University of California-Los Angeles campus
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University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · 33,475 students

Acceptance rate

9.0%

Avg net price

$12,548

after aid

Testing

blind

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and University of California-Los Angeles’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. University of California-Los Angeles admitted 9.0% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what University of California-Los Angeles actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

Applying

Requirements and deadlines

  • Testingblind (2027 cycle)

Verified from ucla.edu.

The essays

Supplemental essay prompts

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

  • Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

    Up to 350 words

  • What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

    Up to 350 words

  • Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

    Up to 350 words

  • Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

    Up to 350 words

  • Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

    Up to 350 words

  • What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

    Up to 350 words

  • Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

    Up to 350 words

  • Personal Essay: Describe your personal background, identity, interests, and experiences relevant to applying to UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television.

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from ucla.edu.

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $38,614, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $12,548.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $82,511.

Verified from ucla.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Quick answers

University of California-Los Angeles FAQ

Is University of California-Los Angeles test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at University of California-Los Angeles is blind.
How hard is it to get into University of California-Los Angeles?
Very hard. University of California-Los Angeles admits 9.0% of applicants. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does University of California-Los Angeles cost?
The list price is about $38,614, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $12,548.
Is University of California-Los Angeles worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $82,511 ten years after enrolling, and 93% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about University of California-Los Angeles.

Spike answers from University of California-Los Angeles’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.