Catalog Contents

Undergraduate Study




Undergraduate Admission

Undergraduate Admissions and Relations with Schools (UARS)
1147 Murphy Hall
(310) 825-3101

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Relations with Schools (UARS) invites applicants to visit UCLA to discuss their prospects as students and to experience the campus firsthand. The UARS Office offers student-guided individual and group tours of the campus Monday through Friday at 10:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. and Saturday at 10:15 a.m. during the academic year; reservations are required. Call (310) 825-8764 for tour reservations; (310) 825-3101 for general UCLA admission information.

Applying for Admission

The first step in applying for admission is to obtain the UC Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarships containing all necessary forms and instructions from the California high school or community college counselor or from any University of California Undergraduate Admissions Office. One application is used to apply to all UC campuses. Students apply to one UC campus for the basic $40 application fee; an additional $40 fee is charged for each additional campus selected.

Students then complete the application, taking care to list their desired major and the correct major code for the campus(es) to which they are applying. Mail the completed application and the nonrefundable application fee in the self-addressed envelope included in the application packet.

If students are in high school when they apply (freshman applicant), their self-reported application information is used to make preliminary admission decisions. Do not send the sixth and/or seventh semester high school transcripts. Once admitted, students must submit a final transcript, including a statement of graduation or proficiency, which is used to verify the application information. Students must submit official results of the Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT I) or American College Test (ACT) and three subject tests from the SAT II; students should request that test results be sent directly to UCLA when they take each test. The tests should be taken by the December test date, as they are part of the review process for admission.

If students have attended or are attending another college when they apply (transfer applicant), their self-reported application information is used to make preliminary admission decisions. Once admitted, students must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (high school transcripts may also be required), which are used to verify the application information. Transcripts and other documents cannot be returned or forwarded to other institutions.

When to Apply

The filing periods for applications are as follows:

Winter Quarter 1998

Closed to new applicants
Spring Quarter 1998
October 1-31, 1997

(If open to new applicants, junior-level applicants only.)

Fall Quarter 1998
November 1-30, 1997

(Freshmen and transfers)



All majors are open for Fall Quarter. For Spring Quarter all majors in the College of Letters and Science, except communication studies, are open; majors in the Schools of Engineering and Applied Science, Nursing, Arts and Architecture, and Theater, Film, and Television are closed.

Notification of Admission

Students are mailed a notice from the UC Undergraduate Application Processing Service acknowledging receipt of their application. Later, they receive a letter from the UCLA Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Relations with Schools regarding the admission decision. The length of time before admission notification varies. In general, Fall Quarter applicants are notified in mid-March (freshmen) and mid-April (transfers); Spring Quarter applicants are notified in mid-December.

Students who are offered admission are asked to sign and return a Statement of Intent to Register and a Statement of Legal Residence. A nonrefundable $100 deposit, also required at this time, is applied to the University registration fee as long as students register in the term to which they are admitted.

Entrance Requirements

The entrance requirements established by the University of California follow the guidelines set forth in the California Master Plan for Higher Education, which requires that the top one eighth of the state's high school graduates be eligible for admission to the University of California. These requirements are designed to ensure that all eligible students are adequately prepared for University-level work and are based on the principles that the completion of certain academic courses in high school prepares them to begin University work and choose a general field of study. Further, the grades earned in these courses indicate whether students will be successful in college-level courses.

Fulfilling the minimum admission requirements, however, does not assure admission to UCLA. The selection of applicants is based on demonstrated high scholarship in preparatory work, which often goes well beyond the minimum eligibility requirements. UCLA offers admission to those students with the best overall academic preparation.

Approximately 60 percent of the freshman class is selected on academic criteria alone. All other applicants receive a holistic review which takes into account both academic and personal elements. Criteria include a progressively challenging academic program, participation in activities which develop academic or intellectual abilities, honors and/or awards, leadership in school or community, and responses to life challenges. Contact Undergraduate Admissions and Relations with Schools for further information.

Admission as a Freshman

Students are considered freshman applicants if they have not enrolled in a regular session of any college-level institution since graduation from high school (except for summer session immediately following high school graduation). To qualify for admission as a freshman, students must meet three major requirements: the Subject Requirement, the Scholastic Requirement, and the Examination Requirement. These are the minimum requirements for admission to the University; meeting them does not automatically assure admission to UCLA.

Subject Requirement

Outlined below are the high school academic courses required for admission to the University of California. Each course must be completed with at least a grade of C. The requirement consists of 15 year-long courses, seven of which must be taken during the last two years in high school. These are the minimum courses required for admission; students are encouraged to exceed these requirements whenever possible.

History/Social Science

Two years of history/social science, including one year of U.S. history or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government; and one year of world history, cultures, and geography.

English

Four years of college preparatory English that include frequent and regular writing, and reading of classic and modern literature. No more than two semesters of ninth-grade English can be used to meet this requirement.

Mathematics

Three years of college preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra (four years are recommended, including trigonometry and calculus). Mathematics courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades may be used to fulfill this requirement if the high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses.

Laboratory Science

Two years of laboratory science (three years are recommended) which provide fundamental knowledge in at least two of these areas -- biology, chemistry, and physics. Laboratory courses in Earth/space sciences are acceptable if they have requisites or provide basic knowledge in biology, chemistry, or physics. No more than one year of ninth-grade laboratory science can be used to meet this requirement.

Language Other than English

Two years of the same language, other than English (three to four years are recommended). Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, and composition.

College Preparatory Electives

Two units, in addition to those required above, to be selected from the following subject areas: history, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science, language other than English, social science, and visual and performing arts.

Scholastic Requirement

Eligibility for admission to the University of California is based on a combination of the grade-point average (GPA) in the academic subject requirements and the American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT I) scores. For detailed scholarship information, see the UC publication Introducing the University or contact Undergraduate Admissions and Relations with Schools.

Examination Requirement

All freshman applicants must submit scores from the following tests:

(1) Either the American College Test (ACT) composite score OR the Scholastic Assessment Test I: Reasoning Tests (SAT I) total score.

(2) Three Scholastic Assessment Test II: Subject Tests (SAT II) which must include

(a) Writing AND

(b) Mathematics, level 1 or 2, AND

(c) One additional test (either English literature, foreign language, science, or social studies).

The tests should be taken by the December test date, as they are part of the review process. Students should request that test results be sent directly to UCLA when they take each test.

Admission Selection

Many elements are considered in the selection process, but the primary ones are (1) academic grade-point average, (2) scores on the SAT I or ACT and the three SAT II tests, (3) quality, content, and level of coursework throughout the entire high school program, including the senior year, and (4) number of and performance in honors and advanced placement (AP) courses.

Students should take as many honors and advanced placement courses as possible and should try to exceed the minimum academic subject requirements in all subjects, particularly mathematics, laboratory sciences, and foreign languages. High test scores are necessary in conjunction with strong performance in classes and a consistent pattern of academic courses. Overall performance must be well above average.

For detailed information on admission requirements for freshman students, see the UC publication Introducing the University or contact UARS.

Admission as a Transfer Student

Students are considered transfer applicants if they have been a registered student (1) at another college or university or (2) in college-level extension courses. (This does not include attending a summer session immediately following high school graduation.) They may not disregard their college record and apply for admission as a freshman. Priority is given to junior-level applicants. Students who wish to transfer to UCLA should follow these general guidelines:

The number of advanced standing students applying to UCLA has increased significantly during the last several years. Students admitted to the University exceed the minimum University of California transfer eligibility requirements, and those with the strongest preparation and performance are offered admission.

In accordance with the California Master Plan for Higher Education, first preference is given to California community college applicants. Applicants transferring from other UC campuses are next in priority, followed by applicants transferring from other colleges and universities. Each application receives a comprehensive review, integrating all available information.

The academic criteria are as follows: grade-point average (GPA) in transferable courses, significant preparation for the major, completion of the English composition and mathematics requirements, and progress toward completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or UCLA general education requirements. Applicants who have completed the English composition and mathematics requirements as early as possible in their academic program and who have 90 transferable quarter units by the time they enroll in the University receive priority admission consideration.

For more detailed information on admission requirements for transfer students, see the UC Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarships and the UC Answers for Transfers booklet or contact UARS.

Intercampus Transfers

Undergraduate students registered in a regular session at any campus of the University (or those previously registered who have not since registered at any other school) may apply for transfer to another campus of the University. Obtain the UC Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarships and submit the required application fees with the application form. The filing periods are the same as those for new applicants (see When to Apply at the beginning of this section). Students who have attended another UC campus and wish to be considered for admission to UCLA must have been in good standing when they left that campus. Intercampus transfers are not automatic; students must compete with all other applicants.

Senior-Level Applicants

Students attaining senior standing are not generally admitted by the University.

Transfer Credit and Credit by Examination

The University awards unit credit to transfer students for certain courses completed at other accredited colleges and universities. To be accepted for credit, the courses must be comparable to those offered at the University, as determined by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Relations with Schools (UARS). All courses which meet the criteria are used in determining eligibility for admission. (To convert semester units into quarter units, multiply the semester units by 1.5 -- e.g., 12 semester units [yen] 1.5 = 18 quarter units.)

College credit for examinations given by national testing services is generally not allowed, except for the Advanced Placement (AP) Tests given by the College Board and the International Baccalaureate. Contact UARS for more information.

Applicants from Other Countries

Application for Admission

To be considered for admission to the University of California, international students must have completed secondary school with a superior average in academic subjects and have earned a certificate of completion which would enable them to be admitted to a university in the home country.

The application for admission, copies of official certificates, and detailed records of all secondary schools attended should be submitted as early as possible after the filing period opens (see When to Apply at the beginning of this section). This allows time for the necessary correspondence and, if students are admitted, to obtain their passport visas.

Proficiency in English

Students whose native language is not English must have sufficient command of English to benefit from instruction at UCLA. To demonstrate that command, they are required to take the UCLA English as a Second Language Placement Examination (ESLPE) before the term in which they are to register. Failure to sit for the ESLPE results in a hold on student records. Depending on the ESLPE results, students may be required to complete one or more English as a second language courses with a grade of C or better. In addition, they are advised to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as a preliminary means of testing their ability. Make arrangements for this test by contacting TOEFL/TSE Publications, P.O. Box 6154, Princeton, NJ 08541-6154 (609-771-7760). Have the test results sent directly to the UCLA Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Relations with Schools.

Mandatory Medical Insurance Requirement

UCLA requires, as a condition of registration, that all undergraduate international students on nonimmigrant visas have adequate medical insurance coverage during all periods of enrollment. See Mandatory Medical Insurance Requirement for International Students under Undergraduate Registration later in this section.

Readmission

Undergraduate students are required to apply for readmission only if they are absent from the University for more than one term. Thus, if they complete a term and then withdraw, cancel, or fail to register for the next term, registration information is available for the term immediately following.

Students who are absent for two or more consecutive terms must complete an Undergraduate Application for Readmission form and file it with the Registrar. During the 1997-98 academic year, all such students returning in the same standing (undergraduate) must file readmission applications as follows:

Fall Quarter 1997

August 15
Winter Quarter 1998
December 1
Spring Quarter 1998
February 26


Application forms are available at 1113 Murphy Hall. The completed application must be accompanied by a $40 application fee (nonrefundable) and transcripts of records from any other institutions (including UCLA Extension) students attended during their absence. The paper records of nonregistered students, including transcripts submitted for transfer credit, are retained for five academic years by the Registrar's Office. Students who were admitted prior to Fall Quarter 1988 and have not been registered for the last five years must resubmit official transcripts of all work completed outside UCLA. Readmission is generally approved if students were in good academic standing (2.0 grade-point average) when they left the University, if coursework completed elsewhere in the interim is satisfactory, and if readmission applications are filed on time. The college or school may have other academic regulations governing readmission (consult the appropriate counseling office). Contact the readmission clerk at (310) 825-1091 for further information.

Second Bachelor's Degree Applicants

By policy, second bachelor's degrees are not generally granted by the University, except in the School of Nursing.



Undergraduate Registration

Enrollment and Degree Services
1113 Murphy Hall
(310) 825-1091

Registration consists of paying fees and enrolling in classes. The UCLA Billing Statement, mailed monthly to students' UCLA mailing addresses by the Student Accounting Office, is used to pay registration fees and other University charges. Enrollment in classes is completed through URSA Telephone (University Records System Access). Students must complete both processes by the established deadlines to be officially registered and enrolled for the term.

Payment of Fees

Detailed information on fee payment, enrollment procedures, and deadlines is contained in the quarterly Schedule of Classes, available for purchase at the UCLA Store several weeks before the beginning of each term. To obtain a copy by mail, write to UCLA Store, Attn: Mail Out, 308 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1645. Include a check or money order payable to UCLA Store for $5. The Schedule of Classes is also available at http:www.ucla.edu.student/classes.html.

Payment is required of all eligible students by the applicable deadlines. Payments may be mailed or deposited in the Main Cashier's Drop Slot (1125 Murphy Hall). Payments submitted after the published deadline must be made in person at 1125 Murphy Hall and are assessed an additional $50 late payment fee.

Mandatory Medical Insurance Requirement for International Students

UCLA requires, as a condition of registration, that all undergraduate international students on nonimmigrant visas have adequate medical insurance coverage during all periods of enrollment.

The following "insurance" plans are not acceptable and do not fulfill the University requirement for adequate medical/health insurance: (1) travel insurance plans of any kind, (2) any plans purchased outside the U.S. and/or not issued by a U.S. company, (3) reimbursement arrangements or vouchers, including those from home governments and consulates in the U.S.

UCLA provides a student Medical Insurance Plan (MIP) which fulfills the University requirement for adequate medical insurance. The MIP fee is included each term in the amount due on the UCLA Billing Statement (BAR) for all undergraduate international students. This is the only method by which MIP can be purchased. Students with private insurance who register after the second week of classes are not eligible to waive out of MIP.

Students who do not purchase the UCLA Medical Insurance Plan must have an adequate private medical insurance plan that provides all of the following minimum benefits:

(1) A minimum of $100,000 in lifetime benefits.

(2) Coverage of at least 75 percent of medical expenses, with a deductible of $500 or less and a copayment of 20 percent or less.

(3) A policy issued in the U.S. by a U.S. carrier.

(4) Inclusion of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation benefits for those on J-1 or J-2 visas.

If the private medical insurance plan does not meet all of the above requirements, students must purchase MIP.

For all other undergraduate students, the MIP fee appears as a voluntary option on the UCLA Billing Statement (BAR) and is in addition to the amount due each term. To request MIP, students must select it by marking that item on the remittance portion of the UCLA Billing Statement. The remittance slip must be returned to the UCLA Main Cashier by the published registration deadline each term. This is the only method by which MIP can be purchased.

For further information on MIP or adequate medical insurance requirements, call the Student Health Service Insurance Office at (310) 825-1856.

Enrollment in Classes

The quarterly Schedule of Classes contains up-to-date listings of class times, meeting rooms, instructors, and all information necessary for enrolling in classes. Using the Schedule and with the aid of academic counseling from the school or college advisers, students can assemble a program of courses (see Choosing the Major and Planning a Program later in this section).

Students should plan two or three alternate programs in case their first choice of courses is not available. They may not choose two courses in the same final examination group and should not select classes that conflict in meeting times. If conflicts are unavoidable, consult with the instructor of each course at the first class meeting.

University Records System Access (URSA)

URSA Telephone

URSA Telephone (310-208-0425) enables all UCLA students to acquire information via a touch-tone telephone from their University academic records stored on the Registrar's Student Records System computer database.

URSA Telephone allows students to process their class enrollment, to obtain course confirmation (i.e., a reading of the Study List, including day/time, location, examination code, instructor name), UCLA grades for any completed term, GPA, completed units, and outstanding holds (i.e., restrictions from receiving services), to confirm registration fee payment and Registration Card mailing, to update or review selected student information ("degree expected term," telephone number, residence hall address, privacy release, ethnic-based mailing option, and ethnic background), and to change the security code used to access URSA.

URSA Telephone is operational Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to midnight, including holidays. Students may access the system for grades, GPA, units, and holds information for up to 10 years after their graduation or last term of attendance. If students have outstanding holds, they are informed at the beginning of the call.

URSA OnLine

URSA OnLine was released in August 1996 and offers many of the same features of URSA Telephone. Enrollment processing and access to grades are planned for release shortly. URSA OnLine allows current and former (within the past 10 years) UCLA students to view and print undergraduate Study Lists and Degree Progress Reports (DPRs). It also allows students to view their Billing and Receivable (BAR) account, including current month account information, refund activity, and Summer Sessions account information. For complete details about URSA, see the quarterly Schedule of Classes.

Telephone Enrollment

By using URSA Telephone, students can enroll in classes, add, drop, or exchange classes/sections, put themselves on the wait list for a class, add a class using a PTE Authorization Number, change the grading basis for a class (i.e., Passed/Not Passed), obtain a reading of the Study List, check wait-list positions, and obtain instructor names for all courses. Students enroll during assigned appointment periods, which they also obtain by calling URSA Telephone. Consult the Schedule of Classes for full enrollment details.

In-Person Enrollment

For classes that require written approval or specialized processing, students may enroll at computer terminals at 1113 Murphy Hall Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Study Lists

At 7 p.m. on Friday of the second week of instruction the Study List of enrolled courses becomes "official," and all wait lists are eliminated. Students should obtain a reading of their Study List through URSA after all enrollment transactions. Students are responsible for all courses and the grading basis as listed on URSA, and they cannot receive credit for courses not listed. Errors or omissions should be corrected before the academic dean's deadline for changes by petition. Unapproved withdrawal from or neglect of a course entered on the Study List results in a failing grade.

Beginning with the third week of instruction, most changes to the Official Study List can be made with a fee by calling URSA Telephone or require an Enrollment Petition which is available for purchase in the school supplies section at any UCLA Store. Approval signatures are required before processing. If students add a special studies (199) course, they must also bring an approved copy of the Petition for Enrollment in Special Studies 199 Course. Consult the Schedule of Classes for deadlines and complete instructions. Note: When retroactive approval is given, in exceptional cases, to drop a course or to change the grading basis, the course and action appear on the official transcript.

Change of College/School or Major

Changing the college/school or major requires the approval of the college/school or department students want to attend. Applications for change of college/school are made by petition, which is available without charge from the college or school office. Change of major petitions are available from the department students want to attend. They may not change majors after the opening of the last term of their senior year.


    Catalog Contents