1. Start preparing early

It's never too early to start getting prepared for college. Let us help get you there. Check out this timeline of things you can do as early as 8th grade.  You can even sign up to get tips by email and text!

View our Transfer Admission Guide and Freshman Admission Guide and other downloadable resources.

2. Challenge yourself

Take classes that challenge you, lean into your curiosity, and prove to yourself what you're capable of. These challenges will help you learn more about your needs and the study styles that work best for you, which will prepare you when it comes time for college classes!

3. Get help if you need it

 It's not always possible to get a tutor, but don't let yourself fall so far behind that it's seemingly impossible to catch up. Ask a classmate or your teacher for their help or to become your mentor. Look into mobile apps and online resources to help get you back on track.

4. Get involved

Follow your passions and find ways to make an impact in the areas that mean the most to you. For more information about our holistic review process, check out our website. 

5. Think about how to share your story

The UC Application is based on self-advocacy. What does that mean? It means that it's up to applicants to give us a clear understanding of who they are and what they have faced to become that person in their Personal Insight Questions. If it's relevant to who you are, then it's relevant to us. Start thinking about the experiences that have taught you both inside and outside the classroom and how you might communicate those impacts to a stranger. 

6. Start thinking about financial aid 

Money is a tough topic, but it's always better to start early. Every year, Americans leave $100 million in scholarships unclaimed. Big scholarships are often extremely competitive, but applying for multiple smaller scholarships can add up too! UCLA has a Scholarship Resource Center that can help you find scholarships, but you can also use online resources like this.

Also, beware of scholarship scams. Any scholarship or search service that asks for a fee ahead of time may be fraudulent. Learn more here. 

7. Find your direction

Explore your interests and career possibilities. Understanding what inspires and motivates you will help you make choices about what college environment is best for you and will keep you focused on your goals. Use tools like College Board's Career Finder to explore options that align with your strengths. Check out how that translates to a major at UCLA with this majors/minors quiz!

8. Plan a campus visit or virtual tour

Check out the campus and see for yourself! Take a tour or contact a student organization to meet up or attend an event on campus to get to know the Bruin community.