UCLA is part of the University of California system, which is comprised of 10 campuses throughout the state. Students applying to UCLA must use the UC application — the University of California system does not use the Common App or Coalition Application. The application process includes several personal statement prompts, or what UC refers to as personal insight questions. Keep reading to learn more about these prompts and tips for responding to them.   

Achieving a “good” GPA is a common goal for many high school students, but what does that really mean? How are GPAs calculated, and why is this number so important for college applications and future opportunities? We’ll explore the factors that contribute to a strong academic record to help you understand how to put your best foot forward.

The mystique surrounding Ivy League institutions often leads to the belief that only students with top accolades stand a chance of admission. And while achieving a national award or two can certainly impress an admissions committee, it is not a requirement. Understanding the Ivy League requirements for admission can help you focus on building both a strong academic and extracurricular profile.

Why are ACT scores important for college admissions? For starters, they provide a standardized measure to compare students from different schools and backgrounds. Your scores also help admissions committees determine your academic readiness for college and are often used for course placement and awarding merit scholarships. Standardized test scores also help with institutional rankings.

The college admissions process is now more competitive than ever before. Applicant numbers are consistently rising at colleges across the country, so it’s important to do everything you can to ensure your application is as competitive as possible. But to be competitive, you also need to understand how college applications are reviewed and what factors into admission decisions.

If you’re applying to college this fall, you can (and should!) be thinking about and getting a head start on your applications — even though most don’t open until mid-summer. Let’s look at the application timeline and why starting early is crucial. We also offer some college application tips to maximize your chances of success.

If you’re a college-bound high school student, you are likely already aware that it’s important to build a strong profile for college admissions. Colleges wants you to demonstrate on your application how you developed and deepened your academic interests throughout high school. A good way to do this is through academic enrichment.

In the context of college admissions, leadership can significantly enhance a student’s profile, showcasing their ability to influence, inspire, and drive positive change. High school students can find many ways to develop essential leadership skills to make a meaningful impact — and they don’t have to take on leadership roles to do it.

Whether you’re in ninth, 10th, or 11th grade, it’s important to find any opportunity you can to build a strong profile for college applications. One of the best ways to build a strong profile is by participating in summer programs — though it’s important to get an early start to avoid missing application deadlines.

If you have started researching schools for your college list, you may wonder about the pros and cons of community colleges versus four-year colleges. Both types of colleges offer unique benefits and challenges that can shape your educational journey and future career. Learning the advantages and disadvantages of these options can help you decide which path is right for you.