UCLA
Los Angeles, California
UCLA combines Ivy-level academics with a vibrant residential campus experience and unmatched LA industry access in tech, media, healthcare, and entertainment. Test-blind admissions (no SAT/ACT), UC application system. Compare with UC Berkeley.
~8-10%
Acceptance Rate
Top 15
QS World
46,000+
Students
60+
Students Guided
Tuition & Costs
- Undergraduate: ~$59,940/year (international — UC system)
- Master's: ~$39,000-$45,000/year
- MBA: ~$130,000+ total (Anderson, 2-year)
- Living costs: ~$2,000-$2,500/month (LA)
- Total annual budget: ~$70,000-$90,000/year
- Study in USA | Cost Calculator
Scholarships & Funding
- UG: Very limited for international UG
- Graduate: Research assistantships in STEM
- MBA: Anderson merit fellowships
- Explore all scholarships
Why UCLA Is a Strong Choice
Balanced Academics + Campus Life
Unlike NYU's urban model, UCLA offers a traditional residential campus with housing, athletics, organizations, and research opportunities — combining top academics with a strong student experience.
UC System (Test-Blind)
Like Berkeley, UCLA uses the UC application (not Common App), does not consider SAT/ACT, and evaluates students holistically using academic and contextual achievements via Personal Insight Questions.
LA Industry Access
Proximity to Silicon Beach tech companies, Hollywood and entertainment, healthcare and biomedical research centers, startups and venture networks. Especially strong for film, media, and healthcare careers.
Programs at UCLA
Computer Science & Engineering
Highly competitive with strong research output
Life Sciences & Medicine
Major research institution with strong healthcare connections
Film & Television
One of the most respected film schools globally — LA location advantage
Economics & Business Economics
Popular majors with strong career pathways
Public Health
Highly ranked graduate programs
Admission Requirements
Master's Requirements
- Engineering & Computer Science
- Public Health (top-ranked)
- Film, Television & Theater
- Economics, Data Science, Education
MBA Requirements
- Consulting & tech placements
- Entertainment & media business
- Product management
- Collaborative culture
What Type of Student Gets In?
Strong academic record with genuine intellectual curiosity beyond the classroom
Personal Insight Questions that reveal authentic character and experiences
Deep engagement in 2-3 activities showing real passion and community impact
Evidence of overcoming challenges and contributing to something larger
Understanding that UCLA is test-blind — academics, essays, activities carry all weight
Fit with UCLA's diverse, vibrant, and socially engaged campus culture
Costs & ROI
| Level | Tuition |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ~$59,940/year (international — UC system) |
| Master's | ~$39,000-$45,000/year |
| MBA | ~$130,000+ total (Anderson, 2-year) |
| Living costs | ~$2,000-$2,500/month (LA) |
| Total annual budget | ~$70,000-$90,000/year |
Career & Industry
UCLA's LA location provides unmatched entertainment and tech access. OPT/STEM OPT gives up to 3 years of work authorization.
Our Students at UCLA
Rohiny Vaze
UCLA
“The essay editing done by the KGC team was amazing. I believe it was the most key element transforming my 1200 word essay into an impactful 750 word essay.”
Tanvi Mehta
UCLA
“UCLA was my top choice because of its film program and campus life. Dr. Gupta helped me understand the UC application is completely different from Common App. The Personal Insight Questions needed a specific approach — concise, impact-focused, no fluff. That guidance was critical.”
Aakash Sundaram
UCLA
“Applying to Anderson MBA from a tech background, I needed to show why LA mattered for my career goals. KGC helped me connect my product management experience to Anderson's strengths in tech and entertainment. The cultural fit angle was something I would have missed.”
Watch: Study Abroad Insights
Dr. Karan Gupta's Advice
- UCLA uses the UC application with PIQs, not Common App. Each PIQ is 350 words max — concise, specific, personal storytelling wins.
- UCLA is test-blind. No SAT/ACT scores matter. Academics, essays, and activities carry all weight.
- Anderson MBA is strong for entertainment/media and tech entrepreneurship.
- Don't confuse UCLA with a “party school.” It's one of the most selective public universities globally with world-class research.
FAQs: UCLA for Indian Students
Is UCLA an Ivy League university?
Does UCLA accept SAT/ACT?
Do UCLA graduate programs require GRE?
Is UCLA good for film and media?
Is UCLA expensive for international students?
How is UCLA different from UC Berkeley?
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Want to Study at UCLA?
Get expert guidance from Dr. Karan Gupta — Harvard alumnus, 27+ years of global admissions experience guiding 160,000+ students worldwide.