Pacific Admissions Group
How to transfer to UCLA: requirements, GPA and acceptance rate
Admission numbers, UCLA's TAP program, admit rates by major and prerequisite planning, for California community college students applying to UCLA.
22.2%
Transfer Admit Rate (F26)
3.91
Median Admit GPA (F25)
92%
From CA Community Colleges
30,668
Transfer Applicants (F26)
6,796
Transfer Admits (F26)
Nov 30
Application Deadline
Short answer
To transfer to UCLA, complete at least 60 semester (90 quarter) transferable units, the UC seven-course pattern and your major's preparation courses, then apply on the UC application by November 30. UCLA admitted 22.2% of transfer applicants for fall 2026 (6,796 of 30,668), and 92% of admitted transfers came from California community colleges. The median admitted GPA was 3.91 for fall 2025. UCLA does not offer TAG.
Location
Westwood, Los Angeles
Calendar
Quarter System
Fall entry only
Min Units
60 sem / 90 qtr
Junior standing required
Min GPA
3.2 (CA residents)
Admits' middle 50% (F25): 3.77-4.00
TAG Eligible?
No - TAP instead
Transfer Alliance Program
UCLA transfer admission by the numbers
UCLA's transfer pool grew from 23,974 applicants in fall 2023 to 30,668 in fall 2026, about 28%. Admits grew more slowly, to 6,796. Competition keeps rising.
| Cycle | Applicants | Admits | Enrolled | Admit Rate | Median GPA | 25th-75th GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2020 | 25,957 | 6,271 | - | ~24% | - | - |
| Fall 2021 | 28,457 | 5,435 | - | ~19% | - | - |
| Fall 2022 | 24,930 | 5,961 | - | ~24% | 3.90 | - |
| Fall 2023 | 23,974 | 6,189 | 3,696 | 26% | 3.88 | 3.72-4.00 |
| Fall 2024 | 27,177 | 6,177 | 3,832 | 23% | 3.90 | 3.77-4.00 |
| Fall 2025 | 28,288 | 6,466 | 3,935 | 22.9% | 3.91 | 3.77-4.00 |
| Fall 2026 | 30,668 | 6,796 | - | 22.2% | - | - |
Admit rates by school within UCLA (Fall 2025)
| School/College | Admit Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| College of Letters & Science | ~27% | Largest - absorbs 85-90% of transfer admits |
| Herb Alpert School of Music | ~18% | Audition required - pool self-selects |
| Samueli School of Engineering | ~11% | TAP does not apply |
| School of Arts & Architecture | ~7% | Portfolio/supplemental required |
| School of Nursing | ~7% | ~20 admits/year from 300+ apps |
| School of Theater, Film & TV | ~3% | Most selective school at UCLA |
Entering class demographics (Fall 2025): 39% first-generation, 33% underrepresented minorities, 13% international (up from 9% in 2024), 78% receiving financial aid (2023 figure). Ethnicity: Asian 34%, White 30%, Chicano/Latino 26%, African American 6%, Native American 1%.
UCLA transfer requirements
UCLA's stated minimums are deceptively low. The 3.2 minimum GPA is an eligibility floor, not a competitive target. The realistic bar is about 3.8+ for the College, 3.9+ for Engineering, and 3.8+ for Nursing (our estimates).
The 7-Course Pattern (all C or better)
Every transfer must complete these by spring before transfer:
- Two UC-transferable English composition or critical thinking courses (UC-E)
- One UC-transferable math course with intermediate algebra prerequisite (UC-M)
- Four additional courses from at least two of: arts/humanities (UC-H), social/behavioral sciences (UC-B), physical/biological sciences (UC-S)
Unit Requirements & Caps
Junior-level standing required - 60 semester/90 quarter UC-transferable units by end of spring before transfer.
- 70 semester / 105 quarter unit cap on lower-division credit from non-UC schools
- AP/IB/A-Level exams excluded from the cap
- UC Extension and UC summer units count against the cap
- Max 14 semester/21 quarter units of P/NP
- Summer courses immediately before transfer do not count toward the 60-unit minimum
Major Preparation
This is where most students make the critical mistakes that cost them admission.
- UCLA requires completion of major-specific prerequisite courses before transfer
- For impacted majors (Biz Econ, Econ, Psych, Comm), complete all prep by fall before transfer
- For Engineering, missing even one major prep course will likely result in denial
- Check ASSIST.org for your specific CC-to-UCLA course articulation
- Take all major prep courses for a letter grade
Competitive GPA by School
The gap between the minimum and what actually gets admitted:
- College (L&S): 3.2 minimum, competitive 3.7+ (est.)
- Samueli Engineering: 3.4 minimum, competitive 3.8+ (est.)
- School of Nursing: 3.5 minimum (hard floor), competitive 3.7+ (est.)
- Communication specifically: 3.70 UC-transferable GPA required
- Theater/Film/TV: 3.2 minimum, admits typically 3.7+ (est.)
UCLA Transfer Alliance Program (TAP)
TAP is the single most powerful tool in the CCC-to-UCLA pipeline. TAP-certified students get priority review and an alternate-major review that other applicants don't. UCLA doesn't publish TAP admit rates, and TAP is not a guarantee.
What TAP gives you
TAP is a priority admission review program run jointly by UCLA Undergraduate Admission, the UCLA College, and the Center for Community College Partnerships. It launched in 1985 as a pilot between UCLA and Santa Monica College and has grown to 56 member community colleges.
TAP-certified applicants receive priority consideration for admission to majors within the UCLA College of Letters and Science, plus Public Affairs, Public Health, and Education and Social Transformation.
The alternate major benefit - TAP's killer feature
Non-TAP applicants never receive alternate-major review. TAP-certified applicants get two shots:
- List a primary and alternate major on the UC application
- If denied from primary, UCLA automatically reviews for alternate
- Must complete major prep for both majors
- Alternate must be in the UCLA College or Pre-Public Affairs
- Can change alternate until January 31
Smart alternate picks: Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Anthropology, History, English, Philosophy, Art History, Geography, Gender Studies, MCDB, Applied Linguistics.
TAP Benefits Summary
Priority admission review for UCLA College, Public Affairs, Public Health, and Ed & Social Transformation
Alternate major review - second chance at admission (TAP-only)
Planning help from designated faculty and counselors at your TAP college
Does NOT apply to: Engineering, Nursing, TFT, Arts & Architecture, Music
Typical certification requirements
- ~15 units of honors coursework (~5-6 classes)
- Grades of A or B in all honors courses
- Courses across multiple departments, 2+ semesters
- 9 honors units by end of fall before transfer
- GPA thresholds vary by college (3.2-3.5)
- TAP Agreement Form due Feb/early March
All 56 TAP member community colleges
IGETC vs. major prep
IGETC is a 37-unit CCC course pattern that satisfies UCLA's lower-division GE requirements. UCLA does not require IGETC, but it is strongly recommended for most College majors - with sharp exceptions.
| School | IGETC Recommendation | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| College of Letters & Science | Strongly recommended | Full IGETC waives all UCLA GE. Partial accepted (missing up to 2 areas). |
| Samueli Engineering | Do NOT pursue | Focus on major prep. Partial not accepted. Wastes semesters. |
| School of Nursing | Required (full) | Partial not accepted. |
| Theater, Film & TV | Required (full) | Full IGETC or TFT GE pattern required. |
| Arts & Architecture | Recommended | Not mandatory but helpful. |
| Herb Alpert Music | Recommended | Not mandatory. |
UCLA transfer majors: the complete breakdown
Major selection determines admit probability more than any other factor. In fall 2025, Computer Science admitted about 5% of transfer applicants and MCDB about 30%. Major-level numbers below are our estimates from UC's fall 2025 transfers-by-major data; confirm them on UC's official dashboard.
College of Letters & Science - Competitive Majors
| Major | F25 Apps | Admit % | GPA 25-75% | TAP? | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Economics (Pre) | 3,379 | 10% | 3.89-4.00 | Yes (no alt) | Very High |
| Communication | 964 | 13% | 3.92-4.00 | Yes (no alt) | Very High |
| Economics (Pre) | 1,517 | 16% | 3.91-4.00 | Yes (no alt) | Very High |
| Biology | 1,162 | 17% | 3.82-4.00 | Yes (alt OK) | Very High |
| Psychology (Pre) | 2,390 | 21% | 3.79-4.00 | Yes (no alt) | High |
| Statistics & Data Science | 780 | 23% | 3.94-4.00 | Yes (no alt) | High |
| Cognitive Science (Pre) | 306 | 26% | 3.82-3.95 | Yes (no alt) | High |
| MCDB | 285 | 30% | 3.87-4.00 | Yes (alt OK) | Moderate |
| Political Science (Pre) | 1,517 | 34% | 3.83-4.00 | Yes (no alt) | Moderate |
| Sociology (Pre) | 1,199 | 41% | 3.74-3.98 | Yes (alt OK) | Moderate |
| Global Studies (Pre) | 152 | 41% | 3.66-3.93 | Yes (no alt) | Moderate |
| English | 561 | 56% | 3.63-3.95 | Yes (alt OK) | Moderate |
| History | 453 | 58% | 3.68-4.00 | Yes (alt OK) | Moderate |
| Anthropology B.A. | 284 | 63% | 3.57-3.93 | Yes (alt OK) | Moderate |
| Geography | 85 | 65% | 3.63-3.95 | Yes (alt OK) | Moderate |
Samueli School of Engineering (TAP does NOT apply)
| Major | F25 Apps | Admit % | GPA 25-75% | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 1,652 | 5% | 4.00-4.00 | Very High |
| Computer Engineering | 253 | 8% | 3.93-4.00 | Very High |
| CS & Engineering | 369 | 9% | 3.94-4.00 | Very High |
| Aerospace Engineering | 224 | 11% | 3.78-3.98 | Very High |
| Mechanical Engineering | 794 | 12% | 3.92-4.00 | Very High |
| Electrical Engineering | 629 | 18% | 3.93-4.00 | High |
| Chemical Engineering | 134 | 26% | 3.82-3.96 | Moderate |
| Civil Engineering | 203 | 27% | 3.78-3.93 | Moderate |
Specialized Schools
| Major | F25 Apps | Admit % | GPA 25-75% | Supplemental? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film & Television | 632 | 3% | 3.72-3.97 | Yes (Jan 11) |
| Theater | 263 | 5% | 3.86-4.00 | Yes (Dec 7) |
| Design Media Arts | 345 | 6% | 3.58-3.96 | Yes (Dec 15) |
| Art | 337 | 7% | 3.35-3.91 | Yes (Jan 20) |
| Nursing | 304 | 7% | 3.68-3.95 | Yes (Jan 15) |
| Architectural Studies | 299 | 7% | 3.62-4.00 | Yes (Jan 20) |
| Music | 257 | 18% | - | Yes (Dec 4) |
Prerequisites for top-demand majors
Missing a single prerequisite for an impacted major can cost you admission. Here are the exact requirements for UCLA's most competitive transfer programs.
Business Economics (Pre)
10% admit rate - 3.89-4.00 GPA (est.)
- Econ 1 (Microeconomics)
- Econ 2 (Macroeconomics)
- Math 31A (Calculus I)
- Math 31B (Calculus II)
- Management 1A (Financial Accounting)
- Management 1B (Managerial Accounting)
Communication
13% admit rate - 3.92-4.00 GPA (est.)
- Intro to mass/interpersonal communication
- Public speaking
- Intro linguistics OR meaning of communication
- Statistics
- Three from: intro psych, American govt, intro sociology, micro/political economy
Psychology (Pre)
21% admit rate - 3.79-4.00 GPA (est.)
- Intro Psychology
- Introductory biology OR biology for the major
- Introductory physics OR chemistry
- Philosophy
- One quantitative reasoning (stats, calc, or C++)
Computer Science (Samueli)
5% admit rate - 4.00-4.00 GPA (est.)
- Math 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B (full calc through diff eq)
- Physics 1A and 1B (calc-based)
- CS 31 equivalent (C++)
- Two English comp courses
- CS 32, CS 33 strongly recommended
Economics (Pre)
16% admit rate - 3.91-4.00 GPA (est.)
- Econ 1 (Microeconomics)
- Econ 2 (Macroeconomics)
- Math 31A (Calculus I)
- Math 31B (Calculus II)
Statistics & Data Science
23% admit rate - 3.94-4.00 GPA (est.)
- Statistics course
- Math 31A, 31B (Calc I & II)
- Math 32A, 32B (Multivariable Calc)
- Math 33A (Linear Algebra) - required
- CS 31 (C++) strongly recommended
Biology / MCDB
17% / 30% admit rate (est.)
- One year biology with lab (LS 7A/7B/7C)
- One year calculus
- One year general chemistry with lab
- One term organic chemistry with lab
- Second term organic + calc-based physics recommended
Nursing (Prelicensure)
7% admit rate - ~20 admits/year
- One year general biology
- One year general chemistry
- One term organic chemistry
- Human anatomy with lab
- Human physiology with lab
UCLA transfer application essentials
UCLA uses the UC application (not Common App, not Cal State Apply). The app opens August 1, filing runs October 1 to November 30, and decisions release late April. No letters of recommendation, no SAT/ACT.
The four essays (350 words each)
Transfers write the required transfer prompt plus 3 of 7 optional PIQs. The required prompt asks you to describe how you've prepared for your intended major. Gold-highlighted PIQs below are the ones most recommended for transfer students.
Leadership experience
Positively influenced others or resolved disputes. Highly recommended for transfers.
Creative side
Problem solving, innovation, or artistic expression.
Greatest talent or skill
How you've developed it over time.
Educational opportunity or barrier
The single most transfer-friendly PIQ. Frame CCC as strategy, not fallback.
Significant challenge
Transfers have concrete real-world material for this one.
Academic subject that inspires
Excluded for transfers - covered by required prompt.
Community contribution
Strong for transfers with work/volunteer experience.
What else makes you strong
Catch-all if other prompts don't fit.
Transfer Academic Update (TAU)
Opens December 15. Priority deadline: January 31. Reports fall grades and spring plans. Submit it by the priority deadline so UCLA reviews your most recent record.
UCLA transfer timeline
Missing a deadline can cost you an entire year.
August 1
UC Application Opens
Begin drafting PIQs and the required transfer prompt.
Oct 1 - Nov 30
Application Submission Window
Submit UC application. Aim for early-to-mid November.
December 4 – 15
December Supplementals
Music due Dec 4, 2026. Theater due Dec 7. Dance, Design Media Arts and World Arts and Cultures due Dec 15. The UC application itself closes November 30.
Jan 11-20
January Supplementals
Film & TV due Jan 11, 2027. Nursing due Jan 15. Art and Architectural Studies due Jan 20.
January 31
TAU Priority Deadline
Report fall grades and spring plans. Submit by the priority deadline so UCLA sees your latest grades.
Feb - early Mar
TAP Agreement Form
TAP-certified students submit form through honors coordinator.
March 2
Financial Aid Priority Deadline
FAFSA/CADAA due. Missing this forfeits potentially $30,000+ in aid.
Late April
Admission Decisions
UCLA releases decisions.
June 1
SIR Deadline
Statement of Intent to Register + $250 deposit (waivable with need).
Top UCLA transfer feeder schools
Santa Monica College has been the #1 UC feeder for 35 consecutive years. But smaller colleges often post higher admit rates - what matters most is GPA, major prep, and TAP, not your college's name.
| Community College | F24 Apps | Admit Rate | GPA 25-75% | TAP? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica College | 1,715 | 32% | 3.71-4.00 | Yes (founding) |
| Pasadena City College | 1,226 | 32% | 3.77-4.00 | Yes |
| De Anza College | 1,136 | 21% | 3.87-4.00 | Yes |
| Irvine Valley College | 868 | 27% | 3.76-4.00 | Yes |
| Diablo Valley College | 737 | 23% | 3.87-4.00 | No |
| Mt. San Antonio | 689 | 30% | 3.76-4.00 | Yes |
| El Camino College | 635 | 35% | 3.70-3.95 | Yes |
| Orange Coast College | 613 | 23% | 3.79-4.00 | Yes |
| Santa Barbara City | 603 | 25% | 3.76-3.98 | Yes |
| Moorpark College | 547 | 33% | 3.76-4.00 | Yes |
| LA Pierce | 541 | 35% | 3.75-4.00 | Yes |
| Glendale | 540 | 31% | 3.76-4.00 | Yes |
Financial aid for UCLA transfers
78% of entering transfers received aid (2023 figure, per UCLA's transfer profile). Estimated cost of attendance for CA residents (updated July 2026): $45,500 living in UCLA residence halls, $47,786 in off-campus apartments, or $36,707 as a commuter. But 55% of UCLA undergrads receive grants/scholarships averaging $23,418.
$14,233+
UC Blue and Gold
Full tuition for CA residents with family income under $100,000. Two years for transfers. Requires FAFSA/CADAA.
Varies
Cal Grant A/B
A covers tuition (2.40 GPA min). B adds access costs for low-income. Can reserve up to 2 years at CCC.
Varies
Middle Class Scholarship
Families with income up to $250,000 (2026-27 limit; changes yearly), on a sliding scale. Two years for transfers.
$4,000-$5,000
Alumni CCTS
Merit and leadership-based. No alumni connection required. Opens days after decisions.
$2,000
Transfer Student Scholarship
~10 awards. 2-3 reserved for non-traditional transfers (age 25+).
How we help you get into UCLA
Our team has placed students into UCLA's most competitive programs. Here is what we bring to your UCLA transfer application.
ASSIST Course Mapping
Semester-by-semester plan using ASSIST.org articulation specific to your CC and target major. No missed prerequisites.
TAP Strategy & Certification
Determine if TAP is right for you, navigate honors requirements, choose optimal alternate major, avoid common mistakes.
PIQ & Required Prompt Development
Multiple drafts of your major-prep essay and three PIQs that reveal your story and stand out in holistic review.
Major Selection Strategy
Balance ambition with strategic positioning using real admit-rate data. Primary + alternate major optimization.
IGETC vs. Major Prep Decision
Analyze your situation to recommend whether full IGETC, partial, or pure major prep gives you the strongest app.
TAU & Post-Submission
Transfer Academic Update guidance, spring grade monitoring, waitlist/appeal strategies if needed.
See how our transfer consulting works and our prices and packages, or read whether a consultant is worth it for you.
About the author
Manraj, Founder of Pacific Admissions Group
Manraj transferred from a California community college and was admitted to UC Berkeley Haas, UCLA Business Economics, USC Marshall and UC Irvine Merage. He enrolled at Haas. More about us
Official sources
Requirements and deadlines change every year. Confirm the details for your major on the official pages below. Last reviewed October 2026.
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