UCLA smashes records for freshman applications with big hikes among Black, Latino students
In addition to yet again breaking national records for freshman applications, UCLA has seen significant growth in applications from racial and ethnic minorities. Despite a deluge of pandemic-related challenges, applications from Black students increased 48% over last year, with overall applications rising by 28%. Campus officials point to elimination of standardized testing requirements and intentional recruitment in underserved areas as key contributors to the surge in minority applications.
"UCLA has shattered national records for freshman applications — and is on track to significantly widen access to underrepresented minorities — as the number of students seeking admission for fall 2021 soared despite myriad pandemic challenges, according to data released Thursday.
Nearly 139,500 students applied to UCLA for freshman seats, a 28% increase over last year. The campus saw a historic increase in Black applicants, rising 48% over last year, and significant gains across all other racial and ethnic groups: 33% for Latinos, 35% for whites, 22% for Asian Americans, 34% for Pacific Islanders and 16% for American Indians. Asians were the largest group of applicants, followed by Latino, white and Black students.
Campus officials credited the gains to the elimination of standardized testing requirements, long years of active recruitment in underserved areas, and community partnerships to begin preparing students as early as middle school for the academic rigor needed for a competitive UCLA application."— Teresa Watanabe, Jan. 28, 2021
This post is an excerpt. Read the full article on the Los Angeles Times website.
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