My Chances for UCLA? Having Low Test Scores?

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

UCLA is my dream school and thinking about the admissions next year are scary to think about!
I just want to know, what are my chances of getting into UCLA or any UC’s I applied for (Irvine, SD)

I applied for computer science and engineering (interdisciplinary) and alt. mechanical eng.
I have a 4.2 weighted gpa and ranked 10 at my school.
I do very poor in my opinion with test scores, 1110 new SAT, 20 on ACT, and mainly got 2’s in AP courses and a 3 in AP Computer Science. I took hard math and science classes and engineering classes as well.
However, I have tons of extracurriculars like varsity sports and leadership roles and over 400 community service hours.

I feel like I have a good chance, but my SAT and ACT test scores are risky. I’m just not a good test taker. Does UCLA rely heavy on that?

2

That SAT score is very likely going to be a deal-breaker at UCLA and those two other schools. You’ll want to make sure you have some good safety schools in mind. The good news is that prestige is meaningless with tech jobs.

3

It’s going to tough for you, your test scores are very low. For the class of 2022, “…median GPA of 4.59 (weighted), 4.00 (unweighted), and a median SAT score of 1540…” https://samueli.ucla.edu/incoming-engineering-freshmen-share-why-they-are-uclabound2022/

I believe, at least a year ago, the overall accept rate into engineering was 5%.

4

Although the UC’s are GPA focused, having test scores at the bottom 10% of admitted students along with applying to the most competitive majors at UCLA, will make it a High Reach.

There are many other UC’s where you would have a better chance at these majors such as UC Merced, UC Riverside and possibly UC Santa Cruz.

UC’s consider GPA, tests scores, HS rigor and personal insight essays Very important. EC’s are important but will not make up for low test scores.

2018 Data:
25th - 75th percentiles for SAT:

UCB: 1360-1540

UCLA: 1340-1540
UCSD: 1300-1520
UCSB: 1270-1500
UCD: 1220-1480
UCI: 1230-1490
UCSC: 1210-1450
UCR: 1130-1380
UCM: 1020-1280

25th - 75th percentiles for ACT:
UCB: 30-35
UCLA: 31-35
UCSD: 28-34
UCSB: 28-34
UCD: 26-33
UCI: 26-33
UCSC: 26-32
UCR: 22-30
UCM: 19-26

5

The average for CSE was a 1560 SAT and 35 ACT. Seems like a big reach

6

Best of luck!

7

The acceptance rates for the 2018-2019 Engineering class are now out and the overall acceptance rate was 11.4%, down from 12.6% the previous year. The CS&E acceptance rate was 11.8%. Yield for Engineering was way up. At least half the engineering admits have an unweighted GPA of 4.0.

8

Thank you guys for all the help and comments. Another question, how beneficial will my ECs and Essays have upon my application ? Despite that I have pretty bad test scores, but a really good gpa, will this help me a lot at least in UCs?

9

Here is what UCLA looks for in their application review. Unless you are being recruited for your sport, it will be a high reach with your test scores.

* LOS ANGELES

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
  • Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Considered: First generation college student, Geographical residence, AP/IBHL exam scores
  • Note: GPA, test scores, course work, number of and performance in honors and AP courses most important. Essay considered. Strong senior program important. Extracurricular activities, honors and awards also reviewed. For the College of Letters and Science, the applicant's major is not considered during the review process. The Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science admits students by declared major, with more emphasis on science and math programs