Rejected! Time to move on - going to Cal!
My D was accepted off the wait list on Saturday the 5th of May. She just accepted the offer to attend.
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Per the forum rules, don’t speculate if a user is a troII. Flag the post, and a moderator will review. Several posts deleted.
Just curious, is anyone still waiting for a decision?
Good luck to anyone else still on the waitlist 
i got rejected but here’s my waitlist essay for future applicants.(I spent a lot of time looking for waitlist essays, so I hope this will help someone next year to see what NOT to do )
It all began when I took my first tour of the campus when my older sister was applying to college. Along the walk, the guide entertained me with his wild stories about the UCLA-USC rivalry to keep my impatient, young mind occupied. He made me giggle non-stop as he described the fanatical pranks the schools played on one another. I’ll admit, half of those stories were probably made up or exaggerated to pamper my naiveté - there’s no way USC unloaded a helicopter full of cow dung onto the UCLA’s campus. But the tales shed light on the fun and carefree nature of the UCLA community, a community that I was immediately drawn to and wanted to be apart of.
In the years following that tour, my family’s frequent detours to Westwood during our family trips to SoCal only deepened my attraction to UCLA. Strolling through the Botanical Garden on my way to explore the facilities of South Campus, I could picture myself wandering through the bright purple butterfly bushes among hummingbirds, recharging for another day of class after a long afternoon in the Science and Engineering Library. Usually by the time I make my way to the John Wooden Center from exploring Young and Boelter Hall, I have already struck up many conversations with friendly Bruins, who rep the campus with pride as they proudly sport blue and gold sweatshirts and caps. During my numerous visits, I met two girls who were managing the Pediatric Aids Coalition dance marathon booth. Though where they call home were thousands of miles apart, their shared passion for healthcare brought them together at UCLA, which showed me how the school epitomizes the idea “unity in diversity,” a value I profoundly identify with as a third culture kid who grew up shuttling back and forth between California and [insert foreign country]
Though my pursuit of physics began as a simple graduation requirement, it has blossomed into something much more complex and intriguing. I quickly progressed from learning about the tedious rules of significant figures to attending local seminars on elementary particle theory. I even managed to warp my mind around spins and q-bits through Susskind and Friedman’s book, Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum. True, it may have taken me the better half of an hour to understand a page of content, but perusing and re-examining each page two or three times was a labor of love, and I enthusiastically dove headfirst into this uncharted territory.
Soon, I needed to find another avenue to channel my burning fascination and accumulated knowledge of electrical engineering. Realizing the vital role that computers now play in communities’ security, economy, and education, I decided to attempt lowering the prices of manufacturing them. Universal access to computers was my ultimate goal as an ambitious 16-year-old. To fulfill my goal, I aimed to replace the current method of etching silicon with computer chips with photochemical etching, a process that reconciles optics and chemistry to etch wafers in a one-step process, as the latter required less expensive equipment and is simpler. After months of burying myself in the lab starting at the crack of dawn to conduct my experiment, I discovered that the etchings were not smooth enough for computer chips. My project was a failure. However, this process of seeking discoveries not yet made, of asking questions not yet answered, of research, has transformed me into a resilient, independent thinker Since turning to my teacher for a definitive answer was no longer an option, the thrill of gaining new insight through hands-on experiments became entirely my own. Therefore, I want to continue my pursuit of research by applying for and hopefully becoming UCLA Professor Diana Huffaker’s research assistant.
Not only is she a leading expert in physical and wave electronics, but her interview from Times Higher Education demonstrates her dedication to education and prioritization of hard work, showing how she cares about helping her students learn. I admire this because education has become an invaluable part of my life. It has opened up my mind to new ideas and experiences I would never have dreamed of. Without my first physics class, I would never have discovered my passion for tiny machines. Dr. Huffaker also directs the Integrated NanoMaterials Corelabs, where she leads research groups in nanophotonics, a subject that unites my passions of small devices, light, and physics. This advancement of our understanding of nanophotonics is of paramount importance because its use of light as a medium of information will lead us to faster and more efficient technology. Dr. Huffaker is synecdochic of the UCLA community and professors; she commands expertise in her field, helps those who are in need of service, and contributes to the advancement of civilization with research. This combination of expertise and service entails a high quality education.
To pursue my interests, I’ve spent my senior year sharing my passions with others. In September, XXXXX invited me to help teach elementary school kids how to code, and I discovered my apt for teaching young children. I was invited to teach them again in March, and was delighted to see many familiar faces. I was in awe by how much many of the students had improved. One girl, Tiffany, had gone from struggling with block coding basics to understanding booleans and variables in line coding. The experience taught me about the importance of inspiring young coders to pursue computer science with zeal to help them persevere through the technical challenges they face. I want to continue teaching kids at UCLA by restarting UCLA’s collaborative Hour of Code events. My school also provided me with the wonderful opportunity to present at their TedX event about the power of light and the rapid evolution of technology. I ended my talk on the note that society is always surpassing the “technological barrier,” hoping to inspire people to push boundaries and think outside the box.
I’ll admit, my interest in UCLA was shallow at first – it was that of a six-year-old and based primarily off the school’s , prestige, and delicious food (I seriously cannot get enough of Diddy Riese). But as I got to know the school, I fell in love with its diverse community and heartwarming values, and if taken off the waitlist, I will without a doubt enroll at UCLA.
Just got rejected; good luck to everyone awaiting their decision.
@stressedoutEE tbh, this is the best waitlist letter i’ve ever read, and SO much better than mine! (I talked about Diddy Riese and their great campus food too! and the USC and UCLA rivalry… guess I’m not as original as I thought :D) It sucks we both got rejected from our dream schools, but I just got into my other waitlist just yesterday, so I think it was all meant to be. As for your waitlist letter, I think that’s not the reason you got rejected at all! Rather, I think they may be accepting NOBODY this year as usually rejection letters come out end of July when they are 100% finished with the process. Anyways, best of luck to you and your future endeavours. If there is anything your waitlist letter shows, it is that you will be successful no matter where you go. x
rejected Lol
@stressedoutEE Wow. That letter was incredible. Don’t stress too much about the rejection. From reading that, all of us here can tell you were beyond qualified and presented yourself in the best possible way. Waitlists are tough. I’m currently still on UCLA’s, but my essay pales in comparison to yours.
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I got rejected- this is heart breaking. But here’s my waitlist essay for future applicants to see. I’m an international student and did a British curriculum (IGCSE and A Levels).
Dear UCLA Admissions,
It is with both great disappointment and optimism I write this letter. Although I did not hear the news I had anticipated when I opened the status update a few weeks back, I am truly grateful that I am still being considered to become part of the Bruin family. Please allow me to share additional insights into my personality in a light I wasn’t able to previously and share brief updates since the submission of my application in November.
From Grade 9 to 10, I committed my early weekend mornings and late evenings on weekdays to go to Accounting classes outside, as my school did not offer it as an IGCSE subject. I also self-studied the AS Level Business curriculum, as my school could not schedule lectures to fit my timetable. The independence I gained from this experience is imperative to my intellectual development. Past countless obstacles, I paved my own way towards success, my perseverance challenged at every corner. Giving up was never an option and one feeling trumped all others: Passion.
The start of the spring quarter of 2018 brought in stability to my personal life, and as I finally acclimate to the challenging A Level course, my academic commitment has grown even stronger and my performance improved. I am set to achieve higher in my A-Level examinations, with my official predicted grades revised as stated above. I pledge to maintain this academic momentum at UCLA.
From February to late-March, I led a team of Model United Nations first-timers to participate in the Yangon MUN 2018 conference. As I mentored them, I witnessed their growth into articulate debaters who were collaboratively crafting solutions for contemporary global challenges. My unparalleled contentment from empowering people to be change makers surfaced, evoking all the reasons why I want to study at UCLA.
All my experiences of service throughout my high school career have deepened my understanding of myself and the world around me. I no longer see the world as it is. I now see the world as it could be, my vision of a future growing more vivid by the day. UCLA has long been and still remains as my number one choice of college. As an institution built on the mission to drive positive change in our global society, UCLA’s purpose aligns with my vision, and its values resonate with mine.
Burma, in its infancy of social development, still suckles upon the skillsets of its millennials and anticipates the ingenuity of the post-millennial generation to heave the nation onto its feet. My country’s future relies on the presumption that potential leaders like myself will return home to strengthen and build upon the foundational pillars of society. Hence, UCLA’s emphasis for service and civic engagement is crucial to my growth as a leader. I seek a learning environment where I can take risks, charter new territories and broaden horizons intellectually, socially and culturally and UCLA offers me just that.
Growing up, the deeply ingrained homophobia and the lack of representation of the LGBTQ community left me bereft of ways of coming to terms with my own sexuality. Throughout my younger years, I hoped for a future in which I would be able to express myself freely, and to find a true sense of community. Whenever I tried to envision this future, I often saw life at UCLA, a revered establishment architected by the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.
This year, I have gained momentum for my fight against intolerance in my school through my organization, ‘TIDE’. I would like to keep this momentum up through participation in organizations in the UCLA Queer Alliance, such as Project1. These clubs are not just influential platforms to advocate for a cause close to my heart, but are families I hope I can be a part of. Being located in the vibrant and progressive atmosphere of Los Angeles, with countless opportunities in the UCLA LGBT Resource Center, a UCLA education is not just a degree to me- it’s a promise of freedom.
I believe that my unique background, perspective, experiences and vision will be a great contribution to UCLA’s colorful tapestry of diverse innovators and leaders. I rarely make promises but today I make one: a promise of dedication, contribution and commitment, for academic excellence, to seek growth from intellectual and social endeavors, to enrich UCLA’s culture and to ultimately leave a positive impact in the world.
I wholeheartedly thank the admission team for seeing potential in me. To be a Bruin would be a great honor to me, so I therefore candidly ask for a chance to prove my worthiness and to help me build dreams and shape a future I wouldn’t be able to without UCLA. If offered a spot, I would ecstatically matriculate to the Class of 2022 without an ounce of hesitation.
With deepest sincerity,
XX
Denied as well 
Don’t worry everyone. We will all end up in the place that we are meant to be! Trust in the Lord!!!
@KarlZ20 You are obviously a talented individual - your dedication to international politics and LGBTQ+ issues is incredible, and you will succeed tremendously wherever your education takes you. Your letter moved me, and I feel sorry that UCLA did not give you adequate appreciation. I wholeheartedly hope that, on your trip to college, you’ll bring your sunglasses with you - for your future is going to be bright.
good morning everyone. rejected as well. after being on 4 waitlists including berkeley, UCLA was the only one i was hoping for. However, this is not a reflection of what is to come of us. I hope to see you all as transfers our junior year. Best wishes to everyone, both accepted and denied
My D also got rejected.
Has anyone got off waitlist or still waitlisted
@Hephaestion thank you very much for your kind words, it means alot.
** Important Notice **
Thank you for sharing but for privacy reasons I highly encourage you all to be weary of posting any kind of application essay on college Confidential. It is easy for people to plagiarize your work and admission officers do roam this site.
@10s4life Ahhh I’m so so sorry.
I spended many hours looking for essays to try and figure out what quality I needed them to be so I thought it would be helpful
I can’t imagine anyone plagiarizing our essays as they are so specific to our own interests, outside activities and to UCLA. And when I do reapply to UCLA I will make sure my essay is 10x better than this one so I won’t be reusing it aswell!
Just got accepted from waitlist but I declined because I’m just going to go to RCC
So does anyone know the answers to the following: 1.) Were only rejections issued on the 12th, then nothing until the morning of the 15th? Or did people just not post if they got in on the 12th, 13th or 14th? 2.) How many days to those that got in off the wait list has to accept, 3 or 7, or what exactly is the deadline dat to accept the spot offered off the wait list? 3.)Will there be another waive for anyone who was not denied or accepted?
@Me2000 hello , have u heard back anything about the admission decision?(by email or portal?) I am curious about computer science major, which is yours.