University of California, Los Angeles
(UCLA)
At schools with acceptance rates below 10%, nearly every applicant has near-perfect grades and test scores. Admissions decisions are driven by essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and institutional priorities — factors no stats-based model can predict. Our likelihood labels reflect academic competitiveness only.
The University of California, Los Angeles is a premier public research university and the most applied-to university in the United States. UCLA is renowned for its top-ranked film school, strong performing arts programs, and comprehensive academic offerings across more than 125 majors in a vibrant urban setting.
Mascot: Bruin
Notable Alumni
Jackie Robinson (broke baseball's color barrier)•Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (NBA all-time great)•Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather director)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
UCLA has the rare combination of elite academics and genuine California lifestyle vibes — the quarter system keeps things moving fast, but sunshine, beach proximity, and a massive club scene keep stress from becoming the defining experience. Greek life is visible on the Row but only captures about 13% of students; sports culture, especially basketball and football, is the real social glue. Westwood Village and LA itself mean your social world extends well beyond campus.
Romanesque Revival brick buildings, manicured gardens, and the iconic Janss Steps create a picturesque core. The Southern California landscaping with jacaranda trees and year-round greenery elevates the setting.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
UCPD provides 24/7 patrols and free walking escorts from dusk to 1 AM across campus and into Westwood Village. Several robberies and burglaries were reported on campus in 2025, though the overall campus environment is well-monitored.
Westwood is one of LA's safer neighborhoods, with regular LAPD and UCPD patrols and heavy student foot traffic. Crime is lower than most of Los Angeles, though car break-ins and petty theft occur.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Multiple times weekly during the academic year (first-come, first-served registration)
Duration: About 75 minutes
Student-led tours highlighting academic programs, resources, and student life. Campus includes hills and stairs — wear comfortable shoes. Group tour registration also available. Live virtual tours (~75 min) offered as an alternative.
Book a TourAfter registering online, you'll receive a confirmation email with a self-guided tour map and additional information for exploring campus independently.
Tour ResourcesVisit October through November or March through May for ideal weather and full campus activity. Football Saturdays in fall (especially UCLA vs. USC rivalry week) showcase peak school spirit. Avoid August (many students gone) and finals weeks (mid-December, mid-June). LA traffic is always a factor — visit midweek if possible.
LAX is about 11 miles away (~25-45 min depending on traffic, rideshare $50+). Visitor parking available at campus structures including Structure 4 (off Sunset Blvd/Westwood Plaza). Self-service pay stations in all visitor areas; ParkMobile app accepted. Best campus access from the 405 Freeway via Wilshire or Sunset Blvd exits. Expect to pay for parking — no free visitor spots.
Location
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