Recognizing the serious challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic for student learning, faculty teaching, and academic performance assessment, the UCLA Deans, the Division of Graduate Education and Graduate Council assert the following principles.

UCLA evaluates applicants for admission to its graduate and professional schools holistically, meaning that we consider an applicant’s combination of personal accomplishments, letters of recommendation, personal statements, academic record, test scores and supplemental materials in making our admissions decisions. Admissions committees and offices for graduate and professional programs will take into account the significant disruptions and challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic when reviewing applicants’ academic transcripts, GRE or other standardized scores, and other application materials as part of their ongoing practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant.

As admissions bodies review applications in future admissions cycles, we will respect decisions made by individual students and/or by their academic institutions with regard to the enrollment in or adoption of Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory, Pass/No Record, Credit/No Credit, Pass/Fail and other similar grading options during the pandemic disruptions. Applicants are invited to describe their individual experiences during the pandemic to provide context to inform the application review process. We strive to form future graduate student cohorts composed of intellectually strong, diverse, and resilient individuals who will make the most of their graduate education opportunities at UCLA.

This statement has been endorsed by the UCLA Deans’ Council, Graduate Council and the Division of Graduate Education. Questions about this statement may be directed to outreach@grad.ucla.edu