UCLA Nursing Acceptance Rate And Requirements (2025)

Posted on Author Brian Philips

Choosing the right nursing school can define your professional journey in healthcare. Among all the prestigious programs in the U.S., the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Nursing stands out as one of the best—and most competitive. Students from all over the world dream of earning their nursing degree from UCLA, given its strong reputation, cutting-edge facilities, and excellent career outcomes.

However, this level of prestige comes with extremely selective admission standards. In this article, we will explore the UCLA Nursing acceptance rate, requirements, and tips to help you build a strong application. Whether you’re a high school student, transfer applicant, or aspiring graduate student, this guide will help you understand exactly what it takes to get into UCLA Nursing.

UCLA Nursing Acceptance Rate

The UCLA School of Nursing is widely known for being one of the most selective nursing schools in the United States. According to recent data, the Prelicensure Bachelor of Science (BS) Nursing program receives over 5,900 applications annually for fewer than 50 available spots. That translates to an acceptance rate of just 0.8%, or less than 1%.

In other words, fewer than 1 in 100 applicants are admitted into UCLA’s Nursing program each year. This makes it even more competitive than many Ivy League majors.

To put it in perspective:

  • In Fall 2023, UCLA’s School of Nursing received 5,906 BS applications and admitted only 48 students.
  • Across the UC system, only 118 nursing applicants were accepted out of 11,776—placing the overall UC nursing acceptance rate at around 1%.

This extremely low acceptance rate highlights not only UCLA’s prestige but also the limited number of seats available due to clinical placement capacity and faculty-to-student ratios.

Why the Acceptance Rate Is So Low

There are several reasons for UCLA’s selective nursing admissions:

  1. Limited program capacity: Clinical rotations require small groups, meaning UCLA can only admit a small number of students each year.
  2. High application volume: Thousands of aspiring nurses apply annually from across the world.
  3. Comprehensive admissions review: UCLA uses a holistic process that evaluates academic records, essays, experience, and leadership—not just grades.
  4. Prestige and outcomes: Graduates from UCLA Nursing are highly sought after, which makes the program even more attractive to top-tier applicants.

UCLA Nursing Requirements

Because of its competitiveness, UCLA Nursing has some of the most rigorous admission requirements of any undergraduate program. Below, we break down the criteria for freshman, transfer, and graduate-level applicants.

1. Freshman Entry (Prelicensure BSN) Requirements

High school students applying to UCLA’s Nursing program must complete two separate applications:

  • The University of California (UC) application
  • The UCLA School of Nursing Supplemental Application

Academic Expectations

  • Completion of UC “A–G” subject requirements (English, Math, Science, etc.)
  • Strong performance in science courses such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics
  • High GPA—most admitted students have above a 4.0 weighted GPA
  • Optional but helpful: Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) science courses

Supplemental Application Components

In addition to the UC application, you must submit:

  • Personal Statement (2–3 pages): Explain your motivation for nursing, personal experiences, and long-term goals.
  • Resume: List leadership roles, work experience, community service, and healthcare exposure.
  • Two Letters of Recommendation: Preferably from teachers, mentors, or supervisors who can attest to your academic and personal strengths.
  • Official Transcripts: Required for all previous academic work.

Application Deadlines:

  • UC Application: November 30
  • UCLA Nursing Supplemental Application: January 15

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission, but a strong application can significantly improve your chances.

2. Transfer Entry Requirements

UCLA also admits a small number of transfer students each year into the upper-division BSN program. Out of 2,000+ transfer applicants, only about 10 students are admitted annually.

Transfer Prerequisites

  • Minimum GPA: 3.5 in UC-transferable courses
  • Completed Coursework: Chemistry (inorganic, organic, biochemistry), anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, nutrition, and statistics
  • Units Required: 90–105 quarter units (or 60–70 semester units)
  • IGETC certification (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) recommended
  • Supplemental Application: Same as for freshmen, including personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation.

Because UCLA Nursing accepts so few transfer applicants, students are encouraged to maintain an exceptional academic record and engage in meaningful clinical or volunteer experiences before applying.

3. MECN Program (Master’s Entry Clinical Nurse)

For students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field but wish to become nurses, UCLA offers the Master’s Entry Clinical Nurse (MECN) program.

Requirements for MECN Admission

  • A non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Completion of prerequisite courses:
    • Chemistry (inorganic, organic, and biochemistry)
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Microbiology
    • Psychology (general and lifespan)
    • Statistics
    • Nutrition
    • Written and Oral Communication
  • Two recommendation letters and a statement of purpose
  • For international students, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)

This accelerated program typically takes two years to complete and leads to eligibility for RN licensure and a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

4. Graduate-Level Nursing Programs (MSN, DNP, PhD)

UCLA also offers several graduate programs for advanced practice and research:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

  • Requires a BSN degree and RN license
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • Professional experience in nursing preferred
  • Statement of purpose and letters of recommendation

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

  • Requires a Master’s in Nursing (Advanced Practice)
  • Must have an active RN license and national APRN certification
  • Minimum of 500 clinical practice hours
  • Upper-level statistics coursework required

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

  • Requires a Master’s degree or BSN with additional coursework
  • Research experience preferred
  • GPA of at least 3.5
  • Statement of research interests and academic writing samples

These graduate programs are ideal for nurses seeking leadership, research, or academic roles in the healthcare field.

Why UCLA Nursing Is So Prestigious

There’s a reason why so many students compete for a handful of seats in UCLA’s Nursing program each year. The school is not just about textbooks and clinical labs—it’s about developing leaders who will shape the future of healthcare.

Here are a few factors that make UCLA Nursing stand out:

  1. World-Class Reputation: Ranked among the top nursing schools globally for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
  2. Innovative Curriculum: Combines science, technology, and compassionate care in a hands-on environment.
  3. Clinical Opportunities: Students train at leading medical centers, including Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center—one of the best hospitals in the U.S.
  4. Research Excellence: Students and faculty engage in groundbreaking research addressing global health challenges.
  5. Career Outcomes: Graduates often secure positions in top hospitals or advance to doctoral studies.

Tips to Strengthen Your UCLA Nursing Application

Because the competition is so fierce, applicants need to present more than just good grades. Here are proven strategies to make your application stand out:

1. Maintain Academic Excellence

Aim for a GPA above 4.0 if applying as a freshman, or 3.7+ for transfer students. UCLA looks for students who can handle rigorous science coursework.

2. Get Real Healthcare Experience

Volunteer or intern at hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. Experience in patient care or public health shows your commitment to the profession.

3. Write a Compelling Personal Statement

Your essay should tell your story—why you want to become a nurse, how your experiences have shaped your goals, and what makes you a unique candidate.

4. Choose Strong Recommenders

Ask teachers, mentors, or healthcare supervisors who know you well and can speak to your dedication, leadership, and compassion.

5. Demonstrate Leadership and Community Involvement

UCLA values students who make a difference beyond academics—through leadership roles, volunteer service, or community projects.

6. Attend UCLA Information Sessions

Join official UCLA Nursing webinars or campus tours to understand what the school expects and demonstrate genuine interest.

7. Apply Broadly

Because UCLA’s acceptance rate is so low, also consider applying to other excellent nursing schools in California and beyond.

What You’ll Study at UCLA Nursing

Once admitted, students embark on a dynamic four-year academic journey that combines classroom learning, simulation labs, and clinical rotations.

Sample Coursework

  • Fundamentals of Nursing
  • Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
  • Nursing Theory and Practice
  • Maternal and Child Health Nursing
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Community and Public Health
  • Research and Leadership in Nursing

Students also complete clinical rotations in various healthcare settings to gain hands-on experience before graduation.

FAQs About UCLA Nursing

What GPA do I need to get into UCLA Nursing?

While there’s no fixed minimum, successful applicants typically have GPAs above 4.0 (weighted) for freshmen and 3.7+ for transfer students.

Does UCLA require SAT or ACT scores?

No. The University of California system is currently test-free, meaning SAT/ACT scores are not used for admissions decisions.

How many students does UCLA Nursing admit each year?

Approximately 40 freshmen and 10 transfer students for the BS program.

When are admission decisions released?

  • Freshman applicants: Mid-March
  • Transfer applicants: Late April

Can I change my major to nursing after enrolling at UCLA?

No. Internal transfers into the Nursing program are not accepted. Students must apply directly to the program during the main admission cycle.

Conclusion

The UCLA Nursing program is one of the most selective and prestigious nursing programs in the nation. With an acceptance rate hovering around 1%, applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, compassion, and a genuine passion for healthcare.

If you dream of becoming a nurse and earning your degree from one of the world’s leading universities, start preparing early. Excel academically, gain clinical experience, and craft an authentic, inspiring application. While the competition is tough, the reward—a UCLA Nursing degree—is well worth the effort.

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