UCLA Acceptance Rate: What is the Acceptance Rate at UCLA and what It Really Takes to Get In?

makeoverarena — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:59:00 +0000

If you’re wondering about the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) acceptance rate for Fall 2024, the quick answer is that approximately 9.0% of applicants were admitted. Below is a detailed look at what that number means, how it has changed over time, breakdowns by major and residency, and what you can do to improve your chances.

What the 9.0% Acceptance Rate Actually Means

UCLA received 146,276 applications for first‐year freshmen for fall 2024 and admitted 13,114 students, yielding an admit rate of 9.0%. Undergraduate Admission+1
This figure shows how competitive UCLA admissions are today. It means roughly 1 in every 11 applicants is admitted—so your application must stand out.
It also reflects both how many students apply and how many are admitted; thus the rate is driven by both supply and demand. UCLA is one of the most‐applied to campuses in the U.S. apb.ucla.edu+1
However, the 9.0% figure is a general rate for first‐year freshmen; your chances will vary based on major, residency status (in‐state vs out‐of‐state), extracurriculars, essays, and academic profile.
Understanding this rate helps you calibrate your expectations—not to discourage you, but to help you prepare strategically.

How the Acceptance Rate Has Changed Over Time

Twenty years ago, UCLA’s acceptance rate was significantly higher. For example, the Class of 2004 saw an acceptance rate around 22.7%. Ivy Coach+1 By 2023–24, the acceptance rate had dropped to under 10%, reflecting increased applications and heightened selectivity.

Recent data show steady rates of around 9% or even slightly lower. go.collegewise.com+1 For instance, Fall 2023 numbers indicate ~145,900 applications with ~12,736 admits giving an approximate 8.7% rate. go.collegewise.com+1

This downward trend is important for applicants: standards keep rising, and “good enough” from past years may not be sufficient now.

It also means you need to differentiate yourself—even if you have strong grades, test scores, and extracurriculars.

Acceptance Rate by Major and Division

The overall rate hides large variation across different schools and majors within UCLA. For example:

In the Samueli School of Engineering, the admit rate for Computer Science was about 4.1% in Fall 2024. Undergraduate Admission+1
In the School of Nursing, the rate was extremely low—around 0.9% for one major. College Transitions+1
In contrast, some non–impacted majors or less competitive divisions may have admit rates higher than the campus average. For example, “World Arts and Cultures” had an admit rate around ~31%. Undergraduate Admission
If you apply to a highly competitive major (engineering, film, nursing, computer science), you face much stiffer odds. Choosing less impacted majors or showing strong fit in your application can improve chances. Thus, when you look at “UCLA acceptance rate,” be sure to check the rate specific to your major or school.

In‐State vs. Out‐of‐State vs. International Admit Rates

Residency matters too. While UCLA reports a general rate of about 9%, the numbers differ for California residents, out‐of‐state U.S., and international applicants.
For Fall 2024, sources suggest: in‐state acceptance near ~9.4%, out‐of‐state around ~8.6%, and international perhaps ~6.0%. College Transitions+1
This means: being out‐of‐state or international doesn’t necessarily double your chances—but in heavily impacted majors and large applicant pools, slight differences exist.
If you’re applying from outside California or internationally, it’s crucial to highlight unique qualities, strong academic credentials, and special contributions.
Also, even if your residency gives no big advantage, the competition is global—you’re not just competing with local students but thousands worldwide.

What You Can Do to Boost Your Chances at UCLA

Given the competitiveness, you’ll want to use a strategic approach:

Excel academically:

For Fall 2024 admitted students, median weighted GPA was 4.60 with a middle 25-75% range of 4.42-4.76. Undergraduate Admission+1

Show strong fit:

Essays (Personal Insight Questions) should reflect your passions, how you’ll contribute to UCLA, and what you’ll achieve.

Stand out in extracurriculars:

Depth over breadth matters—leadership, unique projects, or scholarship shows initiative.

Choose your major wisely:

If you pick a highly competitive major, your margins shrink. Consider majors where you can shine.

Apply early and complete your application carefully:

Ensure all components (transcripts, test scores, recommendations) are strong and submitted on time.

Treat the 9.0% rate not as a barrier but as motivation to refine your profile. With purpose, planning, and strong execution, you can increase your odds of success.

Conclusion

The UCLA acceptance rate of around 9.0% for fall 2024 tells a clear story: admission is extremely selective, competitive, and requires more than just “good grades.” To gain admission to UCLA, you must present an outstanding academic record, a compelling personal story, and appropriate major fit.

But being prepared makes a difference. When you understand the numbers, strategize accordingly, and put in focused effort, you give yourself the best chance to join one of the world’s top public universities.

The rate is low, the competition fierce—but with a clear strategy, you can rise above it.