How To Get Into UCLA Film School

Last Updated on January 2, 2023

UCLA Film School Transfer Requirements? Get the latest report about UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television Admission Requirements.

Are you reading this article because you are wondering if you have a chance at getting into UCLA film school? At the same time, you have in your mind to know more about ucla film school transfer requirements? […]

UCLA is a beautiful terra-cotta colored brick campus set between three exclusive LA neighborhoods, Bel Air, Brentwood, and Westwood.  Westwood Village is right outside the campus with a plethora of movie theaters, restaurants, shops, and bars.  The Big Blue buses drive all over campus and help shuttle students around.  Fraternity and Sorority row are on opposite ends of the campus.  Given its size, UCLA feels like a world unto itself.  It sports a beautiful sculpture garden, multiple libraries, theaters, and athletic facilities. The dorms sit high on a hill and thankfully the weather is almost always beautiful, so students definitely get a workout.  Most students live on campus the first year and move off campus to the Greek houses or local apartments. It is also not uncommon for students to commute during the later years.

We were there during lunchtime on a gorgeous sunny SoCal February day.  The 27,000 undergraduate students were out in full force!  The main corridor that connects North and South Campus felt like NY Penn Station during rush hour.  However, the rest of the campus was open and airy with students eating and studying outside.

Our tour guide was enthusiastic, articulate, and loved her experience at UCLA.  She enjoyed the many opportunities that came with a large campus.  She was also in a sorority. She said that while the classes are quite large, she has also had some smaller classes.  The largest class can be up to 300 students, but Teacher Assistants offer smaller study section where students can ask questions.

How To Get Into UCLA Film School

Graduate Degrees - UCLA School of TFTUCLA School of TFT

The general UCLA film school admission requirements for freshmen include: A completed UC Application for Undergraduate Admission.

Some of the major requirements include:

  1. Test Scores.
  2. High School GPA.
  3. Completion of College Preparatory Program.
  4. Recommendations.
  5. Demonstration of Competencies.


Furthermore, how much does UCLA film school cost?

Per Academic Year (9 months)

UCLA Residence HallsOff Campus Apartments
Tuition and Fees$13,239$13,239
Room and Meals$16,625$14,301
Books and Supplies$1,464$1,464
Transportation$441$888

Furthermore, is UCLA a good film school? UCLA. As an alum of their rival school, it pains me to include them on this list, but UCLA’s film school is top notch and very competitive, with only about 30 students admitted each year.

Likewise, people ask, what is the acceptance rate for UCLA film school?

Ranked by Niche as the best University of California schoolUCLA’s 18% acceptance rate (2016) reflects its immense popularity.

How do you get into film school?

Getting Into Film School

  1. Express yourself effectively. Communication is key.
  2. Become well rounded. You need more than raw talent.
  3. Speak for yourself. Film schools want to hear your voice.
  4. Practice makes perfect—and a strong film school applicant.
  5. Get ready for your close-up.

Summary

UCLA is an excellent option for students who want a big school in a beautiful location and have the ability to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available to them.  UCLA offers something for everyone from a gorgeous campus, to a big rah, rah experience, top-notch academics and talent based programs, thriving Greek life, and access to a world-class city.

Freshman Film BA Admissions

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

For freshmen, the Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television is a four-year program consisting primarily of two years of general college studies and two years of major coursework. The Department of Film, Television and Digital Media (FTVDM) admits new students only once each year for the Fall Quarter.

ABOUT APPLICATIONS

Together, all of the application materials will provide the admissions committee a clear and compelling picture of who you are. The application materials should include your significant life experiences, your most important personal traits and greatest strengths, your special creative talents, your values and goals in life, and your vision for the kind of work you hope to pursue.

An applicant should demonstrate a strong liberal arts and humanistic education, exceptional literacy, outstanding communication skills and unique creative ability. Prior experience in film and television is not required.

We do not accept films, DVDs or CDs.

Applicants must submit all required application materials to be considered for admission.

UC Application Deadline: November 30, 2021

Freshman Supplemental Application Deadline: December 10, 2021

APPLICATION WORKSHEET AND INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO APPLY

Please complete all of the following steps:

Step 1: UC Application

  • Complete the University of California Application for Undergraduate Admission.
    • Online application period: November 1–November 30, 2021.
    • Indicate Film and Television as the First Choice Major.

Step 2: Supplemental Application

  • Complete the Undergraduate FTVDM Supplemental Application.
    • Must be completed ONLINE by December 10, 2021.
    • A supplemental application fee of $20 will be required.
    • Create an account with Acceptd.
      • Note: This is not the same login used for the UC Application.
    • Complete all required information.
    • Indicate areas of interest within Film.
    • Upload Supplemental Materials
      • Personal Essay (2 page max)
      • Life Challenge Essay (2 page max)
      • Writing Sample
        • Critical Essay (3 page max)
        • or
        • Creative Writing (5 page max)
    • Submit two letters of recommendation.
      • Enter the names and emails of all recommenders into the Undergraduate FTVDM Supplemental Application.
    • Upload unofficial copies of all transcripts.

By the time of entrance, Freshman Applicants must:

  • Have at least a 3.0 GPA (CA Residents) or 3.4 GPA (Non-CA Residents).
  • Satisfy the University of California’s General Freshman Admission Requirements.

ucla film school transfer requirements

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

For transfer students, the Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television is a two-year program for those who have completed two years of general college studies. The Department of Film, Television and Digital Media (FTVDM) admits new students only once each year for the Fall Quarter.

ABOUT APPLICATIONS

Together, all of the application materials will provide the admissions committee a clear and compelling picture of who you are. The application materials should include your significant life experiences, your most important personal traits and greatest strengths, your special creative talents, your values and goals in life, and your vision for the kind of work you hope to pursue.

An applicant should demonstrate a strong liberal arts and humanistic education, exceptional literacy, outstanding communication skills and unique creative ability. Prior experience in film and television is not required.

We do not accept films, DVDs or CDs.

Applicants must submit all required application materials to be considered for admission.

Please complete all of the following steps:

Step 1: UC Application

  • Complete the University of California Application for Undergraduate Admission.
    • Must be completed online November 1–November 30, 2021.
    • Indicate Film and Television as the First Choice Major.

Step 2: Supplemental Application

  • Complete the Undergraduate FTVDM Supplemental Application.
    • Must be completed ONLINE by January 11, 2022.
    • A supplemental application fee of $20 will be required.
    • Create an account with Acceptd.
      • Note: This is not the same login used for the UC Application.
    • Complete all required information.
    • Indicate areas of interest within Film.
    • Select the GE Plan completed. For information on the TFT General Education requirements, visit http://www.tft.ucla.edu/ge.
    • Upload Supplemental Materials.
      • Personal Essay (2 page max).
      • Life Challenge Essay (2 page max)
      • Critical Essay (3 page max).
      • Creative Writing (5 page max).
    • Submit two letters of recommendation.
      • Enter the names and emails of all recommenders into the film Undergraduate Supplemental Application
    • Unofficial copies of all transcripts.

By the time of entrance, Transfer Applicants must:

  • Have at least a 3.2 GPA.
  • Satisfy the University of California’s General Transfer Admission Requirements.
  • Complete a minimum of 60 semester/90 quarter units of transferable work.
  • Complete ONE of the following General Education Plans:
    • UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television GE Requirements.
    • Another UC campus GE Requirements.
    • Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) at a California Community College.

ucla school of theater film and television admission requirements

General Admissions

Steps between North and South Campus

Admissions to UCLA is highly competitive, but in the last three years, more slots have opened up for students from out-of-state and international students. In previous years, the out-of-state population was less than 10%, however last year it reached 18%.  Going forward they have limited the number of out-of-state/international slots to 20% of the class. They receive approximately 80,000 freshmen applications and 20,000 transfer applications!  To handle the large numbers, Admissions hires numerous outside readers to give a thorough read of every application. The most important quality that admissions looks for is a student’s ability to overcome challenges to become a high achiever.

UCLA looks at the unweighted GPA first and then they add back points for honors and AP/IB classes.  However they do not give extra points for 10th  grade H English, Biology H or Algebra 2 H. They only look at grades from courses taken in 10th and 11th grade.  They also do NOT superscore the ACT or SAT.  UCLA admissions wants to see strength and rigor and that students are progressively challenging themselves and maintaining sustained participation in activities that develop academic and intellectual abilities.

I asked about the rumor that students were not able to graduate within four years due to inability to get classes.  They said that on average students graduate in 4 years and 1 quarter.  (UCLA is on the quarter system, 3 quarters, 10 weeks each).

UCLA StudentsTheater, Film and TV School Admission

TFT as it is known, (UCLA is filled with acronyms, a hallmark of a bureaucratic institution!)  integrates theater, film and TV under one school.  As a result there is a lot of collaboration among departments.  This is one of the smaller schools at UCLA with a total undergraduate population of 294 students broken down as follows:  Acting 94 students, Musical Theater 63 students; Design/Production 66 students; General Theater 34 students; Directing 11 students; Playwriting 14 students; Teaching Artists 9 students.  Admissions is highly competitive.  In 2012 46/564 students were accepted into acting; 23/205 accepted for musical theater and 18/106 for Design/Production.

The Film program is two-year program! Students cannot apply out of high school to the Film program; you must apply as a junior and cannot apply first as a theater major. In total they accept 30 students into the film major; 15 from UCLA and 15 transfer students.  The chances of getting in as a current UCLA student are substantially higher (15/60 for UCLA students vs. 15/500 for transfer students). Students take a foundation year and then concentrate in Production/Direction and Animation or Screenwriting during their final year. They offer film degrees in Narrative Filmmaking, Production/Direction, and Cinematography.  All students in the film major make a film; they have to fund their film, but they also own the rights to the film upon completion.

Disability Support

The Office of Disabilities provides services to students with hearing impairment, physical impairments, ADHD, Aspergers, Mental Health, and brain injuries.  UCLA will go out of its way to accommodate for students with disabilities including note takers, assistive technology, extended time on tests, etc.  They prefer that students disclose after they have been admitted.  They do not take this information into account during admissions.

Major Preparation in the School of Theater, Film and Television

The School of Theater, Film and Television offers the following majors:

  • Theater
  • Film and television

Both majors provide a comprehensive introduction to the history, theory, and practice of these art forms within the context of a liberal arts education.

Applicants to the school must have a minimum 3.2 GPA at the time of application and by the time of entrance must have attained junior standing (60 semester or 90 quarter units) and have completed their general education coursework — either the school’s General Education requirements, the IGETC at a California community college, or the General Education requirements while a student at another UC campus. Completion of the School of Theater, Film and Television’s foreign language requirement before arriving at UCLA is strongly encouraged but not required. In addition to the UC application, applicants are required to submit a supplemental application.

Key Points

  • Minimum GPA: 3.2
  • IGETC Required: Yes
  • Double-major possible: No
  • Supplemental application required: Yes
  • Supplemental Application Deadlines:
    • Theater: December 6, 2020
    • Film and Television: January 10, 2021

Major Preparation for Individual Majors

Theater

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Undergraduates in Theater study the history of world and American theater, contemporary theater issues, acting and performance, playwriting and analysis, design, directing and theater production and complete a sequence of advanced courses in your chosen emphases along with a capstone project.

Applicants interested in the theater major must choose one of the following emphases on the UC Application: acting, design/production, musical theater or integrated studies.

Students interested in the directing or playwriting sequences should apply via integrated studies.

In addition to the general UC Application, a supplemental application is required. This includes materials such as a headshot, writing samples, transcripts, resumes, etc. Applicants will be contacted ONLY if more information is needed and an interview or audition is required.

Note: Transfer students cannot change to the Theater major after admission to UCLA.

Additional information may be found at the Theater B.A. page.

Preparation for the Major

  • Acting Design, Play Analysis or Theater History (recommended)


Film and Television

Undergraduates in Film and Television study the history of film and television, screenwriting, animation and film and television production, including cinematography, editing, directing the camera, and digital media and tools. Undergraduates complete a senior concentration in one area of specialization and a professional internship.

Additional admission requirements include a personal essay, a critical essay, a creative writing sample, a life challenge essay and two letters of recommendation. Films, videotapes, DVDs, and links are not accepted. Prior experience is not required.

Note: Transfer students cannot change to the Film and Television major after they transfer to UCLA.

Preparation for the Major

  • One course in theater (recommended)

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