If you’ve searched for “UCLA acceptance rate by major,” you’re onto one of the most important insights prospective Bruins need. The overall acceptance rate at UCLA hovers around 9 % for first-year admits, meaning roughly 1 in 11 applicants gain admission. However, this average masks significant variation: your chances can change dramatically depending on the major you apply to.
Many students mistakenly think that picking UCLA’s name alone is the strategy—they’ll apply to a popular major, assume the rate is uniform, and get surprised.
Why Major Choice Matters More Than Ever
The truth is, for competitive majors like Computer Science or Nursing, the admit rate can dive into the low single digits. Undergraduate Admission+2Undergraduate Admission+2
On the flip side, some majors are less impacted and thus offer slightly higher admit rates. If you’re flexible and strategic about your major, you might find a more realistic pathway into UCLA—without lowering your ambition.
In this guide we’ll unpack the data on major-by-major admit rates, highlight where it’s hardest and where it’s relatively easier to get in, and give you actionable advice on how to use this knowledge to boost your own chances. You’ll learn how UCLA defines “impacted” majors, what the accept-rate numbers actually mean, and how to pick a major that fits both your passion and your strategic chance.
By the end you’ll not only understand the phrase “UCLA acceptance rate by major” — you’ll know how to use it. Let’s dive in.
How UCLA Reports Major-Specific Accept Rates
UCLA breaks down its admission data by major and by school/college, which is uncommon and extremely useful for applicants. For example, the “First-Year Profile by Major” for Fall 2024 lists majors in the Samueli School of Engineering, Arts & Architecture, The College, Nursing, and Theater/Film. Undergraduate Admission
In that data set you’ll find columns for number of applicants, admit rate percentage, and the 25th-75th percentile of GPA for admitted students. This gives you not just the chance of admission but the academic profile of admitted applicants. For instance, Computer Science had an admit rate of about 4.1% in one engineering major category. Undergraduate Admission
One important detail: some parts of UCLA’s review process do not consider your declared major (particularly in The College of Letters & Science for some divisions), but many “impacted” majors do evaluate you directly by major application. Undergraduate Admission+1
Another factor: the term “impacted” means more applicants than available seats, which causes selective filtering at the major level. Knowing which majors are impacted is key—because you’re competing in a subset.
As you review the “acceptance rate by major” data, remember: the rate is a starting point, not your destiny. Your strategy should incorporate major choice, academic fit, story alignment, and realistic odds.
Highly Competitive Majors Where It’s Hardest to Get In
Some majors at UCLA are among the most competitive in the country. For example, in the Samueli School of Engineering:
Computer Science: ~4.1% admit rate. Undergraduate Admission
Mechanical Engineering: ~3.8%. Undergraduate Admission
Aerospace Engineering: ~3.3%. Undergraduate Admission
These numbers reflect both high demand and limited capacity. Students applying to these majors aren’t just competing with each other—they’re competing with global applicants who bring strong credentials and ambitious goals.
Majors like Nursing and Film & TV also show extremely low admit rates. For example, UCLA’s School of Nursing Prelicensure major had about 0.9% admit rate in the 2024 breakdown. Undergraduate Admission
The Key Takeaway: if you are committed to one of these highly competitive majors, your application must reflect not just academic excellence but distinctive achievement and alignment. Admissions officers expect you to demonstrate why you are a perfect fit for that major – not just that you want it because it’s popular.
While the numbers look daunting, don’t let them discourage you. Instead, let them inform your preparation strategy: strong GPA, standout resume, major-specific projects, meaningful essays.
Where It’s Easier (Relatively) — Directors for Smart Strategy
“Easier” is relative here. At UCLA, certain majors offer moderately higher admit rates—though still selective by any measure. For example:
In the School of the Arts & Architecture, the major “World Arts and Cultures” had an admit rate of ~31% in the Fall 2024 profile. Undergraduate Admission
For The College (divisions like Humanities, Life Sciences), the admit rates ranged around ~9–15% depending on discipline. For Life Sciences ~11%, Physical Sciences ~15%. Undergraduate Admission
These aren’t easy—admit rates above 10% are still tough—but they’re more attainable than the single-digit sub-5% majors. Choosing one of these paths doesn’t mean “settling” for less. It means aligning your ambition with a realistic framework.
Another Route: choose a major that is meaningful to you but less impacted—or one that allows you to apply undeclared in The College and then declare later. By doing so, you retain flexibility and reduce initial competition.
When you look at “acceptance rate by major” data, use it as a guide—not a ceiling. Identify majors where your profile fits the profile of admitted students (GPA, essay theme, extracurricular alignment) and where your chances are stronger.
Table of Select Major Admit Rates at UCLA
Here’s a table summarizing selected major admit-rates based on Fall 2024 data and reputable sources.
| Major / School | Approximate Admit Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science (Engineering) | ~ 4.1% Undergraduate Admission | Very high competition |
| Mechanical Engineering | ~ 3.8% Undergraduate Admission | STEM & impacted major |
| Aerospace Engineering | ~ 3.3% Undergraduate Admission | Limited seats, specialty niche |
| Nursing Prelicensure | ~ 0.9% Undergraduate Admission | Among the hardest to get into |
| World Arts & Cultures (Arts & Architecture) | ~ 31% Undergraduate Admission | Higher relative admit rate |
| Life Sciences (The College) | ~ 11% Undergraduate Admission | Less impacted major category |
| Physical Sciences (The College) | ~ 15% Undergraduate Admission | Among more attainable STEM paths |
| Social Sciences (The College) | ~ 9.3% Undergraduate Admission | Public-policy & social research oriented |
This table allows you to see where the pressure is greatest—and where you might find a strategic path forward.
Remember: these numbers are approximate and change each year. Use them to form your strategy, but always research the current cycle’s data.
Infographic suggestion: a bar chart comparing these majors by admit rate (highest to lowest) would visually emphasize the disparity.
As you review your own application strategy, match your profile (GPA, major interest, extracurriculars) against this table rather than against the general 9 % rate alone.
Why the Variation by Major Exists
Why do some majors at UCLA have <5% admit rates while others reach 30%? Several factors drive this variation.
1. Capacity Constraints:
Majors like Engineering or Film & TV require labs, specialized equipment, faculty supervision, or professional accreditation—so UCLA limits seats. Higher demand + limited seats = lower admit rate.
2. Demand Pressure:
Certain fields (CS, engineering, film) attract vast applicant pools not just in California but globally. When demand rises faster than capacity, the admit rate drops.
3. Impaction Policy:
UCLA labels majors “impacted” when more students apply than the major can accommodate. These majors trigger even tighter review and sometimes cut-offs based on GPA or other filters.
4. Applicant fit and differentiation:
In competitive majors, mere strong grades aren’t enough. Applicants must show genuine interest, relevant experience (internships, research), and a clear story for that major. Less impacted majors may accept students with strong academics but less specialized backgrounds.
5. Strategic Applicant behaviour:
Because students know which majors are hot, they flock to them. This self-reinforcing cycle raises competition. Meanwhile, those who pick other majors may see higher relative chances simply because fewer applicants aim there.
Understanding these drivers helps you pick a major not just based on interest, but based on strategy—and increases your control over your chances.
How to Use Major-by-Major Data to Strengthen Your Application
Knowing the admit rate by major is great—but how do you use that knowledge? Here are practical steps:
Step 1: Research your major’s historical admit rates and GPA thresholds
Match your profile realistically. If you want CS (~4% admit rate) but your GPA is lower than admitted averages, you might need to adjust strategy.
Step 2: Align your profile with the major
Make sure your coursework, extracurriculars, essays and story reflect your chosen field. For impacted majors, admission teams expect evidence of interest and readiness.
Step 3: Consider alternative majors simultaneously
You don’t have to abandon your dream field—but applying to a less impacted major can act as a strategic backup without compromising quality.
Step 4: Be prepared to declare later
Some students start in The College (unclear major) and then transition into the desired discipline. If your first choice major is extremely competitive, this pathway keeps you connected.
Step 5: Use data to craft your story
If you pick a major with ~10-15% admit rate, highlight how your background fits within that context. Avoid generic statements; use your unique traits to stand out.
By using major-level data as a lens, you move from “I hope I get in” to “Here’s how I get in.” That shift in mindset matters more than any number.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make When Considering Major Choice
Even smart students stumble at this stage. Let’s look at common pitfalls:
Mistake 1: Applying to a major just because it’s popular
Many students pick CS or engineering because they believe it’s “valuable” without considering fit or readiness. The result: high competition, high risk.
Mistake 2: Overestimating flexibility
While UCLA allows some major changes after matriculation, moving into impacted majors (e.g., CS) later is extremely difficult. Choosing a less impacted major first is wiser than hoping for a switch.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the GPA/fit threshold
Knowing the admit rate is useful, but you also need to meet or exceed the typical academic profile for admits in that major.
Mistake 4: Neglecting your story
For high-demand majors, story matters more than ever. If you’re applying to a major with <5% admit rate, you need something beyond stellar academics—missions, projects, leadership.
Mistake 5: Not using data proactively
Many treat major choice like a guess. Instead, use the data (as in the table above) to strategically choose majors that maximize your chances while still aligning with your goals.
Avoiding these mistakes makes your path more realistic and reduces wasted effort.
How International and Out-of-State Students Should Interpret Major-by-Major Rates
If you’re an international student or applying from outside California, major choice data is even more critical to your planning.
- Firstly, as a non-resident applicant, you face even stiffer competition — not just against fellow Californians but global candidates. For high-demand majors, you might be competing with top applicants worldwide.
- Secondly, major-by-major admit data gives you a clearer lens than the overall rate. If you’re looking at CS (~4%), you should expect your admitted profile to be extremely strong; if your target major is less impacted (~15%), you may have more realistic odds.
- Thirdly, your application must highlight how your international perspective adds value. For competitive majors, showing unique global experience or interdisciplinary exposure helps differentiate you.
- Fourthly, you should consider cost and post-study work possibilities when selecting major. If you pick a high-demand major and fail to secure admission, you risk delaying your study abroad plan. Choosing a slightly easier major with strong career prospects may serve you better.
- Finally, use major-by-major data for backup planning. If your dream is a competitive major at UCLA, also prepare alternate majors where your chances are comparatively higher, while keeping your long-term goals in view.
A Strategic Framework for Applicants: Putting it All Together
Here’s a step-by-step framework to apply major-by-major acceptance rate data to your UCLA strategy:
1. Identify your interest
What subjects genuinely engage you? You’ll perform best in majors you care about.
2. Check data
Look up the admit rate and admitted profile for that major at UCLA (see table above).
3. Evaluate your readiness
Does your GPA, extracurriculars, and major‐related experience align with the admitted profile? If yes, proceed; if not, adjust.
4. Choose a primary and a backup
You might apply to a high-selectivity major (primary) and a closely related, slightly less-selective major (backup) to hedge risk.
5. Craft your application story
Use essays and activities to show a cohesive narrative of why you chose your major, why you’re ready, and how you’ll contribute.
6. Bridge gaps with specialty activities
If you’re applying to a high-demand major but your profile is modest, highlight major-specific work (research, competitions, independent study).
7. Flex your timing
Apply early, prepare for essays, check major requirements, and keep flexibility to shift if needed.
By applying this structured approach, you respect both your dreams and the realities of major-by-major competition at UCLA.
Conclusion — Major Choice Can Shape More Than Admission
The phrase “UCLA acceptance rate by major” is not a mere curiosity—it’s a strategic key to your admission plan. It reveals where competition clusters, where your best fit might lie, and how to align your ambition with realistic pathways.
Yes, some majors at UCLA have extremely low admit rates (3–5%), while others hover in higher ranges (10–30%). Knowing the range helps you target intelligently, invest effort where it matters, and avoid unnecessary risk.
More importantly, a major choice anchors your application story. Once you pick a major that interests you and offers a thoughtful strategy, your profile becomes less about “getting into UCLA” and more about “thriving at UCLA.”
By analyzing the data, aligning your profile, crafting your story, and choosing smartly—you’ll position yourself not just as an applicant but as a candidate who understands both ambition and strategy.
So when you see the numbers, remember: they’re not obstacles—they’re signposts. And with the right major-by-major strategy, you can turn them into direction.
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