In general, your grades and SAT scores are important. For UCLA, the they recommend at least a 3.0 GPA, but this depends on which school at UCLA (liberal arts, film, business, etc.). Most schools will release the average GPA of their most recent classes which will give you an idea of the GPA to shoot for.

However, most schools look for other factors in your application to demonstrate a well-rounded individual who will contribute to their school. Student government, theater, sports, volunteer work, travel, life experiences, overcoming hardships, a great essay…all of these will play a part in your application. They won’t make up for bad grades, but they will help put you over if your numbers are slightly lower than average.

One more thing to consider, UCLA is a state school. They accept a much higher number of in-state students than out-of-state, which is true for most state schools. Some states, actually have guidelines set as to how many students from in-state have to be accepted. Texas goes so far as to offer guaranteed admission to any state school for students in the state who graduate in the top 10% of his or her high school class.

You’re getting awesome grades; good for you! And good for you that you’re thinking about college already. I had a B+ average when I graduated high school and took one AP class and got accepted to both schools I applied for, Penn State and Lock Haven University. It sounds like you’re on track. I went to public schools, so a ‘blue ribbon’ school will help you assimilate well if you choose a private college. I honestly don’t think it matters too much. Some of my classmates went to the top non-Ivy League private schools in the country and did very well. Colleges also look at extra-curricular activities, but don’t burn yourself out. If you enjoy cheerleading, do it. If you’d rather play basketball than be on the debate team, that’s fine too. I recommend you limit yourself to one activity per season and no more than three per school year. That way, you’ll have time to study and work after school (if you need to). Don’t worry about money either. There are lots and lots of grants and scholarships out there, and college loans have the lowest interest rates around. Talk to your guidence counselor for more information. Plus, you can defer loans for years after you graduate. If you consider the military as a way to pay off college, take some advice from a veteran (me): go to college and graduate first. If you need help with loans afterwards, the military will pay off your college loans if you enlist for as few at 3 years. Not only will they pay off your loans, but you’ll go in at a higher rank and have a better idea of what job in the military you might like. I got a degree and then enlisted and it worked out great. The other way around will see you at 30 without a degree. I’ve seen it happen. Keep up the good work!

You need high marks in the subjects that are part of the university programme you intend to follow. By high, I mean in the 90 percent range. If you are pursuing a degree in social work them some extra-curricular activities in a related field will help. A university that puts emphasis on club membership and who you know is just trying to bar candidates that are not descendants of the ruling clique.

Look up on the college’s website under admission.

Ask your counsler.