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…
The Optimists: Mihir Mathur
Have you met the UCLA Optimists? Over the next several months, the Bruin Blog will be highlighting our student Optimists. These current UCLA undergraduates will give you insight into the application process and tips, student life and culture, and what it means to be a Bruin. My experience at UCLA has been invaluable. Despite being born and…
The Optimists: Jamie Baron
Have you met the UCLA Optimists? Over the next several months, the Bruin Blog will be highlighting our student Optimists. These current UCLA undergraduates will give you insight into the application process and tips, student life and culture, and what it means to be a Bruin. UCLA has an endless list of amazing qualities and opportunities for…
The Optimists: Kevin Brown
Have you met the UCLA Optimists? Over the next several months, the Bruin Blog will be highlighting our student Optimists. These current UCLA undergraduates will give you insight into the application process and tips, student life and culture, and what it means to be a Bruin. As a first-generation nontraditional college student, going to a four-year university…
The Optimists: Dreama Rhodes
Have you met the UCLA Optimists? Over the next several months, the Bruin Blog will be highlighting our student Optimists. These current UCLA undergraduates will give you insight into the application process and tips, student life and culture, and what it means to be a Bruin. I am from Merced, CA. It’s a relatively small town where…
The Optimists: Aryonia White
Have you met the UCLA Optimists? Over the next several months, the Bruin Blog will be highlighting our student Optimists. These current UCLA undergraduates will give you insight into the application process and tips, student life and culture, and what it means to be a Bruin. Gazing out the window of a 45-minute bus ride across town…
To Our Applicants
I’ve been in college admission for nearly 20 years, which is likely longer than most incoming freshman have been alive. Yet each year, I look forward to the opportunity to meet with newly admitted students and their families as they consider which campus community they’ll call home this fall. With all of the stress that…
