This happens more often than you think: Two transfer applicants with identical GPAs, similar extracurriculars, and compelling personal statements compete for the same spot. What tips the scales? Sometimes, it’s the recommendation letters that reveal the full story behind the numbers.

So, let’s talk about the impact of recommendation letters on UCLA transfer admissions. While most UCLA programs don’t require recommendation letters, for Film/TV and Nursing applicants, they play a role in the holistic review process.

UCLA’s Recommendation Letter Requirements

According to UCLA’s official transfer requirements, “UCLA doesn’t require or accept letters of recommendation or official transcripts during the admission selection process” for standard programs. However, specialty programs have different requirements:

– Film, Television & Digital Media (BA): Requires two letters of recommendation – Nursing (Bachelor of Science): Requires two recommendation forms – Music programs: Only require reference contact information (not actual letters).

For example, Musicology states: “Reference contact information for 2 teachers (preferably from an ensemble instructor or private teacher); please note that this is not a reference letter requirement, and we are just asking for contact information in case we do need to request additional information.”

Complete List of UCLA Programs and Their Requirements

Understanding exactly which programs require what can prevent costly application mistakes. Here’s the comprehensive breakdown:

Programs Requiring Recommendation Letters:

• Film, Television & Digital Media (BA): Two letters of recommendation required 
• Nursing Bachelor of Science: Two recommendation forms required by January 15th

Programs Requiring Only Reference Contact Information:

• Ethnomusicology: Reference contact information for 2 teachers 
• Global Jazz Studies: Reference contact information for 2 teachers (preferably from an ensemble instructor or private teacher) 
• Music Composition: Reference contact information for 2 teachers (preferably from an ensemble instructor or private teacher)
• Music Education: Reference contact information for 2 teachers (preferably from an ensemble instructor or private teacher) 
• Music Industry: Contact information for two referees (one should be a teacher but the other can be an industry mentor or employer) 
• Musicology: Reference contact information for 2 teachers (preferably from an ensemble instructor or private teacher)

Programs with NO Recommendation Requirements:

• Theater BA 
• Architectural Studies 
• Art major 
• Dance major  
• Design/Media Arts major 

The Role of Recommendation Letters in Transfer Admissions

Transfer admissions officers face a unique challenge: evaluating students who have already begun their college journey. Unlike freshman applicants with predictable high school trajectories, transfer students come with diverse experiences, varying institutional backgrounds, and different academic paths.

Recommendation letters bridge the gap between statistical achievements and personal character. They answer questions that grades alone cannot: 

• Does this student engage meaningfully with the course material? 
• How do they handle academic challenges? 
• What unique perspectives would they bring to UCLA’s community?

Demonstrating Academic and Personal Growth

While GPAs provide numerical benchmarks, letters of recommendation add texture and context. They explain the circumstances behind grades, highlight achievements that transcend test scores, and provide evidence of qualities like leadership, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity.

Strong recommendation letters showcase evolution rather than static achievement. They highlight how students have developed intellectually, overcome obstacles, and demonstrated increasing sophistication in their academic work.

The most impactful letters tell transformation stories. A community college professor describing a student’s journey from struggling with calculus to tutoring peers demonstrates resilience and growth potential. This narrative resonates powerfully with admissions officers who seek students capable of thriving in UCLA’s challenging environment.

Differences from Freshman Applications

Unlike freshman letters that often focus on promise and potential, transfer recommendations should provide concrete evidence of college success.

UCLA wants assurance that transfer students can handle upper-division coursework from day one. Recommendation letters must demonstrate college-level thinking, writing, and engagement rather than high school potential.

Transfer applicants face the challenge of proving they’re not just academically capable but also adaptable to new environments. Recommendation letters should address this directly, highlighting qualities like resilience, adaptability, and community engagement.

Choosing the Right Recommenders 

The best recommenders combine deep knowledge of your abilities with credibility in academic settings. They should be able to provide specific examples of your work, growth, and potential contributions to UCLA. 

Prioritizing Professors and Academic Advisors

College professors represent the gold standard for transfer recommendation letters. They’ve observed your college-level work, can speak to your academic maturity, and understand university expectations.

Ideal Professor Recommenders:

• Instructors from courses directly related to your intended major
• Faculty who have taught you multiple times or in advanced courses
• Professors who have observed your participation in research or projects
• Instructors who can speak to your intellectual growth over time

Academic advisors offer unique perspectives on your overall college experience and long-term planning. They can discuss your academic trajectory, course selection rationale, and preparation for transfer success.

When to Consider Non-Academic Recommenders

While professors should comprise the majority of recommendations, non-academic recommenders can add valuable dimensions in specific circumstances.

Consider Non-Academic Recommenders When:

• You have significant work experience relevant to your major
• You’ve demonstrated leadership in community organizations
• You’ve overcome significant personal challenges that affected your academic journey
• You have limited relationships with professors due to large class sizes

⚠️ Important Note: Non-academic recommenders should still be able to speak to academic-relevant qualities like work ethic, leadership, and intellectual curiosity.

Building Relationships with Potential Recommenders

Meaningful faculty relationships don’t happen overnight. They require consistent engagement, genuine interest in course material, and professional communication.

Relationship-Building Tactics:

• Attend office hours regularly, even when not struggling
• Participate actively in class discussions and activities
• Seek feedback on assignments and implement suggestions
• Show genuine interest in the subject matter beyond grades
• Volunteer for research opportunities or special projects

The key is authentic engagement rather than superficial networking. Faculty members can distinguish between students who genuinely care about learning and those simply seeking recommendations.

Help potential recommenders understand your goals, challenges, and achievements to enable more compelling letters. Provide your resume, personal statement draft, transcript, and specific examples of your work or growth. This helps recommenders write more detailed, personalized letters.

Qualities UCLA Values in Recommendation Letters

UCLA’s holistic review process seeks students who will make meaningful contributions to the campus’s academic and social communities. Recommendation letters should highlight qualities that align with these institutional values.

Academic Excellence and Intellectual Curiosity

UCLA prioritizes students who demonstrate genuine passion for learning and the ability to engage with complex ideas. Recommendation letters should provide concrete evidence of these qualities.

Strong letters describe specific instances of academic engagement that go beyond grade achievement. They highlight questions asked, projects pursued, and connections made between course material and broader ideas.

Examples of Effective Academic Descriptions:

• “Sarah consistently asked questions that pushed class discussions to deeper levels.”
• “Michael’s research project demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of complex film theory.”
• “Lisa’s writing showed remarkable improvement and increasingly sophisticated analysis.”

Personal Qualities and Resilience

Academic ability alone doesn’t guarantee transfer success. UCLA values students who demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and the ability to contribute positively to campus culture.

Effective letters describe specific instances of overcoming obstacles, adapting to new environments, or learning from setbacks. They show resilience without dwelling on difficulties, focusing instead on growth and learning.

UCLA values diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. Recommendation letters should highlight how students embody these values and would contribute to campus culture.

🎯 Pro Tip: Research UCLA’s specific values and programs relevant to your major. Help recommenders understand how your experiences align with institutional priorities.

The Submission Process for Recommendation Letters

Film/TV and Nursing programs require two letters of recommendation for transfer applicants. All letters must be submitted through their respective supplemental application portals.

Submission Requirements:

• Two letters of recommendation (standard requirement)
• Electronic submission through the program-specific supplemental applications
• Recommenders receive email invitations with submission instructions
• Letters must be submitted by the designated deadlines

UCLA operates on strict deadlines; therefore, plan recommendation letter requests well in advance of deadlines.

Timeline Recommendations:

• Request letters at least 6-8 weeks before deadlines
• Follow up with recommenders 2-3 weeks before deadlines
• Provide all necessary materials when making initial requests
• Send gentle reminders as deadlines approach

⚠️ Critical Timing Note: January 13th is the deadline for Film/TV supplemental applications, and January 15th for Nursing. Request letters by early November to ensure timely completion.

Take Action: Your Next Steps for UCLA Transfer Success

For the majority of UCLA transfer applicants, recommendation letters are not part of the admissions process. Focus your energy on crafting compelling personal statements, maintaining strong academic performance, and completing prerequisite coursework.

However, if you’re applying to Film/TV or Nursing programs, start identifying your strongest recommenders now. The best letters come from professors who’ve seen your growth over time, not just your final grade.

Your recommendation letters can be the deciding factor between you and equally qualified candidates. Focus on building genuine relationships with 2-3 faculty members who can speak to your specific strengths and your readiness for UCLA.

Don’t navigate this complex process alone. Experienced college transfer advisors can help align your recommendation strategy with your overall application narrative. Take control of your UCLA transfer journey starting today.