Choosing the right school is a big decision, and many decisions are in the process of being released. Known for its serene campus and top-tier academics, University of California, Los Angeles is a dream destination for many. With rigorous academics comes excellent education for students. According to U.S. News and World Report, UCLA is ranked No. 2 in Top Public School and No. 17 in National Universities.

At most schools, students tend to gravitate towards certain majors. Although UCLA offers over 125 majors, 25 percent of students choose to major in social sciences. In addition to popular majors in social sciences, US News & World Report says that 16 percent of students choose to major in biological and biomedical sciences, and 12 percent of attending students choose to major in psychology.

UCLA is a leader in undergraduate research. Through the Undergraduate Research Centers, over 4,000 students each year work directly with faculty on projects. 

Getting involved in campus life and student activities is a major aspect of one’s college experience. At UCLA they offer more than 1,200 clubs and student organizations, which allows students to have the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals on campus. While clubs are one way to get involved, sports and club sports that UCLA offers is another way students can spend their time on campus.

According to UCLA.edu, 74 percent of undergraduate students participate in student clubs or organizations. Whether you like heated competition or casual fun when it comes to sports, UCLA has an intramural sports program that consists of 30 leagues, tournaments, meets and other events. As some may not want to participate in sports, they can watch! UCLA is a Division I school that thrives in Men’s Basketball, which holds the record for most NCAA Championships with 11 titles. 

When it comes to a school based in Los Angeles, you are going to have some pretty notable figures attending there. This includes fan favorite actors like Nicolas Cage, Jack Black, and Ben Stiller.

Some notable athletic figures like Jordan Chiles, Russell Westbrook, and Jackie Robinson also attended UCLA; more alums can be found on edurank.org. You never know, the students who are currently or who are planning to attend UCLA may make the top 100 most notable alumni. 

UCLA is located in Westwood, which can easily access Los Angeles or the east side for students, or smaller beach cities like Santa Monica and Malibu to the west. While exploring Los Angeles is a fun activity for students, they need somewhere to stay.

UCLA’s campus is known for its vibrant housing quad called “The Hill,” which consists of four on-campus halls. These four halls include Dykstra, Rieber, Hedrick, and Sproul with double and triple housing style. While Freshmen arent required to live on campus, to the students who choose to live on campus, living on The Hills also means access to the No. 1 ranked campus food in the country. UCLA offers 10 distinct dining spots varying from Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. 

The competitiveness of the university continues to grow as it maintains its status as a premier global institution. A major shift in the admissions process is the university’s stance on standardized tests. As of 2026, UCLA continues to follow a test-blind policy. This means that SAT and ACT scores are not considered when making admissions decisions and awarding scholarships. Due to the fact that test scores are removed from the initial evaluation, the university places a heavier emphasis on a student’s academic transcript and personal achievements.

Furthermore, the grade point average (GPA) has become a critical aspect of a students application. According to US News & World Report, the average GPA students possess when applying to this university is a 3.9. Admissions officers look for students who have challenged themselves with the most rigorous courses available at their high school. 

Ultimately, choosing a university is about finding a community that fosters both personal growth and professional ambition. Thus, UCLA remains a dream destination because of its balance of high-stakes academics with social and athletic culture. For those seeking a blend of rigorous academics and a vibrant social life, UCLA might be the right choice for you. Good luck, seniors!