Admissions Blog :: UCLA Undergraduate Admissions

When Will Applicants Receive Admissions Decisions?

That seems to be the question on all our applicants' minds, and rightly so. I'm sure a lot of you have already heard from some of the other colleges you've applied to for fall 2008, and are anxious to get the decision from UCLA. While I completely empathize with your position, I unfortunately cannot say when admissions decisions will be released. My best recommendation to you is to just keep checking back at the decision site. It's March 17 (Happy St. Patrick's Day!), so you know you'll get the decision in two weeks at the latest, and, if I were a betting woman, I would bet you'll know your admission status at UCLA even sooner than t hat.

In less frustrating news, congratulations to our oustanding Men's Basketball Team! The Bruins are again a #1 seed in the March Madness Tournament. Coach Howland led the Bruins through an amazing season and another Pac-10 Tournament Title, and all of us here at UARS can't wait to watch all the exciting games that are in store for us. First up: UCLA vs. Mississippi Valley State this Thursday. Just like you all can't wait to receive your admissions decisions from our office, I can't wait to see how well our team performs during this "crazy" tournament.

Best of luck to all our applicants and our Men's Basketball Team! Go Bruins! 

The Final Countdown

For those of you who are waiting to receive admissions decisions from colleges and universities across the country this year, it might seem like 2008 is a leap year just to keep the month of March away one day longer and draw out the excrutiating waiting process, but hang in there! You're almost done.

If you've applied to UCLA and/or any other UC campuses for Fall 2008, you shall be receiving your admissions decisions during the month of March. Back in the days before online applications, hopeful UC students had to run to their mailboxes every March afternoon in search of the good news, but you lucky bunch can just check online decision sites. If you've applied to multiple UCs like I hope you have, you will need to follow each campus's individual instructions for checking admission status. Even though all us UCs share many common deadlines (like the May 1 deadline for freshman admits to submit their Statement of Intent to Register!), we do not all release admissions decisions on the same day, so hearing from one campus does not guarantee you'll hear from another right away.

In the meantime, keep working hard in your current coursework and make sure to enjoy the last few months of your high school career. They will fly by, so make the most of them!

Ask and You Shall Receive

Normally it's only radio DJs that take requests, but when blog reader "iloveucla" asked if we could write a blog about how we read our freshman applications, I thought it was a great idea, and voila! The answers you seek are below:

UCLA application readers can be divided primarily into 3 groups: UARS/EAOP (Early Academic Outreach Program) employees, employees in other UCLA departments, and qualified community members. People outside of UARS/EAOP who are interested in being application readers must apply for the position.

After we have our some 150 readers selected, we undergo a VERY thorough training process. I can personally assure all of our applicants that everyone involved with the application read process takes it incredibly seriously. All application readers, new and returning, complete an extensive application training process before they are allowed to start reading and ranking actual applications.

From the official 2008-2009 Freshman Admissions Policy:

Selection is based on a comprehensive review of all information--both academic and personal--presented in the application. All applications are read twice, in their entirety, by professionally trained readers. After independently reading and analyzing a file, the reader determines a comprehensive score that is the basis upon which the student is ultimately admitted or denied. In addition, admissions managers conduct multiple checks for consistency and completeness throughout the reading process. While this evaluation process is based on human judgments rather than a system that quantifies factors and incorporates them into a numerical formula, the extensive reader training, comprehensive reading of files, as well as other monitoring procedures, ensure that the process is highly reliable. Formal tests of reliability are conducted regularly to assure quality control.

So we spend December and January reading and evaluating applications in accordance with the guidelines that we by then can recite in our sleep. Every application gets read at least twice, and, as the policy states, there are myriad quality controls in place to make sure that applicants are being reviewed fairly and accurately.

Because we receive so many applications (55,369 for fall 2008) from so many highly qualified students, we are only able to offer admission to approximately 1/4 of our freshman applicants, which is why I would recommend that students apply to at least 4 UC campuses, and any other universities they think might be a good fit, in addition to UCLA. Best of luck to all students applying to college this year!

Lucky Number 55,369

Hello again, blog readers, I’ve missed you all. Since last I posted, the UARS blog has celebrated its 1st birthday and UCLA received 55, 369 freshman applications for admission for fall 2008, more than any other university in the nation (again)!

We’re thrilled that so many students all over the state, country, and world want to come here to UCLA to learn from our incredible faculty, live on our beautiful campus, cheer on our outstanding sport teams, and just get that unique Bruin experience, but we’re also incredibly busy! After all, we’re the ones who have to read and evaluate all of these applications. This is my second year as an application reader, and even though I’ve already read more than 400 applications for fall 2008, I still find it exciting! I love learning about your interests and experiences, and being a part, no matter how small, of this wonderfully thrilling time in your lives.

Even though I applied to the UC system last century, I still remember that awful period of time between November and March, when I was waiting for the decision letters from my top-choice campuses. I know right now it probably feels like there’s nothing you can do, but there actually is: you can avoid that horrible disease known as “senioritis” and make sure that you take the classes that you reported on your application.

As I hope you all know by now, a decline in academic performance or change in your academic program could result in a withdrawal of admission. I’ve seen first-hand how upsetting and disappointing it is for a student to have his/her offer of admission cancelled, and it really can be avoided! Don’t let one (or two) bad semesters ruin an otherwise pristine academic record. Keep up the great work!

UCLA in famous movies

Hey! What's up everybody?  This is Eric Kim, your one and truly official photographer for UCLA Undergraduate Admissions.  I hope you all had a fantastic winter break, because I know I did. I ended up watching a ton of movies, and one of those movies happened to be How High with Redman and Method Man. During the movie, when Redman and Method Man first step foot on the "Harvard campus," I gasped because I realized that the movie was filmed on the UCLA campus with Royce Hall and Powell Library in the background.

Thinking that this was an incredible discovery that nobody knew about, I frantically searched the Web for other movies that were filmed at UCLA. To my surprise there is a long list of movies that have been filmed at UCLA. Some notable movies are: The Nutty Professor (I and II), American Pie 2, Legally Blonde, Old School, How High, Minority Report, and Van Wilder. Some notable television shows include:  24, Alias, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  The beautiful architecture and scenery of UCLA's North Campus make it virtually indistinguishable from most Ivy-league campuses. Additionally, it is so convenient for many of the film and television production companies to film in West Los Angeles.

Not only are many movies and tv shows filmed on the UCLA campus, many movie premieres are held in Westwood, the neighborhood surrounding UCLA.

As the Internet saying goes:  "Pics or it didn't happen." So on with the photos!

Janet Jackson and Eddie Murphy under Royce Hall in The Nutty Professor.

Mena Suvari and Chris Klein in front of Kerckhoff in American Pie 2.

Reese Witherspoon sitting on the lawn in front of Kerckhoff in Legally Blonde.

Will Ferrell and other characters walking down Jans Steps in the movie Old School.

The Westwood Village movie theater transformed into Marge and Homer's heads for Simpsons the Movie premiere.

Alyson Hannigan and Seth Green from Buffy the Vampire Slayer in front of the UCLA store.

Terminator 3 premiere at Westwood theater with a gigantic image of Arnold Schwarzenegger on the roof.

Yikes! How many people are in a freshman class?

Hello, my name is Edward and I’m a student worker in the Undergraduate Admissions’ Public Response unit, where we answer questions via telephone, e-mail, and drop-in visits to our office. One question often asked by prospective students and incoming freshmen is how big their classes will be. After all, most high schools have between 300 and 3,000 students, but UCLA has over 35,000! It’s common to imagine that all classes for first-years are held in an auditorium with 400 other students, but fear not: it isn’t the only classroom option. For the past five years, UCLA has held Fiat Lux seminars (www.college.ucla.edu/fiatlux), which give freshmen an opportunity to interact one-on-one with senior faculty members in classes limited to 20 students.

The concept of providing an intimate academic setting for first-year students was created in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. At the time, the University organized 57 seminars for freshmen making the transition from the comforts of home to a place where they could discuss world issues. The following year, an expanded program was implemented and named Fiat Lux, which is Latin for “let there be light” and the University of California’s motto that reflects the goal of enlightening students on a wide variety of subjects.

While freshmen are given priority in enrolling in the one-unit seminars, other undergraduates can take the courses if there is space available. The courses are pass/no pass, which allows the instructor and students to focus on the topic.  Fiat Lux classes are also great experiences because the small learning environment promotes discussion and interaction between faculty and peers. The program continues to be a popular choice for freshmen to be exposed to new ideas and serious issues as well as become comfortable with sharing their knowledge about social matters.

Another cool aspect is the range of subjects offered. Over 200 topics are offered this year, from music (“Rock Lyrics”) to information studies (“Just Google It: What It Is and When It’s Appropriate”) and sociology (“Cool Japan: Exporting Contemporary Japanese Culture”).

When I was a freshman (last year) I took a Fiat Lux seminar in sociology—“Contemporary Chinese Immigration.” The class looked at how some communities in the San Gabriel Valley serve as examples of ethnic conclaves and studied the traditions and attitudes of modern Chinese immigrants to America. My parents are Asian-immigrants and I have always been interested in learning more about my background.  The small setting allowed for a productive exchange of ideas and critical thinking. I really enjoyed the experience and I was able to get to know the professor. I highly recommend that future first-year students take at least one Fiat Lux seminar so that one day, if necessary, you can write a blog entry about your experiences.

"Blue and Gold Week"

           To most people, 8:47AM is just another minute during an early morning hour. To the Bruin faithful, 8:47AM is a daily reminder of the glorious defeat that was handed to the Trojans at the Rose Bowl last year. Why is this? Because 8:47AM is just another way of saying 13 to 9.  13 to 9 was the final score of last year’s UCLA vs. USC football game.  After seven long years of watching the Trojans run over the Bruins, our football team brought its “A” (-mazing) game to the Rose Bowl last year.  The Mighty Bruins stifled the lowly Trojans by upsetting their nearly perfect season and trampling their national championship hopes!  Go Bruins!

            From the moment we become Bruins, we are taught to detest the Trojans.  Each class of Bruins must uphold the tradition and pride that is the reason many of us chose UCLA.  Each fall, we devote one week to beating our cross-town rival. Every night of “Blue and Gold Week” students sleep next to our statue of the Bruin to protect it from those unscrupulous Trojans who may try to cause it harm.  Each day of “Blue and Gold Week” is filled with random outbursts of the 8-Clap and annual events like the “Get the Red Out” blood drive.  The week culminates with a parade through Westwood and a bon fire rally at the main quad. 

As a student, the bonfire rally was the highlight of my year.  What could be better than gathering together with thousands of your closest friends, hearing the band play our melodious fight song, screaming the 8-clap over and over again, and watching some students light an 80 foot wooden tower on fire? My heart swells with Bruin pride just thinking about this glorious tradition. 

           

The 2007 football season has been tumultuous for the Bruins, but I feel confident that we can defeat the Trojans again this year.  I optimistically and confidently predict that after December 1, 2007, the time that will bring me great joy will be 2:39. 21-3 UCLA. Go Bruins! Beat SC!

Pac-10 Fitness Challenge Part Two

The Pac-10 Fitness Challenge is officially over, and while us Bruins didn't win the competition (congratulations Stanford!) we definitely made a respectable showing, had a great time in the process, and beat USC in a landslide! All in all, a successful week.

I participated in every Fitness Challenge-related event last week and had a lot of fun! Tuesday was the "Super Walk" out at Drake Stadium. Staff, faculty, and students alike ran, walked, jogged, or climbed the stairs and won some awesome prizes for participating. One lucky runner received an iPod Nano, but I was pretty satisfied with my spiffy new pedometer! Wednesday was the "Spin Marathon," where UCLA Recreation staff members led all interested in Bruins intense, 45 minute spin workouts from 7:30am to 7:30pm. And all week long people were sweating on the elliptical machine at the front of the John Wooden Center for "Perpetual Motion."

I feel like I'm a pretty motivated exerciser, but nothing pushed me to do my best like my desire to support UCLA! If only there was a way to bottle that feeling...

Congratulations to everyone who participated for a job well done. I hope you all had as much fun as I did!

         

Pac 10 Fitness Challenge: Go Bruins!

I never thought I'd see the day when I could say I was in a Pac-10 athletics competition, but here I am! I am helping UCLA compete for the title of "Most Fit in the Pac 10" by logging on to the Pac 10 Fitness Challenge Website everyday and recording my daily activity.

The Pac-10 Fitness Challenge is a different kind of sporting event. All 10 universities in the conference are competing against each other at the same time, and non-athletes (including faculty, staff, and supporters) can play, too! The Pac-10 Fitness challenge is a conference wide initiative to increase physical activity on college campuses.

Here at UCLA, we're taking this competition very seriously. In addition to encouraging all students, faculty, staff, and friends to work out every day this week (Nov. 5-Nov. 9) and log their progress at: www.pac-10fitnesschallenge.com, we've also organized group-exercise efforts to help our score and increase team spirit. Tomorrow there is going to be a "Super Walk" on the Drake Stadium Track, and Wednesday we have a "Spin Marathon" in the John Wooden Center, where we will try to keep Bruins on cycles from 7:30am-7:30pm. As long-time readers know, I like to work out on my lunch hour, so I'm excited that this week I'll be able to get in my exercise time and help UCLA win this fun competition.

For anyone who is interested in supporting UCLA (or another Pac-10 campus) in the Fitness Challenge, it's not too late! Visit the link above and start running, swimming, pumping, biking or doing whatever it is you love to do. The competition is stiff and we need all the help we can get! Go Bruins!

Applications Available November 1

Well it's the end of October, and while your mind may be on costumes and candy, I want to remind you that the UC Online application can be submitted any time during the month of November, beginning this Thursday, November 1. UC applications can be accessed at: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply. Whether you've already completed your application and are just waiting to click "submit" or you haven't even thought about filling it out yet, it's important to keep November 30 in mind. This is the VERY LAST DAY you will be able to submit an application to UCLA (or any UC campus) for Fall 2008. While November 30 is the absolute cut-off date, please let me suggest that you submit your application sooner if at all possible. As Andrea mentioned last week, the server tends to get a bit overloaded right before any important deadline, and you wouldn't want any computer problems (on our end or yours) to keep you from applying to UCLA and/or our sister campuses.

Some tips for filling out your application:

1. Take your time. The process is long, and can be a bit tedious, but is absolutely crucial that the information you submit is completely accurate. Which leads us to #2.

2. Revise your entire application before sending it. Like I said, it's imperative that this information is accurate. We will be using your self-reported application information to make admissions decisions, so it needs to accurately reflect your academic and personal history.

3. Take advantage of the Personal Statement. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that we wouldn't know by just looking at your GPA and test scores. We want to understand who you are and what you want from life, so give your Personal Statement the time and attention it deserves. For more tips about writing a stellar Personal Statement, check out Andrea's post from last week.

Good luck to everyone applying to college, like I've said before, this is an incredibly exciting time in your lives and I hope you enjoy every minute of it!