UCLA TFT: How to Apply for 2025, Acceptance Rate, and What To Expect as a UCLA Film School Student

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As the only film school in the nation where theater, film, television, and digital media studies are concentrated within a single professional school, the University of California Los Angeles School of Theater, Film and Television combines rigorous courses with hands-on training in production, direction, editing, and all other phases of filmmaking.

Established in 1947, UCLA's film program teaches students about the theoretical, historical, and cultural foundations of cinema to create impactful films, television series, and other forms of digital media. In 2023, Forbes named UCLA no. 7 in its list of the top colleges in America. And in 2024, The Hollywood Reporter ranked UCLA no. 10 in its annual list of the top U.S. film schools.

UCLA TFT’s star-studded alumni include writer-director-producer Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, Bram Stoker’s Dracula), composer Ray Manzarek (Strange Days, The X-Files, Forrest Gump), writer-director David Koepp (Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible, Spider-Man, Secret Window), actress-producer Mariska Hargitay (Law and Order: SVU), and editor Pietro Scalia (American Gangster, Black Hawk Down, JFK). Alumni have earned more than 100 Academy Award nominations; 81 Golden Globe nominations; 26 Tony Award nominations; and an exceptional 388 Emmy nominations.

What is it like to attend UCLA TFT?​


Located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, UCLA TFT is within a short distance of the city's most famous tourist attractions, such as Westwood Village, Bel Air, and Beverly Hills. In 2024, UCLA TFT had a total of 46,678 students; it remains the most-applied to University in the nation.

UCLA offers guaranteed three-year housing to all incoming freshmen, and 97% of undergraduates choose to live on campus. It's not difficult to see why: the campus has an abundance of plants, a sculpture garden, and new facilities. In 2024, the University announced an extended reality and artificial intelligence research studio will be launched at the downtown campus. The film school has also served as the set for major motion pictures, including Legally Blonde (2001) and Oppenheimer (2023).

In addition to 1,000 student-run clubs and organizations, UCLA offers many opportunities for film students to network and grow their creative skills. Each year, UCLA and USC jointly host the Transforming Hollywood conference to bring together creators, producers, and executives with top researchers across film and media studies in a discussion about the future of the industry. During UCLA's Actor’s Showcase, film students can connect with acting students to pull talent for their forthcoming projects.

For more information about attending UCLA TFT’s Producers Program, read FilmSchool.org’s interview with Keenan Kunst.

5 commonly asked questions about UCLA film school​


Does UCLA have a minimum GPA requirement for film students?

Yes. For undergraduates: California residents must have 3.0 GPA or better, and non-residents must have a 3.4 GPA or better. For graduates: All applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or better.

Does UCLA require standardized test scores for film students?

SAT/ACT scores do not factor into undergraduate admissions decisions. The GRE is optional for MFA/MA students.

Can applicants apply to multiple degree programs per cycle?

UCLA TFT allows graduate applicants to apply to only one degree program per cycle. Minimal changes are allowed after applications have been submitted. For more information about the graduate application, see "How to Submit the UCLA Graduate Division Online Application for 2024 Entry."

What do admissions officers look for on the application?

Admissions officers look at grades, the strength of the Supplemental Application (i.e., creative materials), academic experience, professional experience (for graduates), and letters of recommendation. Applications must strictly follow all posted guidelines on the admissions checklists available on each program overview page within our guide.

What is the UCLA film school acceptance rate?

Acceptance rates differ by program (see "UCLA TFT Acceptance Rate"). Historically, UCLA TFT has accepted fewer than 10% of undergraduates and fewer than 20% of graduates.

However, FilmSchool.org members have reported higher acceptance rates. Learn more by browsing Filmschool.org's Application Database.

Information sessions and events​


Guided tours

Graduates: For a behind-the-scenes look into UCLA TFT’s world-class filmmaking facilities and sound and television studies, schedule a guided tour. Click here to book your tour.
Undergraduates: Take a self-guided campus tour using this PDF or schedule a guided tour of the entire UCLA campus in-person or online.

Information sessions​


Webinar Information Session: Undergraduate Film and Television
Date:
November 12, 2024 at 8 p.m. EST
Details: Join the free virtual information session for prospective undergraduate applicants. Learn about undergraduate film at UCLA, including the facilities, how to apply, portfolio and interview requirements, housing, and student life.
RSVP on Eventbrite

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About author
Alexa P.
Alexa Pellegrini (she/her) is a freelance copywriter, editor, poet, and essayist. Keep up with her latest musings on Twitter.

Comments

Could you go into more specifics as to what admissions officers are looking for? I've had a lot of film/screenwriting-centric extracurriculars, I'm working on shooting a short film right now, and I've won a couple of screenwriting awards. What else could I do to strengthen my application because UCLA/TFT is my dream school.
 

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For up to date Film School Acceptance Rates, including Minimum GPAs, Minimum Test Scores, After Interview and Off-Waitlist Acceptance Rates, Film Experience and Undergraduate degrees of accepted applicants, Age data, and other acceptance statistics for your film program of choice simply navigate to the Acceptance Rates tab on each film school's page in our Film School Database.

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