Ethan Paniadimai

UCLA Campus buildings

The University of California, Los Angeles receives the most applications of any school on the globe. As a dream destination for many students, UCLA has a lot to offer. Additionally, its proximity to Oak Park makes the college a great option for Oak Park High School students. 

But first, attendance requires an application. 9% of UCLA applicants make it into the school, the lowest of the UCs. Similarly to the other UCs, the university is also completely test-optional, meaning that standardized test scores are not required for an application and won’t be considered if submitted. However, this may change in the coming years

UCLA particularly values an applicant’s high school transcript and grades. The average high school GPA of a UCLA student is 3.93, with 93% of all students at the college having earned over 3.75. The difficulty of high school students’ courses and their performance are both incredibly vital to an application.

UCLA also highly values the application’s essays. These are used to infer a student’s personality and interest in the school. Essays are an amazing opportunity for the applicant to share their experience and interest in both the university and the major that they are applying for.

Apart from these essential points, UCLA also values volunteer work, job experience and extracurricular activities. The college aims to admit well-rounded students who also display further skill in specific fields. 

However, OPHS students have a key advantage involving the school: students from California face just half the costs of attendance when compared to out-of-state students. Including boarding, tuition and other expenses, the annual costs for in-state students reach just over $35,000, while other applicants face costs of approximately $65,000.

While tens of thousands of dollars is a lot, UCLA’s status as a public school means that these prices are significantly less than those of other universities. In addition, nearly half of all undergraduates at the school receive financial aid, with an average package of around $25,000.

Yet though pure numbers are helpful, colleges like UCLA have so much more to show. The university’s programs are exceptional in nearly every major available. Along with being a well-rounded school, the university specializes in certain subjects. Mathematics and engineering programs are worthwhile at the college, as are its biological sciences. Due to being tucked near Hollywood with beaches and mountains within reach, performing and visual arts also thrive at UCLA.

Speaking of which, UCLA has the advantage of a prime location. Sandwiched between Beverly Hills and Bel Air and being a short drive from Hollywood, the Sunset Strip and downtown Los Angeles, the college is appealing for students who have hopes of living beyond their classes.

UCLA also has a unique campus geography: the campus is divided into North and South. It’s not as though there’s a physical barrier separating the two, but the sides’ atmospheres are worlds apart. North UCLA is home to social sciences and the arts, while South UCLA hosts the school’s STEM subjects. Students describe a feeling of aligning themselves with the side they spend more time on through common interests and ideas.

Luckily for Oak Park residents, the school’s climate is not a concern. UCLA’s weather and temperature closely mirror what we feel in Ventura County… almost as if the college is just a short drive away. 

Additionally, UCLA is equipped with its very own police department dedicated to ensuring the campus’ safety. The university is surrounded by the richest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, meaning the campus is pretty much completely secure.

In terms of athletics and academic programs, UCLA continues to perform as a leading school. Due to receiving federal funding as a public institution, UCLA has had enough resources to continuously improve its campus’ quality and safety, as well as offer well-made courses and facilities to students.

The main issue of the school is its cost of living. Los Angeles and California in general are known for their sky-high expenses, and UCLA is no exception. Student debt at the university is comparable to most other colleges, averaging at about $22,000.

For an OPHS student, however, this one quality isn’t nearly enough to outweigh the benefits. Being a quick drive away from the most widely regarded university in the world is a privilege that we are lucky to have. Coupled with its bustling campus life and surrounding areas, UCLA is undoubtedly one of the best options for an Oak Park student. While the application process to the school is difficult, those who make it may find opportunities that will last them a lifetime.