Students are considered freshman applicants if they have not enrolled in a regular session of any college-level institution since graduation from high school. Students who attend summer session immediately following high school graduation are still considered freshman applicants.
To be considered for admission as a freshman, students must meet the subject and grade-point average (GPA) requirements.
The subject requirement, sometimes called A to G requirements, is a sequence of high school academic courses required for admission to the University of California. Each course must be completed with a grade of C or better. The requirement consists of 15 year-long courses, with 11 completed prior to the beginning of 12th grade. These are the minimum requirements; students should exceed these requirements whenever possible.
A. History/Social Science. Two years of history/social science, including one year of world history, cultures, and historical geography; and one year of U.S. history, or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government
B. English. Four years of college-preparatory English that include frequent writing, from brainstorming to final paper, as well as reading of classic and modern literature. No more than one year of ESL-type courses may be used to meet this requirement
C. Mathematics. Three years of college-preparatory mathematics, including or integrating the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry. Mathematics courses completed in the seventh and/or eighth grades and approved integrated mathematics courses may be used to meet part or all of this requirement
D. Laboratory Science. Two years of college-preparatory science, including or integrating topics that provide fundamental knowledge in two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, or physics. One year of approved interdisciplinary or earth and space sciences course may be used to meet one year of this requirement
E. Language Other than English. Two years of the same language—or coursework equivalent to the second level of high school instruction—including emphasis on speaking and understanding, development of awareness and understanding of the cultural context around the target language, practice with reading and composition, and instruction on grammar and vocabulary. Language courses taken in seventh and/or eighth grade may be used to meet part or all of this requirement. American Sign Language and classical languages such as Greek and Latin are acceptable
F. Visual and Performing Arts. One year-long visual and performing arts course selected from dance, drama/theater, music, visual art, or interdisciplinary arts
G. College Preparatory Electives. One year (two semesters), in addition to those required in A through F, or one year (two semesters) approved in the elective category
| Subject Requirement Summary | |
|---|---|
| A. History/Social Science | 2 years |
| B. English | 4 years |
| C. Mathematics | 3 years |
| D. Laboratory Science | 2 years |
| E. Language Other than English | 2 years |
| F. Visual and Performing Arts | 1 year |
| G. College Preparatory Electives | 1 year |
California residents are eligible for admission to the University of California with a 3.0 grade-point average; nonresidents are eligible with a 3.4 GPA. Minimum eligibility does not guarantee admission to UCLA.
Scores submitted as part of an application may be used to determine eligibility for the California statewide admissions guarantee, as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility, or for course placement once admitted.
More information regarding the University of California testing policy may be found on the UC admission website.
UCLA selects students using a carefully designed holistic evaluation process that takes into account an applicant’s achievements, both academic and nonacademic, in the context of the opportunities available. Among other factors, holistic evaluation specifically considers academic grade-point average; the quality, quantity, and level of coursework taken; sustained participation in activities that develop academic and intellectual abilities; leadership and initiative; employment and personal responsibilities; and overcoming life challenges related to personal or family situations.
Because admission requirements and selection criteria may change, freshman applicants should see freshman admission process for the most complete and up-to-date information.
