SAT and ACT Scores For University of California - Los Angeles

University of California, Los Angeles is among the most selective universities in the United States. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), UCLA received roughly 146,000 applications and offered admission to only about 17,520 students—an acceptance rate near 12%. That means just around 12 in 100 applicants earn a spot, underscoring UCLA's exceptionally high standards and intense competition year after year.

UCLA does not offer Early Decision or Early Action programs. All applicants are evaluated in the regular decision round, which means all students have the same deadline and are considered together. This approach reflects UCLA's commitment to a comprehensive review process that considers the entire applicant pool simultaneously.

Testing policy has evolved. UCLA was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025–26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), UCLA will require SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions). In other words, applicants next year must submit test results. Even before this change, nearly all successful applicants who reported scores were at the very top of the national scale, reflecting UCLA's rigorous academic profile.

SAT Scores

  Recommended Score: 1480

When families are curious about UCLA SAT or UCLA average SAT scores, they find that admitted students' middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1360–1550. This elite band mirrors UCLA's high academic expectations and means admitted students typically score near the top of the national distribution.

For section detail: the SAT Reading and Writing component (formerly called Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) for UCLA's admitted students falls around 670–760 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills UCLA expects across all majors.

On the Math portion, UCLA's middle-50% range is about 690–790. This upper-tier performance signals comfort with advanced algebra, data analysis, and precalculus—skills that UCLA seeks in both STEM and quantitatively rigorous social science applicants.

If you're wondering about a UCLA average SAT, aim for the mid-1500s. UCLA evaluates applications holistically, so scores below 1360 don't automatically disqualify you. But in such a competitive pool, you'll need compensating strengths (like outstanding coursework, unique talents, or leadership impact) to remain viable.

Policy note: UCLA superscores the SAT. They consider your highest Reading and Writing and Math section scores from all test dates. In practice, this means a weak section can be improved with a retake, boosting how your UCLA SAT scores are evaluated.

ACT Scores

  Recommended Score: 32

Looking at UCLA's ACT range, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 29–32. This implies most admitted students are scoring at or near the top percentile nationally. In other words, UCLA ACT results cluster in the mid-30s, reflecting the school's competitive applicant pool.

By section, admitted students tend to excel in English (ACT Reading and Writing). The middle 50% for ACT English is approximately 30–35, meaning the average admitted student often scores a 30 or above on this section. These scores demonstrate the strong critical reading and communication skills UCLA expects.

ACT Math scores at UCLA are similarly high: the middle 50% falls around 29–32. While there's a bit more spread than English, competitive applicants still show very strong quantitative fluency. Many engineering or economics hopefuls, for example, hit scores in the mid-30s on ACT Math.

UCLA superscores the ACT just as it does the SAT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates. The optional writing section is not required, but applicants may submit it if it strengthens their profile. Using superscoring, you can focus on improving any weaker sections in additional attempts.

If you're estimating a UCLA average ACT, plan around 32. Given UCLA's low admit rate, even moving from a 29 to 32 can enhance your profile. Pair high test scores with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars to maximize your chances.

Admission Numbers

Overall Rating: Very Competitive

Here are the applicant and admissions numbers per year for University of California - Los Angeles:

Here's the reality: UCLA's admit rate is only about 12%, with roughly 146,000 applications for about 17,520 spots (around 6,000 students actually enroll). That's why understanding the UCLA average SAT and UCLA average ACT benchmarks matters—they align with the profile of those admitted. If your scores fall near or above UCLA's 75th percentile (around a 1550 SAT or 32 ACT), you're in stronger territory.

That said, UCLA emphasizes holistic review. Admissions officers weigh coursework rigor, grades, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities. In a pool full of near-perfect transcripts, however, top-tier SAT/ACT scores help confirm to UCLA that you're ready for the academic rigor. In short, scores aren't everything, but they remain a key part of the competitive signal.

Strategy snapshot: UCLA does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, so all applicants are evaluated in the regular decision round. Take advantage of superscoring by retaking tests to shore up any weak section. Also balance test prep with maintaining strong senior-year classes and crafting compelling essays. Meet UCLA's testing bar (target near the top of the UCLA SAT and ACT ranges) and then win the admissions read with the rest of your profile.