UCLA Film School: How to Apply for 2024, Acceptance Rate, and What To Expect as a UCLA TFT Student

As the only film school nationwide where theater, film, television, and digital media studies are concentrated within a single professional school, University of California Los Angeles School of Theater, Film and Television combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on training in production, direction, and other phases of the filmmaking life cycle. Film students learn 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 The Princeton Review ranked UCLA — and all eight other University of California campuses — among the top 389 colleges nationwide.

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.

The application for 2024 is now open to undergraduates and graduates. Before you apply, review important dates and deadlines (see “UCLA Deadlines [2024] and What to Expect After Applying") and review our guide for admissions requirements for each program. Don’t wait — deadlines for the graduate program start as early as November 1.

What is it like to attend UCLA film school?​

Located at 225 Charles E Young Dr E, Los Angeles, CA 90095, UCLA TFT sits within one of the most diverse cities in America. Established in 1947, the iconic film school has housed outstanding talent and served as a film set for hit feature films such as Legally Blonde (2001) and Oppenheimer (2023).

The University offers guaranteed three-year housing to all incoming freshmen and 97% of undergraduates choose to live on campus. And it's not difficult to see why: UCLA has one of the most beautiful campuses across America thanks to its stunning architecture, abundance of plants, and new facilities, not to mention the idyllic weather.

Along with 1,000 student-run clubs and organizations, UCLA offers numerous opportunities to network and expand their creative potential. 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 an examination of the future of the industry. Film students can connect with theater and acting students to pull talent for their forthcoming projects by visiting the annual Actor’s Showcase. Not only that, but UCLA film students can also take advantage of countless free and low-cost film festivals and events throughout Los Angeles.

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

5 commonly asked questions about UCLA film school​

1. 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.
   
   

2. Does UCLA require standardized test scores for film students?​

   
   No. SAT/ACT scores do not factor into undergraduate admissions decisions, but they may be used to fulfill minimum requirements for eligibility. The GRE is optional for MFA and MA students.
   
   

3. Can applicants apply to multiple graduate programs per cycle?​

   
   No. UCLA TFT only allows graduate applicants to apply to one program per cycle. Minimal changes are allowed after applications have been submitted. (For more information about starting the graduate application, see “How to Submit the UCLA Graduate Division Online Application for 2024 Entry.")
   
   

4. What do admissions officers look for on the film school 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.
   
   

5. What is the UCLA film school acceptance rate?​

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   Acceptance rates differ by program (see “UCLA TFT Acceptance Rate”). Historically, undergraduate acceptance rates fall below 10% and graduate acceptance rates fall below 20%. However, FilmSchool.org members have reported higher acceptance rates. Learn more by browsing our Application Database.

Information sessions and events​

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 can also take a self-guided campus tour using this PDF or schedule a guided tour of the entire UCLA campus in-person or online.

Graduates can attend a graduate session informational webinar. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend on October 27th from 8-9 p.m. PST.

Continue Reading…​

• UCLA Acceptance Rate​

• UCLA TFT Cost of Attendance (2024), Scholarships, and Financial Aid​

• UCLA TFT Application Deadlines (2024) and What to Expect After Applying​

• How to Submit the Undergraduate UC Application for 2024 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’s Film, Television & Digital Media BA and Minor for 2024 Entry​

• How to Submit the UCLA Graduate Division Online Application for 2024 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’S Screenwriting MFA for 2024 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’s Production/Direction MFA (Including Documentary Track) for 2024 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’s Cinematography MFA for 2024 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’s Producers Program MFA for 2024 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’S Animation MFA for 2024 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT’s Cinema & Media Studies MA/Ph.D. for 2024 Entry​

• How to Apply to UCLA TFT as an International Student​

• Increase Your Chances of Acceptance to UCLA TFT​

• View full article​