How hard is it to be admitted into UCLA for computer science?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
1

I want to major in computer science, but I’m not sure if my application is strong enough to be admitted into HSSEAS, so I’m considering applying with my major as linguistics and computer science (from the College of Letters and Science) because I know it’s a lot easier to be admitted into, and I would still be learning computer science. What are the pros/cons to this?

Ideally, I would like to major in computer science at HSSEAS, though. Could someone tell me my chances of getting in with these stats?

GPA: 4.76 weighted, 4.00 unweighted
Class rank: 1 out of 572
SAT: 1340 - 630 English, 710 Math
Senior Year Classes: Spanish III, AP US Government and Politics, TA Science Tutor (I help students in chemistry), AP Calculus AB, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP English Literature and Composition

Awards/Extracurriculars:
The President’s Volunteer Service Award (~100 hours community service)
Superintendent’s Honor Roll
AP Scholar Award (scored 3 or higher on 3 or more AP tests)
National Honor Society
Co-founder and Vice President of Video Game Club
Engineering Club

I should also mention that I come from a school where resources are limited and there is quite a bit of grade inflation (hence my high GPA yet relatively low SAT). We maybe get 1 kid every 2 years that scores higher than 1400 on SAT. I’ve heard that colleges look at your stats in comparison to your peers, not just to all other applicants. Would this help me out a lot?
Also, my ethnicity is Asian and White. If you need anything else about my application, please let me know. Thanks :slight_smile:

2

@Batman474 The admit rate for CS for the fall of 2018 is 8.2%. The average CS act score is a 35 and the SAT is a 1550 average.

3

Consider UCLA a Reach regardless of major due to the competiveness, high number of applicants and low acceptance rate.

25th - 75th percentiles for SAT and not major specific:

UCLA: 1280-1500

Your chances are much better at the Mid-tier UC’s.

4

You probably get a slight boost in percentage acceptance by going thru this route instead of the traditional CS route which is only offered in Engineering. But it’s something like 14% as opposed to 9%. Note that taking this route does require quite a few linguistic and foreign language classes.

The comparison to your peers is for in-state schools so yes I think your situation will help a little bit also. However, your SAT is on the low end of things and it will be hard to get in.