<p>^^A lot of qualified people were definitely rejected, but a lower gpa doesn’t automatically mean less qualified. GPAs definitely tell a large part of an applicant’s academic ability, but it’s not everything. </p>
<p>Some people earn a 3.98+ gpa, and do nothing but school work. Others may have a 3.7, but they also work, are leaders in clubs, are active in their community, or have various family obligations. IMO a person who can manage. 3.7 with added responsibilities and committments has demonstrated that not only are they intelligent, but they are also able to prioritize, follow thru on commitments, and overall they are able to handle what life throws at them. The 3.98 student with nothing added, has only demonstrated book smarts. </p>
<p>Schools need a mix of people. UCLA needs students who are willing to sacrifice their gpa a little, in order to be involved in campus activities, and be leaders in the various organizations. If you think of UCLA as a community, then you have to have a variety of people in that community to make it work most effectively. Everyone brings something different to the table, and that’s part of what makes it an exceptional university.</p>