Everything you need to know about transferring to the University of California, Los Angeles - from requirements and deadlines to competitive majors and insider strategies.
~23%
Transfer Accept Rate
3.9
Median Admit GPA
92%
From CA Community Colleges
Dec 1
Application Deadline
At a Glance
Location
Westwood, Los Angeles
Quarter System
Fall Entry Only
No spring or winter transfer admits
Minimum Units
60 semester / 90 quarter
Junior-level standing required
Minimum GPA
3.2 (CA residents)
Competitive admits average 3.7–4.0
What You Need
UCLA evaluates transfer applicants holistically, but strong academic preparation is the foundation. Here's what you need to be competitive.
These are the minimum requirements to be eligible for consideration:
This is where most students make critical mistakes. UCLA requires completion of major-specific prerequisite courses before transfer:
The UC application includes one mandatory prompt and three additional Personal Insight Questions (PIQs):
One of the most important strategic decisions for UCLA transfers:
Strategic Advantage
TAP is one of the most powerful - and underutilized - tools available to CCC transfer applicants.
The UCLA Transfer Alliance Program is a partnership between UCLA and over 50 California community colleges. By completing your CC's honors or scholars program, you earn TAP certification - which gives you significant advantages in the admissions process.
TAP is specifically for California Community College transfer students. You must have completed 30+ semester units at a CCC to be eligible. TAP is not a guarantee of admission, but the numbers speak for themselves.
Priority consideration for admission to majors within the UCLA College of Letters and Science
Alternate major review - if not admitted to your first choice, you get a second chance at a different major (TAP-only benefit)
Exclusive scholarships - admitted TAP students can apply for $5,000 renewable scholarships
UCLA library access while still at your community college
Direct entry to UCLA College Honors without additional scrutiny upon admission
Know the Landscape
Acceptance rates vary dramatically by major. Understanding the competitive landscape is critical to building a smart application strategy.
College of Letters & Science
One of the most sought-after transfer majors at UCLA. Pre-Business Econ is a designated impacted major with extremely high demand.
Very Low
Accept Rate
3.8+
Competitive GPA
College of Letters & Science
Another highly selective major with demand that far exceeds available spots. Strong essays and extracurriculars are crucial.
Very Low
Accept Rate
3.8+
Competitive GPA
College of Letters & Science
Consistently one of the most popular majors among transfer applicants, making it impacted and competitive.
Low
Accept Rate
3.7+
Competitive GPA
College of Letters & Science
Less competitive than Business Econ but still a popular and impacted choice for transfer students.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.6+
Competitive GPA
Samueli School of Engineering
Engineering school transfers have a separate, more selective process. CS is among the most competitive programs in the country.
~10%
Accept Rate
3.9+
Competitive GPA
College of Letters & Science
A popular humanities major with strong demand. Completion of major prep by fall is strongly recommended.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.6+
Competitive GPA
Key Dates
Missing a deadline can cost you an entire year. Here are the dates that matter.
August 1
You can begin working on the UC application. Use this time to draft your Personal Insight Questions and gather information.
October 1 – November 30
Submit your completed UC application during this window. Don't wait until November 30 - aim for early-to-mid November to avoid technical issues.
December 1
Required for certain professional school majors (Engineering, Arts & Architecture, Music, Nursing, Theater/Film/TV). Also the deadline for FAFSA/Dream Act filing.
January 31
Report your final fall grades and planned spring coursework. This is critical - UCLA uses this to make final admissions decisions. Also the deadline for TAP alternate major changes.
Late April
UCLA typically releases transfer admission decisions in late April. You'll then have until June 1 to accept your offer (SIR deadline).
Pacific + UCLA
Our team has successfully placed students into UCLA's most competitive programs. Here's what we bring to the table.
We build a semester-by-semester plan using ASSIST.org articulation agreements specific to your community college and target major, ensuring you don't miss a single prerequisite.
We help you determine if TAP is the right path for your goals, navigate the honors program requirements, and maximize the alternate major advantage.
We work with you through multiple drafts to craft PIQs that showcase your unique story, connect to your intended major, and stand out in holistic review.
Choosing the right primary and alternate major is one of the most consequential decisions in the application. We help you balance ambition with strategic positioning.
We analyze your specific situation to recommend whether full IGETC, partial IGETC, or pure major prep gives you the strongest application.
We guide you through the Transfer Academic Update, monitor your spring coursework, and prepare waitlist or appeal strategies if needed.