<p>So what does it really take to get admitted? I mean, UCLAs getting harder every year, and it seems nearly impossible to get in. I know high gpa and sat won't get you there, also ECs and essays. But what i constantly hear is "gotta be unique and extremely good at ecs and essays too"</p>
<p>What would you describe a typical UCLA applicant?</p>
<p>I think much of the UCLA admissions process is based on SAT scores, and GPA. The process for the UCs is much more procedural than say for a Liberal Arts college or top private University. I think as long as your stats are high you have a really good chance. I was a pretty normal candidate, but I didn't really have a low point. I think consistency is important.</p>
<p>well, UCLA IS changing. Every year, it seems they emphasize ESSAYs a little more. Yes high gpa + sat scores = very important. + ECs too.. i have pretty weak ecs, i mean pretty weak</p>
<p>I would disagree with cm8333. Admissions at the top tier UC's (Berkeley, LA, SD) are focusing more and more on your personal qualitites. I got in UCSD with a subpar GPA because of my essays and extracurriculars while my friend, who had both a much higher GPA got rejected.</p>
<p>where would colleges see your personal qualities? GC recomm and essays?</p>
<p>I know UCLA is VERY random.-- (not rlly) but ya. hehe..</p>
<p>I think ECA is completely overrated by students. </p>
<p>I know someone who works in the admission office, she assured me that "extracurricular activities are not as important as you thought in almost any college's admission office."</p>
<p>And she said that the most important thing beside GPA & SAT would be the essay.</p>
<p>it's just b/c more applicants each year...</p>
<p>I think UCLA emphasizes ECs and essays a little more than Berkeley, but like all UCs, GPA and SAT are the most important factors. That's why the top 30 students at my school get in, with an occasional straggler, but that's it.</p>
<p>If you live in California, high GPA and good SAT with minimal ECs will probably get you in. Out of state, it's obviously tougher.</p>
<p>The difficulty and "randomness" stemming from UCLA admissions is that an applicant has to pass evaluation from a committee of three readers in order to be admitted. Thus, any single reader of the admissions committee might somehow dislike the cut of your jib or the tone of your essay and veto your admission outright, even though you have a 4.30+ weighted GPA and a 2200+ SAT I score. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>you (most likely) won't get into UCLA with a high GPA, good SAT, and minimal EC. you need good ECs, and good essays too. it's not all numbers there. i know a 4.6 , 2300 SAT, tons of ECs who got rejected - im guessing b/c of his essay/tone</p>
<p>does it also depend on luck...cause i know at my school there's a certain "cap" like after they have accepted 80 students then they just cut it of right there so anyone who has the same grades as someone who got in might not be able to get in becuase of the capped rule...thats what i think..</p>
<p>just like namaste, both valedictorians at my school got rejected 4.6, 2100+ sat, and tons of ec. The deciding factor is most likely your essay.</p>
<p>UCLA and CAL do not use the point system as the total means for selection, UCSD still does use it. EC's and essay's are extremely important at CAL and UCLA. IMO so is GPA at both schools, I don't think either place much emphasis on SAT's though.
I am not sure I agree that "luck" has anything to do with it. :)</p>
<p>Oh....OK. I'm not applying to UCLA, so ha.</p>
<p>Typical UCLA applicant:
-URM or Asian American
-5.4W, 4.4UW
-2380SAT
-Found cure to cancer
-Took 15 APs
-Won piano competition
-Blahblahblahblah....</p>
<p>Anyways, I'm exaggerating. Oh well, I don't care because I'm going for NYU Stern.</p>
<p>"just like namaste, both valedictorians at my school got rejected 4.6, 2100+ sat, and tons of ec. The deciding factor is most likely your essay."</p>
<p>When you have 40000+ apps you cant do it manually. My guess is the process follows this</p>
<p>Read apps then:
1) Assign score to each app
2) Cut all apps below critical score
3) Assign bell curve to class makeup based on score. Bell curve made through variety of class score ranges.
4) Cut Randomly selected portion of apps in each score range based on desired class makeup. Continue to cut until class size and distribution achieved.</p>
<p>The way UCs accept/reject is far to random for it to be really human. Hell, there are a lot of deceptive forms of applicant choosing at UC schools.</p>
<p>No college admission is random. No matter how many qualified applicants get rejected, I refuse to believe that a college WON'T choose the best they possible can to fit their wants.</p>
<p>retracting since i cant find linky sigh o well</p>
<p>Can you provide a link to this admissions officer's blog to redeem yourself?
Or will I have to Google this myself? :rolleyes:</p>
<p>cant find it bleh!</p>