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Undergraduate Admissions

Headed by a faculty of internationally recognized artists and theoreticians and complemented by a roster of distinguished visiting lecturers, the department provides a strong grounding in the principal art traditions and in the visual language of contemporary studio practice within the context of a research university. Students drawn to this department are interested in developing and refining their approach to the making and doing of art.

Important Links & Resources

Students may apply for admission at the First Year level from high school or transfer from another college or university. The application filing period is October 1 – November 30 for enrollment in Fall Quarter of the following year. Applications for admission are available online. Financial Aid is available for eligible students who require assistance.

Students are recommended for admission into the department based upon evidence of creative talent and academic achievement. In addition to the general UC application, Art applicants must complete a Supplemental Application which includes a portfolio of 8–10 images and additional written statements.

Applicants can review Supplemental Application requirements HERE. The due date for the supplement is JANUARY 20.

Please note that only applicants who indicated Art as their first-choice major on the general UC Application will be considered for admission to the Art major at UCLA.

Undergraduate screening activities occur in February. First Year applicants are notified in March; transfer applications are notified in April.

Portfolio Tips and Advice

  • Introduction and Tip #1 - What are you looking for in applicant portfolios and supplemental statements?
  • Tip #2 - Is it better to include work all in one medium, or do you want to see a range of work?
  • Tip #3 - I want to be an Art major, but I haven’t taken many, or any, classes in Art. How do you suggest I build my portfolio?
  • Tip #4 - Are there any tips you can offer for choosing pieces for my portfolio? Any common mistakes I should avoid in putting together my portfolio?
  • Portfolio Tips and Application Advice (pdf)