Application Checklist
TRANSCRIPTS
Transcripts that are uploaded to the online application are not considered official. An official transcript is defined as:
- A transcript is enclosed in a sealed envelope sent directly from the institution and * mailed to UCLA.
- An electronic (PDF) transcript, ordered directly from the institution and sent to: msdsb@ucla.edu
- Once official transcripts are received, they become the property of UCLA and cannot be returned to the applicant.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
- Applicants are required to provide three letters of recommendation. Deciding between academic/professional references (or a combination of both) is at the applicant’s discretion.
- The application portal allows you to list four names and their corresponding professional email addresses. Our program only requires three references. The application system will automatically prompt them to complete an evaluation and/or upload a letter on your behalf.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
- Describe your purpose in applying for graduate study. In particular, describe the relationship between your chosen area of study and your current or future employment. Include any additional information that may aid in the evaluation of your preparation for graduate study at UCLA.
- Guidance from the University of California
PERSONAL STATEMENT
APPLICANTS WITH A CONFERRED BACHELOR’S DEGREE
- Order an official transcript to be delivered via mail OR by electronic submission (e-transcript).
- If you completed your undergraduate degree at UCLA, please notify us via email with your UID# so we can pull your transcript internally.
APPLICANTS WITHOUT A CONFERRED BACHELOR’S DEGREE (UNDERGRADUATE WORK IN PROGRESS)
- If you still have work in progress, we can evaluate your application based on your unofficial transcripts. Those who are recommended for admission will be asked to submit official transcripts with the final degree conferral and award date.
- Special note: International applicants should still submit official transcripts to continue the review process (and to avoid delays with the receipt of transcripts).
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
When applying to a UCLA graduate program, each international applicant is required to submit official academic records from all academic institutions attended. Official records are defined as original documents issued by the institution—not photocopies—which bear the actual signature of the Registrar and the seal of the issuing institution. If you have attended more than one institution, separate official records should be submitted by each institution.
- English Language Requirements. If your first language is not English, you must certify proficiency in English when you apply to UCLA. If you are admitted, you may also be required to confirm your proficiency upon arrival. Your test results can help you determine whether you are prepared to undertake graduate study conducted in English.
- Special note: If you studied at a satellite campus located in a country where English is not the primary spoken language of daily life, be sure to submit recent TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores. Citizenship, U.S. residence and/or work experience are not substitutes for meeting the requirement.
- Minimum IELTS & TOEFL Scores
Your IELTS Academic overall band score should be at least 7.0.
(7.0 is the minimum required.)
Your TOEFL score on the paper and pencil test must be at least 560 or at least 87 on the internet-based test. These scores represent the minimum required for applicants to graduate programs at UCLA.
For the internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT), the following are the expected scores for each section:
Writing: 25
Speaking: 24
Reading: 21
Listening: 17
Please note that these expected section scores help you judge your English language ability in different areas. Your application is not complete without the test scores.
Be sure to list the TOEFL institution code for UCLA: 4837.
Ask IELTS to send your scores to your major department and the Graduate Division.
Foreign language ability can fade quickly, so please note that TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years, and the scores must be valid at the time that the application is submitted. Only the most recent score is considered if an applicant takes the examination multiple times.