Admissions process should weed out the students who won’t bleed blue and gold

When I applied to UCLA, it was not my first choice. Yet, it seemed unthinkable that I would not apply to UCLA, because all I had to do was check one more box in the online application.

Looking back now, I would have thought twice about checking that second box had I been asked to write an extra essay or answer more questions.

UCLA currently offers an optional supplemental essay ““ a little-known and rarely used component of the application. Only students the Undergraduate Admissions and Relations with Schools office wishes to know more about are asked to complete it.

UCLA would be wise to capitalize on this under-utilized supplement to streamline its applicant pool.

Nationwide, application numbers have skyrocketed. Over the past years, UCLA has received the highest number of applications in the country. This year, there were around 61,500 freshman applicants.

Such a high number is often taken as an indication that UCLA is a prestigious and attractive school. But, in reality, the quantity of applications says nothing about the quality or dedication of students sending them in. Much of the applicant pool is comprised of students who see UCLA as a backup or a second choice.

Other universities have realized the value of reducing their applicant pool.

Ursinus College made its admissions requirements harder, asking applicants to submit a high school term paper and write a response to a Mark Twain quotation.

Tufts University recently introduced a video supplement, allowing students to upload a YouTube clip that showcases their personality.

And many universities who accept the Common Application require students to submit at least one extra essay.

Through these supplements, schools can whittle down their applicant pool to students who are genuinely interested in attending the university.

While UCLA has a large number of applicants, only 38 percent of students who are offered admission actually choose to enroll, according to U.S. News & World Report.

In contrast, Harvard University’s yield rate is a whopping 79 percent. The University of Virginia, a school comparable to UCLA, also has a remarkably large enrollment rate at 52 percent.

A mandatory supplement that includes one or two creative essay questions would help restrict the applicant pool to students who truly want to become Bruins.

Students who would prefer to attend schools other than UCLA could no longer simply copy and paste a personal statement from another application.

Making the UCLA application more stringent might decrease the number of applicants, as applying would be less convenient. But enrollment numbers, which are far more important, should ultimately increase.

The admissions office can focus on students dedicated to bleeding blue and gold for the next four years.

Should UCLA add a supplement to its application?
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