I would like to open a new discussion for UCLA DMA 2019 application and admission
DMA is very tough to get in. Does anyone know the latest acceptance rate?
They told us when we visited the school, the real acceptance rate is higher because some people applied but quit in the end because they couldn’t finish their portfolios.
DMA is a great program and is very difficult to get into (I think they only accept 40-50 people/year)
Is it easier to transfer into this program?
The answer is no. DMA transfer acceptance rate was 4% in 2017 and was even lower when my daughter was admitted in 2014.
I meant to say DMA transfer acceptance rate was 4% in 2018.
I graduated from UCLA DMA a few years ago. I would say if you know what you’re doing, the program is not that hard to get into. Best advice I can give is don’t submit anything that’s very traditional graphic design (like your high school yearbook, logos, etc.). Don’t submit a portfolio of 2D traditional art. Don’t submit concept art or manga.
The department wants to see originality, experimentation, and anything that pushes the boundaries of media arts and design. Build something with an arduino, make a board game, make your own website and incorporate your art into it. Think outside of the box. Find inspiration in the work of previous students: https://gallery.dma.ucla.edu/
DMA is above all else, an art program. You will get limited technical instruction and skill building in this program. Do not expect that this program will teach you how to make a logo. Expect that you will be challenged conceptually, artistically, and theoretically. If you communicate this understanding in your portfolio, they will accept you.
I really wanted to apply to this major but the acceptance rate killed my hopes and dreams. If I do get into UCLA (undeclared L&S at the moment) how difficult will it be to transfer? Considering there are two chances, I believe?
Yes, that’s what I did! I think you have a better chance because you can get exposure to the major while at UCLA. My advice if you get into UCLA would be to try and enroll in a DMA studio class (they are restricted to majors so be persistent and show up to lots of them asking to enroll, and eventually you will get into one which will allow you to create work you can put into your portfolio)! Good luck!
Decisions are coming out in a week or two!! Good luck everyone!!
How many seats are there in DMA?
My son applied for it, and eagerly waiting.
In-state, has a few other good D-schools OOS as well Private Arts/Design college.
But prefers this one for obvious reasons.
Has anyone else received an invite to the imagine Ucla arts open house?
Son got in. Wanted to gauge the load in the first couple of quarters.
Can someone tell us what a typical schedule of classes look like in freshman year (Q1, Q2, Q3)?
UCLA DMA has been my dream for a long long time. I applied as a junior-level transfer student. I’ve read other discussions from the past about the open house invitation and how it is basically an unofficial acceptance. I’m so worried because I didn’t get an invite 
did anyone get an invitation?
@valleygurl8 I got one last Thursday afternoon. DMA transfer applicant. I’ve read that people that didn’t received email have still gotten in. Hoping you do!!! <3
@butterflyclip Is there a link you can share where I can see your portfolio?
hello I also applied to UCLA’s dma program for Fall 2019 but as a cc transfer student. I will find out my decision in late April. Do transfer students get an invite as well? I still haven’t received mine yet. I’m also nervous because @Hazeldene advised not to submit “very traditional graphic designs” but I did exactly that. What does anyone think about my chances of getting it?
@artfreak0 Transfer students have already received an invite a while ago so now it’s just a waiting game for the rest of us that haven’t gotten one! And honestly, none of us can say for sure. We just have to hope that they’ll be impressed by our portfolios!
I wish they could send out the invites after all the decisions are posted. Sending them out so soon like this is really confusing, especially for those who never got the invite. Anyone want to check portfolios with me? I’m really curious to see what you guys did.