I first stepped foot on UCLA’s campus when my older brother was touring colleges to try and get a sense of where he would apply. Although I was only a freshman in high school at the time, the campus had alluring control over me. I was aware of UCLA’s historically dominant academic and athletic programs…
Choosing UCLA: My Perspective as a Nursing Student
I did not know much about UCLA when I applied. All I knew was the name – it was a UC school in Los Angeles. My older brother attended another UC when I was younger, so my perceptions of a UC school were very limited. All I remembered from roaming around the huge campus was…
Adventure: How I Chose UCLA
Two years ago, I was in your same position reading the same blog and deciding whether to attend UCLA. I still clearly remember reading this post by our director of Undergraduate Admissions the day after I got in. These words stuck out to me then and have proven to be true: “Remember that there are…
Finding My Bruin Family: Why I Chose UCLA Over An Ivy League
Decision season is upon us, which means it’s a reflective time at UCLA. My friends and I have had conversations over the last few weeks talking about our acceptance stories to UCLA- where we were, who we cried tears of joy with, and who we thanked immensely for their mentorship and guidance the next day…
Finding my Place at UCLA
I was about to go into surgery, and at the time, I thought it could lead to the amputation of my leg. The nurse by my side could sense my nerves, and in an effort to console me, she said, “I understand this is hard for you, but at least your tragic story and being…
First, But Not Only
First, but not the only…First, but not the only… A first generation college student is typically defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardians(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree, but sometimes it’s not always that simple. UCLA defines first generation more broadly, being that this status extends also to students whose parent(s)/legal guardian (s) have…
Making the Most of Your Campus Tour
In the past year alone, I have spoken with thousands of high school students about what it is like to be a part of the UCLA community. My parting advice for them is always the same. I could talk for hours about how great the UCLA community has been for me, but the best way…
A Reflection on Decision Release for First Year Students
113,000. It’s an imposing figure, both to the students who applied and to the staff charged with reading those applications for admission…multiple times. But read them we do! To each and every one of those applicants, I want to say thank you. Thank you for considering UCLA. Thank you for taking the time to share…
Brace Yourselves: Winter (and Read Season) is Here
Ah, winter is Los Angeles: curling up by a fire, watching the snow fall, sipping on hot chocolate… wait a minute… that’s not Los Angeles. I am sure for many of you, that may be the winter you are experiencing. As for me, I was at the beach this past weekend since temperatures were in…
Supporting Student Civic Responsibility in the Admission Process
“The University is not engaged in making ideas safe for students, it is engaged in making students safe for ideas.” Clark Kerr, President, University of California (1963) As we process yet another devastating school shooting in our country, most recently at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, we are reminded of the strength, fortitude…
