UCLA sets new undergraduate applications record
Campus remains a top choice for the most qualified students from Calif., beyond
With nearly 100,000 undergraduate applicants seeking admission for fall 2013, UCLA remains the most applied-to university in the country and one of the most sought-after colleges by exceptionally talented students from California and around the world.
UCLA received 80,472 freshman applications and 19,087 transfer-student applications for fall 2013 admission, for a total of 99,559 undergraduate applications — an 8.8 percent increase over last year and more than ever before in the university's history.
Despite the jump in applications, the academic qualifications of freshman applicants — as measured by grade-point average and admissions test scores — increased over last year, as did the ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic diversity of the applicant pool.
"We are both pleased and honored that so many talented students from such diverse backgrounds are considering UCLA among their top college choices," said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block. "A diverse student body from California and beyond enriches our campus, brings unique perspectives and vibrancy to our classrooms, and makes us a truly global university in a global city."
A recent survey of students admitted in fall 2012 shows that applicants are attracted to UCLA because of its recognized academic excellence and the depth of its academic offerings. The campus's location in Los Angeles is also an important consideration for applicants.
Increases in freshman applications occurred among both California residents and non-resident students. Applications from California residents rose by 5.2 percent, from 52,231 in 2012 to 54,958 this year, despite the fact that there was no projected increase in the number of students graduating from California's public schools.
Similarly, freshman applications from non-residents went up by 25 percent, from 20,395 in 2012 to 25,514 this year. Applications from transfer students rose by 1.1 percent, from 18,886 in 2012 to 19,087 for fall 2013, reversing a slight decline last year.
Despite the record-setting number of undergraduate applications, Youlonda Copeland-Morgan, UCLA's associate vice chancellor for enrollment management, was quick to reassure parents and students that the application review process this year will be as thorough and painstaking as ever.
"I want students to know that we value each and every single applicant," Copeland-Morgan said. "That's why each application we receive is read at least twice by experienced and rigorously trained readers. Selecting a new class is never easy, but it will be especially difficult this year, given the quality of our applicant pool."
UCLA also made great strides in attracting applications from traditionally underrepresented students. Applications from Chicanos/Latinos rose by 11.4 percent at the freshman level and 8.4 percent at the transfer level. Meanwhile, applications from African Americans increased by 5.7 percent at the freshman level and 14.3 percent at the transfer level.
The campus also saw an increase among students who report they will be the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree (42.4 percent of all applicants).
While there has been intense focus on increasing applications from and admission of non-resident students, UCLA's commitment to California students remains unchanged.
"UCLA has continued to offer admission to California residents at a level equal to previous years," Copeland-Morgan said. "In fall 2013, we again expect to offer admission to roughly the same number of California residents that we admitted last year. Our commitment to California students is as strong as ever, and it remains our first priority."
Freshman applicants will be notified of UCLA's admission decisions in late March. Admitted students will have until May 1 to notify the campus of their intention to register. Transfer students will be notified of admission decisions by April 30 and will have until June 1 to commit to the campus.
Detailed tables with system-wide statistics and data for all nine UC undergraduate campuses are posted at www.ucop.edu/news/studstaff.html.
UCLA is California's largest university, with an enrollment of more than 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The UCLA College of Letters and Science and the university's 11 professional schools feature renowned faculty and offer 337 degree programs and majors. UCLA is a national and international leader in the breadth and quality of its academic, research, health care, cultural, continuing education and athletic programs. Six alumni and six faculty have been awarded the Nobel Prize.
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