UCLA Theater Acceptance Rate

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Theater program, part of the prestigious UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, is known for its highly selective admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), UCLA overall reported an acceptance rate of approximately 8.8%, though specific data for the Theater program remains limited as the university does not always break down rates by department. Selectivity is driven by a growing applicant pool, with tens of thousands applying annually, alongside UCLA’s commitment to academic excellence and artistic talent. While UCLA publishes transparent admission statistics for the university as a whole via its official website and Common Data Set, program-specific figures for Theater often require direct inquiry or rely on historical trends.

• Overall UCLA Acceptance Rate: 8.8% for the Class of 2028, with over 145,000 applicants and roughly 12,800 admitted students, marking a slight decrease from prior years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for UCLA as it does not offer Early Action or Early Decision for most programs, including Theater; admissions are typically through a single regular decision cycle.
• International Student Rate: Approximately 9.5% for UCLA overall, with international applicants facing similar competitiveness due to limited spots and high demand.
• Theater Program Rate: Specific data unavailable; estimated at 5-7% based on historical trends for competitive arts programs at UCLA, often requiring auditions or portfolios in addition to academic credentials.

Trends in UCLA’s acceptance rates indicate increasing competitiveness, with overall rates dropping from 11% five years ago to under 9% today, driven by rising application numbers and a focus on holistic admissions. The Theater program’s selectivity likely mirrors this trend, compounded by the need for artistic talent, making it more competitive than many peer institutions’ general admissions. Compared to similar programs at schools like NYU Tisch or USC School of Dramatic Arts, UCLA Theater remains among the most selective, often admitting fewer than 10% of applicants. For the most accurate and updated statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit the UCLA Admissions website or contact the School of Theater, Film and Television directly.