforts.

Mahtab Zarrazvand (Guity), Parent

UCLA

Dr. Haig is more than advisor, he becomes your best friend from the very first call. I remember coming in with little to no experience in the healthcare field but hungry to succeed in all aspects. Heeding to all and every advice by Dr. Haig, I was able to successfully launch my first research organization and work with numerous government organizations. He also motivated me to take higher and more leadership positions which had also immensely benefitted me. Dr. Haig is EXTREMELY qualified beyond belief in this profession and I credit my success and path to him. He’s redefined how to become successful in such a way where I can truly enjoy the process. I hope to come back to Dr. Haig when it comes time to apply for medical school

Talha Khan

UCLA, Scholarship

Thank you, Jeff and Brian, for guiding our daughter’s community college transfer and admission to UCLA!

As an older, returning college student, she faced many challenges, but with their assistance she was accepted to her first choice school for Fall 2023.

In her own words, “Jeff and Brian had extensive knowledge of the application process and knew how to highlight my strengths while helping me to construct my essays in the most effective way possible. Aside from the technical elements, they were also incredible motivators and encouraged me to see myself in a way that I never had before. They helped me to gain a confidence that I was able to manifest in my writing.

Working with Jeff and Brian was a very positive experience in every way and we highly recommend them for all prospective college students.

Chris and Marjorie

UCLA, Scholarship

Thank you Jeff!  She is super excited (and we are too) to be a Bruin.  She was able to find two great roommates and are already becoming fast friends with them. She’s also going to audition this weekend to be on the Song/Cheer team.

Thanks again for all your help shepherding us through this long process. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Art Lee, Parent

UCLA

Starting with Dr. Haig in sophomore year, I have had everything an excellent experience could entail. The college admissions process is like walking into the woods blindfolded, and yet Dr. Haig was my reliable guide the entire way
through. I learned how to write great college essays and strengthen myself to be an appealing applicant.

I also admire Dr. Haig’s character. He is very patient and eager to help. Even if our meeting extends beyond the scheduled time, he never pressures me to hurry it up. Anytime I have a question, Dr. Haig has a quick and accurate response.

Thanks to Dr. Haig’s guidance, I was accepted to UCLA and UC Berkeley. For anyone looking for guidance towards their future, I highly recommend Dr. Haig.

Leon Zhou

UCLA, Scholarship

How We Can Help You Get Into UCLA

At Strategic College Consulting, Drs. Jeff and Brian Haig can work with you to help you get into your dream school. Contact us today to find out more about our consulting services and how we can help you today!