UCLA Essay Writing Requirements

April 19, 2018
What are the Requirements for Admission to UCLA? Despite the fact that there are many things in the college application you need to work on and know about, here is a couple of the most important things:

  • Essay Questions
  • What does College Want to See?
  • Common App (yes/no)
  • GPA Score Requirements for Admission
  • SAT and ACT requirements

In this article, we will take a look at what you need to get into UCLA requirements and get detailed information about UCLA application essay demands.

The school is located in Los Angeles, California.

This school is also known as: UCLA, UC Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles.

Essay Questions

First of all – review the eight prompts and make a list with three separate categories: “yes” “maybe” and “definitely no”. “Yes” stands for the questions that you immediately know what to write about. With “maybe” you have some vague ideas in your head, which, in your opinion, can be sorted out and, perhaps, will turn into a big essay. And last but not least, “definitely no” means that you want nothing to do with these essays.

After that, write down a bullet point list of the questions that you necessarily want to write about. Then select those questions from the “maybe” pile which, in combination with your “yes” pile will produce the most well-thought essay profile, which both will highlight your key strength, and also reveal your complexities and breadth of character. At the same, time it is important to base your decision not only on your immediate liking for the topic, but also on the available substance (anecdotes). Repeat this process until you have four questions.

This is just one way to approach the choice of prompts. Since for some people, the process happens organically, do not feel bound to the above method. Just remember:

  • Do not rush. Make sure that you wrote potential ideas for all, except those you want to avoid, and ultimately write about what is most suitable.
  • Your answers should be able to highlight the most important information about you.

What does College Want to See?

UCLA receives applications from a much larger number of students than you can even imagine. To gain admission to UCLA, you need to provide an academic profile that is much stronger than the minimum requirements for UC admission below.

The “a-g” subject requirements are the 15 minimum academic preparatory courses freshmen candidates must have to meet the requirements of the University of California. Applicants must fill 11 of the 15 “a-g” requirements by the end of their junior year. For more information about these terms, visit the UC a-g website.

(a): History/Social Science – 2 years required.

(history/social science, world history, cultures, and geography; and/or U.S. history)

(b): English – 4 years required

(classic and modern literature reading and regular writing)

(c): Mathematics – 3 years required, 4 years recommended

(elementary and advanced algebra, course in geometry. Approved integrated math courses also may be used)

(d): Laboratory Science – 2 years required, 3 years recommended

(fundamental knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics – at least two out of these three)

(e): Language other than English – 2 years required, 3 years recommended

(two years of the same language other than English. Emphasize on speaking and understanding, grammar check, vocabulary, reading, composition, and culture)

(f): Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) – 1 year required

(approved arts course from a single VPA discipline: dance, drama/theater, music, or visual art)

(g): College Preparatory Electives – 1 year required

(in addition to the “a-f” above, one of the following: visual and performing arts, history, social science, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science, and a language other than English

Common App (yes/no)

The University of California has one application for all nine UC undergraduate campuses. Each campus makes its admission decision independently. The University of California does not use the Common Application.

GPA Score Requirements for Admission

Average GPA: 4.31

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but often this is only the minimum for applying without an immediate rejection. The GPA requirements, which really matters, is the GPA you need for the real opportunity to get in.

You have to be at the top of your class if you have GPA 4.31. You will need almost all A’s to be able to compete with other applicants. In addition, you must undergo heavy training – AP or IB courses, to show that college-level academics are a light breeze.

If your GPA is at or below the 4.31, you will need a higher SAT or ACT score for compensation. This will help you to compete effectively with other candidates who have higher GPA rates than you do.

SAT and ACT requirements

You must take either the SAT or ACT to submit an application to UCLA.

SAT Requirements

Average SAT: 1370 (New 1600 SAT)

UCLA has the Score Choice policy of “All Scores.”

This means that they require you to send all SAT scores you have ever taken.

ACT Requirements

Average ACT: 29

Despite the fact that UCLA most likely says that they do not have a minimum ACT requirements, if you are applying with 25 or lower, you will have less chances to get in if you do not have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants who scored 29 and above that 25 will look academically weak.

When you send ACT scores to colleges, unlike SATs you do not have to knowledge all of them. You could take 15 tests, and send only your highest ones.

Also, UCLA requires you to take the SAT/ACT Writing section.

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General Tips

  • Early start. We all know that starting early is better than waiting for the last night and hoping for the best. Getting into the college is a very important step in your life, so take it seriously. Think about the topics, try writing essays and give them to somebody to check, if you want to get professional help with it, check out Robotdon website.
  • Be clear, focused and organized. Make sure that your answers to questions of personal understanding follow a logical structure.
  • Be careful with humor and clichés. Do not forget that people have different sense of humor and what might seem funny to you might not seem that way to somebody else. Remember that these questions are a chance to show admission officers who you really are, your personality. Don’t allow clichés to speak for you.
  • Show, do not tell. Use detailed examples which will demonstrate your motivation and leadership.  You have to prove that you know who you are, what you want, why you need this exact education and how are you going to use it in the future.
  • Revision, revision and revision. Even if you wrote an outstanding essay, admission officers will still pay attention to grammar rules, check punctuation, and spelling. Make sure you have no grammar mistakes, they might cost you your place in the university.

Now you know the most important information about the UCLA admission, I hope this article inspired you. And even knowing that this University is highly competitive – believe in yourself, work hard and don’t give up. Good luck!

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