University of California-Los Angeles

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and cultural vibrancy in the heart of Southern California. As a premier public land-grant research university and the second-oldest campus in the illustrious University of California system, UCLA is renowned for its groundbreaking research, diverse student body, and unparalleled opportunities. Its global appeal is evident in the staggering 174,914 undergraduate applications received for Fall 2022, making it the most applied-to university in the United States.

UCLA's journey began in 1881 as a normal school dedicated to training teachers for the rapidly growing region. Through persistent advocacy, it evolved, first becoming the "Southern Branch of the University of California" in 1919, a pivotal moment that secured its place within the UC system. Over the decades, it fiercely carved out its own identity, achieving the right to award bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees, and eventually gaining coequal status with UC Berkeley in 1951, culminating in its formal designation as "University of California, Los Angeles" in 1958.

Today, UCLA offers an expansive academic landscape with 337 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its College of Letters and Science and twelve distinguished professional schools. These include highly-ranked institutions like the Anderson School of Management, the David Geffen School of Medicine, the School of Law, and the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, whose online graduate engineering programs are ranked 1st nationally. Furthermore, UCLA plays a crucial role in shaping the nation's healthcare landscape, supplying the most undergraduate applicants to U.S. medical schools among all American universities.

Beyond academics, the UCLA experience is defined by its dynamic Westwood campus, a hub of innovation and culture. Students, known as Bruins, embody the university's spirit of excellence, showcased by their exceptional athletic achievements—boasting 125 NCAA team championships and an incredible 284 Olympic medals. With a rich history, an impressive $9.79 billion endowment, and a vibrant community, UCLA truly lives up to its motto, 'Fiat Lux' – 'Let there be light,' illuminating paths of discovery and leadership for generations.