Easiest Major to Get Into UCLA: UCLA with High Acceptance Rates

The admission process at the University of California, Los Angeles is quite selective. In this article, we will discuss the easiest major to get into UCLA and the requirements for applicants.

If you are searching for a less competitive major to procure admission into UCLA, the stats of those majors will be analyzed as you read further.

The state of California is home to some of the world’s top-ranked educational institutions. There are the California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC) systems. Some universities within these school systems are less competitive, while others are more competitive. The acceptance rate of the University of California, Los Angeles makes it more selective than other UC schools.

Every year, thousands of students, both domestic and international, apply to UCLA, and it is estimated that the university receives over 100,000 applications annually.

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

The University of California, Los Angeles is one of the 10 campuses in the UC system. A public research institution established in 1919 and located in Westwood, Los Angeles. The institution is the most applied-to university in the U.S and offers more than 350 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Despite being the most applied-to university in the U.S, the University of California, Los Angeles is more competitive and has an acceptance rate below 15%.

There are 12 prestigious professional schools at UCLA, six offer degree programs for undergraduates, and the rest are graduate-level professional health science schools. The University of California runs a quarter-based academic calendar.

Also Read: UCLA Acceptance Rate by Major 2025

The UCLA Admissions Process

UCLA is part of the University of California system, known for its rigorous admissions standards. The institution, established in 1919 and located in Westwood, Los Angeles, is renowned for its academic excellence.

As one of the most applied-to universities in the U.S., UCLA receives over 100,000 applications each year, making it highly competitive. The general admission acceptance rate at UCLA is around 14%, meaning only 14 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.

In this competitive environment, the major you choose can impact your chances of admission. While all applicants need to meet high standards, some majors at UCLA are relatively less competitive compared to others.

Let’s break it down:

How Competitive Is UCLA?

UCLA’s acceptance rate is below 15%, making it one of the most selective universities in the U.S. Students are required to have strong grades, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities to be considered for admission.

Here are the UCLA average GPA and SAT/ACT scores for admitted students:

Average GPA:
- 25th percentile: 4.34
- 75th percentile: 4.68
Average SAT Score:
- 25th percentile: 1370
- 75th percentile: 1540
Average ACT Score:
- 25th percentile: 30
- 75th percentile: 35

These numbers indicate that the most competitive applicants have near-perfect academic records, along with a well-rounded application that demonstrates leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities.

List of Schools at UCLA

Undergraduate

Samueli School of Engineering
School of the Arts and Architecture
School of Theatre, Film and Television
Herb Alpert School of Music
School of Nursing
Luskin School of Public Affairs

Graduate-level professional health science

School of Law
David Geffen School of Medicine
Fielding School of Public Health
School of Dentistry
School of Education as Information Studies
Anderson School of Management

Popular majors at UCLA

Biology
Political Science
Psychology
Business Economics
Sociology
Psychobiology
Economics
Biochemistry
English
Computer Science

UCLA Major Acceptance Rate

Below are most of the competitive majors at UCLA. These UCLA majors have an acceptance rate below 25%.

College of Letters and Science

Ancient Near East and Egyptology-25%
Arabic- 8%
Atmospheric, Ocean and Environmental Science- 17%
Biology- 20%
Business Economics- 12%
Communication Studies- 13%
Computation and Systems Biology- 17%
Earth and Environmental Science- 13%
Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution- 16%
Economics- 14%
Environmental Science- 22%
Human Biology and Science- 15%
Linguistics and Spanish- 14%
Linguistics- 15%
Marine Biology- 12%
Math/Atmospheric, Ocean, and Environmental Science- 14%
Psychobiology- 25%
Psychology- 22

Acceptance Rate of UC Schools

Below are the 9 UC schools (excluding UC San Francisco, as it is a graduate-only school) with their acceptance rate.

UC Berkeley

Acceptance rate: 16.3%
Middle 50% SAT: 1350-1540
Middle 50% ACT: 30-35

UCLA

Acceptance rate: 12.3%
Middle 50% SAT: 1270-1520
Middle ACT: 28-34

UC Irvine

Acceptance rate: 26.5%
Middle 50% SAT: 1195-1435
Middle 59% ACT: 27-33

UC Santa Barbara

Acceptance rate: 29.6%
Middle 50% SAT: 1230-1480
Middle 50% ACT: 26-32

UC San Diego

Acceptance rate: 31.5%
Middle 50% SAT: 1300-1520
Middle 50% ACT: 26-33

UC Davies

Acceptance rate: 38.9%
Middle 50% SAT: 1260-1480
Middle 50% ACT: 28-34

UC Santa Cruz

Acceptance rate: 51.3%
Middle 50% SAT: 1170-1400
Middle 50% ACT: 24-31

UC Riverside

Acceptance rate: 56.5%
Middle 50% SAT: 1130-1400
Middle 50% ACT: 21-29

UC Merced

Acceptance rate: 72%
Middle 50% SAT: 1020-1270
Middle 50% ACT: 17-25

Also Read: UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate By Major 2025

10 Easiest Majors to Get into UCLA in 2025

Here are the 10 easiest majors to transfer into UCLA. Some of these majors are also the easiest majors to get into UCLA.

Some UCLA programs have higher acceptance rates than others, primarily due to their demand, the number of applicants, and the resources required for those programs. Below are some of the easier majors to get into at UCLA, based on acceptance rates:

1. African American Studies

Acceptance Rate: 55%
Why It’s Easier: This major has one of the highest acceptance rates at UCLA, as it is relatively less competitive compared to more traditional academic fields. With a focus on culture, history, and social justice, it appeals to students interested in diverse academic experiences and activism.

2. Gender Studies

Acceptance Rate: 59%
Why It’s Easier: Gender Studies is another major with a higher acceptance rate. This interdisciplinary field explores gender, sexuality, and social dynamics, offering students a deeper understanding of societal structures and inequalities. It tends to have a more inclusive applicant pool.

3. Art History

Acceptance Rate: 60%
Why It’s Easier: UCLA’s Art History department has a relatively high acceptance rate compared to more technical or competitive majors. It is ideal for students interested in the intersection of culture, history, and visual arts.

4. Comparative Literature

Acceptance Rate: 62%
Why It’s Easier: A major that examines literature across cultures and languages, Comparative Literature provides a flexible academic experience. With a broad spectrum of potential applicants, it tends to have a higher acceptance rate at UCLA.

5. Classical Civilization

Why It’s Easier: Focused on the study of ancient civilizations, Classical Civilization is often overlooked by applicants aiming for more competitive programs, which makes it a less competitive major with a relatively higher chance of admission.

Acceptance Rate: 64%

Majors	Mid-Range GPA	Admit Rate
African American Studies	3.21-3.41	55%
Asian Humanities	3.51-3.79	63%
Gender Studies	3.32-3.38	59%
Pre-European Studies	3.10-3.38	67%
Art History	3.40-3.78	60%
Comparative Literature	3.17-3.68	62%
Classical Civilization	3.34-3.76	64%
American Lit & Culture	3.30-3.69	62%
Pre History	3.45-3.85	61%
Geography	3.44-3.85	61%

UCLA Undergraduate School’s Acceptance Rate

Below are the undergraduate schools at UCLA and their acceptance rate.

Schools	Acceptance rate
School of the Art and Architecture	7%
Samueli School of Engineering	10%
School of Nursing	2%
School of Theatre, Film and Television	4%
Herb Alpert School of Music	19%
College of Letters and Science	14%

Also Read: 10 Best Pre Med Schools in California

Hardest Majors to Get Into UCLA

We have highlighted the easiest majors to get into UCLA and the most competitive schools at the university.

Now it is time to point out the hardest majors at UCLA. The Samueli School of Engineering has an acceptance rate of 10%. With this rate of acceptance, majors at Samueli School of Engineering will be more competitive. But how competitive are they? Well, let’s find out.

Below are some of the competitive majors at UCLA.

Computer Engineering- 6%
Aerospace Engineering- 7%
Computer Science- 8.2%

Least Competitive Majors at UCLA Admission Requirements

The University of California, Los Angeles is a large public research institution, and residents of California are at a greater advantage than those from other states. For instance, Californian high school students with a GPA of 3.0 and above can apply to UCLA.

For high school students outside the state of California, the required GPA is 3.4 or more, and the students are not to have grades below C in all subjects.

Students making course selections in high school are required to meet the following course requirements.

“A” History/Social Science: You need 2 years of history/science, one year of world history, cultures, and geography. You will also need a year of U.S history or one-half year of U.S history with a one-half year of American government.
“B” English- You need 4 years of college preparatory English. If you are taking ESL-type classes, the highest year alone can be counted towards this requirement.
“C” Math- You will need 3 years of college-preparatory math. The minimum pattern is Geometry, Algebra I, and Algebra II.
“D” Laboratory Science- You will need 2 years of laboratory science in two of these subjects, physics, chemistry, and biology.
“E” Language other than English- You will need 2 years of the same language other than English. 7th and 8th-grade courses taken can be used to meet part of this requirement only if the student’s high school agrees and accepts them as an equivalent to their courses.
“F” Visual and Performing Arts- You will need just a year of visual or performing arts class. Classes like dance, drama music, drawing, and painting.
“G” College Preparatory Elective- A year selected from additional A-F courses beyond the courses used in satisfying the requirement of A-F.

Also Read: University of California, UC Berkeley Student Portal Login: calcentral.berkeley.edu

What Is UCLA Searching for in Students?

The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research institution, and its mission is classified into three words: education, research, and service.

UCLA’s top priority is not to lecture students alone, but to inculcate a positive mindset in the students to change the world. UCLA expects its applicants to have an interest not just in academics but also in research.

If you are an aspiring UCLA student, it is highly recommended that you seek opportunities to gain research experience.

Another important factor at UCLA is service. Applicants who successfully got into UCLA are expected to be civic-minded.

How Difficult Is It To Get into UCLA?

The University of California, Los Angeles is the most competitive UC school in the UC system. Getting into the institution will require being at the top of your class with more A’s. Indeed UCLA is an institution with high prestige and it gets more applications annually than other UC schools. But the number of applications at UCLA is not in comparison with the accepted.

As of the fall of 2024, the University of California, Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 14%. That is, out of 100 applications only 14 are accepted.

The university’s acceptance rate makes it even more competitive to be admitted before searching for the easiest majors to get into UCLA. The best GPA, SAT, and ACT are required to better any applicant’s chances of admission.

Most of the undergraduate schools at UCLA have an acceptance rate in the single digits and are highly competitive to gain admission to. But applicants’ selection of majors has no effect on their admission decision at the College of Letters and Science.

If you are more ambitious about attending UCLA, then put in the same effort in high school to get better grades and possibly the best.

UCLA Admission Requirements for Easiest Majors

While the majors listed above may have higher acceptance rates, it’s important to note that UCLA’s overall admissions process remains highly selective. Applicants will still need to demonstrate excellence in academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria.

Required GPA and Test Scores:

High School Courses: Applicants must complete at least 15 A-G course requirements, which include English, math, science, history, foreign language, art, and elective courses.

GPA: Applicants should aim for a GPA of 4.0 or higher, particularly in AP, IB, or honors courses.

Standardized Tests: UCLA no longer requires SAT or ACT scores for admission, but high scores can still be a factor in course placement.

How To Get Into UCLA?

One simple fact that every high school student must acknowledge is that most universities in California are more selective in their admission process. Take Stanford University and California Institute of Technology, for example, with acceptance rates of 5% and 6.7% respectively. But UCLA does not fall in the category of schools with single-digit acceptance rates.

Out of the tens of thousands of applicants at UCLA each year, those accepted were at the top of their class in high school. A place at UCLA requires the best grades and test scores from high school.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into UCLA

Getting into UCLA is competitive, regardless of the major you choose. Here are a few tips to increase your chances:

Submit a Strong Application: Along with grades, your application should reflect your unique qualities and passion. UCLA looks for applicants who will contribute to its academic and social environment.

Aim for High Grades: Your GPA is one of the most important factors in your application, so focus on excelling in your classes, especially advanced courses like AP and IB.

Ace the Personal Insight Questions: UCLA requires four personal insight questions as part of its application. Use these essays to showcase your academic achievements, personal growth, and contribution to your community.

Engage in Extracurricular Activities: Leadership roles, community service, and involvement in clubs or sports can significantly strengthen your application.

Explore Research Opportunities: UCLA values research and innovative thinking. If possible, engage in research projects or internships to stand out.

Also Read: What are the Easiest College Majors that pay well?

Conclusion

It is competitive to get into UCLA and even more so in some of the majors at the university. With an acceptance rate of 14%, UCLA is arguably the most competitive UC School to get into. Some majors in the Samueli School of Engineering are most selective with single digits acceptance rates.

The easiest majors to get into UCLA are also among the easier majors for a transfer to UCLA. The stats are clear, and if you want to attend UCLA? Your chances are better with the best GPA, SAT, or ACT you can obtain while still in high school.

Recommendations:

References

Infolearners.com: Easiest Major to Get into UCLA
Blog.prepscholar.com: How to Get Into UCLA: 4 Key Tips
Cacollegetransfer.com: Easiest Transfer Majors: UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD
En.wikipedia.org: University of California, Los Angeles

Easiest Major to Get Into UCLA: UCLA with High Acceptance Rates

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)