Last year we did a chat with UCLA admission team members. I am posting here select questions and their answers by adcoms. Complete session transcript can be downloaded from the bottom of this post.

Thank You!!

asf5915: As a recently interviewed applicant, I was curious if you release decisions before the January deadline?
UCLAAdcom_Jessica: Yes, we are planning an early decision release before the R1 decision day. At this time I don't have an exact day as to when it will be. In the past few years, the early R1 decisions went out in mid-December


emilymom: I have a question about multiple GMATs: Does the admission look at the highest score or average the scores? Also if you have access to past scores, do you ever consider a high score on a particular section from a past score (even if the past overall score is lower)?
UCLAAdcom_Kelly: Hi emilymom! We will consider the highest overall score for admission; however, your official score report will show past test scores.
UCLAStudent_James: emilymom, to that note, I took the GMAT multiple times and it was not an issue


mib_8mfshd: Can you tell us what you look for in a candidate before the interview process and after the interview process? do you review the applicant again holistically after the interview?
UCLAAdcom_Jessica: We consider all parts of the application on the first read when we make a decision to move a candidate forward to interview. After the interview, we re-evaluate the entire application with the information from the interview included. The application evaluation is absolutely a holistic review, both before and after the interview.


Narenn: Hi James, My question is for you. Apart from UCLA, you were also accepted by two other great schools. I would like to know, what motivated you to choose UCLA over other schools.
UCLAStudent_James: Hey Narenn, that is a great question! There were several factors, but for me, the biggest was the people at UCLA Anderson. Everyone that I spoke to during my decision process was incredible kind, genuine, and down to earth. Everyone was happy, and I could really sense that. Since starting a few months ago, that sentiment has just grown stronger.


Htyo: What are the options to live in UCLA campus especially for international students with family? How much is the rent?
UCLAStudent_James: Hey Htyo, I am not an international student, but I am in the same boat with a family. I actually have three kids. I live in UCLA owned graduate student family housing. It is a killer deal rent wise, but it is also a great community to be a part of.
UCLAAdcom_Kelly: Hi Htyo, thank you for joining us today. There are many options in terms of housing. Many of our students will live in Westwood, Santa Monica and this is family friendly. The 2nd/1st year students are very helpful, especially with new students coming from their home country. We will provide additional resourcess to help with this transition as well. I have included a link that you may find helpful http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/mb ... amily-life


Viraat12: I am an international applicant and my medium of language was english during undergrad and High school. Is there any need for me to give TOEFL?
UCLAAdcom_Jessica: Viraat12, TOEFL or IELTS scores are required of all applicants EXCEPT those who were educated solely in English for their undergraduate and/or prior graduate degree. If you meet this criterion, the test is not required. Even if a TOEFL/IELTS is not required, you can still submit a test score. A strong score can be another good data point on your app.


rohan: What do you look for in a student other than his/her test scores?
UCLAAdcom_Kelly: We will also evaluate the individuals leadership ability, increased responsibility in the work environment, extra curricular activities, interpersonal skills, GPA. Please also be sure to check out our application requirement section.


Jamescmit: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. To the current students, I am wondering what you think makes Anderson unique from other schools -- perhaps the culture, the opportunities, etc. Is there anything that has surprised you during your time at Anderson?
UCLAStudent_James: Hey jamescmit, great question! For me it was everything that you mentioned. The culture at Anderson is great! The students are incredibly smart and accomplished, but down to earth. It's a very collaborative environment. In terms of opportunities, for me, being interested in marketing and technology, there weren't too many other schools that have the connections that Anderson does. I just got back from our annual Tech Trek to Seattle and the Silicon Valley where I visited companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Google, LinkedIn, as well as a few start ups.


Viraat12: I have 6 years of experience in Power sector and want to shift to consulting. How UCLA will help me in career transition especially in consulting domain?
UCLAAdcom_Jessica: Viraat12, more than half of our students are career switchers so our Parker Career Management Center is highly experienced with working with students with this goal! Also, our professional clubs are another way for great resources in leadership and professional development.


Shibojyoti: Hi James, given that I worked mainly in finance application providing consultancy to varied industry customer, what do you think would be the chances joining the IB industry at an age around 33? Will this be a real chance that I should give it a try?
UCLAStudent_James: Hey Shibojoti, rather than age, I think the most important factor is showing the companies that you are recruiting for your genuine interest and excitement for their company and industry. If you can do that and really tell your story in a way that makes sense to them, you shouldn't have a problem.


Shibojyoti: Thanks James, but a second MBA can be a road block in that sense that I have already been 7 years in IT?
UCLAAdcom_Kelly: Hi Shibojyoti, Parker Career Management Center has a host of different activities that will get you up to speed. This includes different workshops that will help you prepare for the career switch, networking hours, etc. Students also are in a course with other individuals interested in that specific field, where trends, recruiting activities, are discussed. You can also choose to do an internship your first quarter to help you gain experience in your new intended field.


graceh: James, can you talk about your academic experience at Anderson? What are classes like? How much of the work is group work? I understand it depends on subject, but just want to understand what makes Anderson different academically
UCLAStudent_James: graceh, I am winding down my first quarter at Anderson. I can tell you that the professors have not disappointed. They have been fantastic! The amount of group work does depend on the class, but I meet and work with my learning team on average a couple times per week.
One thing that I can say that makes Anderson different academically is the emphasis on applied learning. We don't just learn concepts. We are given a ton of opportunities to apply what we have learned. One example of that is the AMR project that you do in your 2nd year, http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/programs-and-outreach/amr


Shibojyoti: can you please let us know about the Fin-aid if it can cover the expense with my family....loan/scholarship?
UCLAStudent_James: Regarding your question about Fin-Aid, I am in a similar boat with children. I have been able to survive on student loans. You can get loans for childcare and also get the amount for housing increased if your rent is higher than what is allotted.


mib_8mfshd: Hi James, can you give us a snapshot of what goes into your day to day life? do you find yourself split between student activities and classes?
UCLAStudent_James: mib_8mfshd, my day-to-day life varies so much. We typically have classes Monday through Thursday. My week is sprinkled with club leadership meeting, company presentations, learning group meetings, recruiting events, interview prep team meetings, etc. In all of that I will try and squeeze in some social stuff too, not to mention a little studying. It is never boring, that's for sure!


srshrikant: I'd like to know from the admissions council perspective what role are you expecting the essay to play in the whole application?
UCLAAdcom_Jessica: srshrikant, the essay is just one piece of the admissions application, and it's a great opportunity for us to learn more about you and the principles that have guided your life to now.
UCLAAdcom_Kelly: The essay is an important factor to see your connection with the Anderson principals/community, and to see your goal reflection. Each piece of the application will be evaluated equally and is important.

Chat Transcript

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ForumBlogs - GMAT Club’s latest feature blends timely Blog entries with forum discussions. Now GMAT Club Forums incorporate all relevant information from Student, Admissions blogs, Twitter, and other sources in one place. You no longer have to check and follow dozens of blogs, just subscribe to the relevant topics and forums on GMAT club or follow the posters and you will get email notifications when something new is posted. Add your blog to the list! and be featured to over 300,000 unique monthly visitors