Nearly 13,500 campus guests, including 4,457 admitted freshmen, came to UCLA Saturday to learn about the world-class academic opportunities and campus lifestyle that make the Westwood campus the best place to start their college career in fall 2015.

Launched for the first time five years ago, UCLA Bruin Day gave the visitors a chance to attend nearly 40 presentations, six informational fairs, entertaining and enlightening lectures from the campus’s top professors, tours and open houses. Students and family members learned about academic programs, financial aid, housing options and campus activities, among many other topics.

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Questions about the campus were the order of the day.

The newly admitted heard from UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and other campus leaders, as well as previewed the university’s diverse arts, cultural, athletic and recreational offerings and talked to members of some of UCLA’s 1,000-plus student clubs and organizations. Student groups took over the stage to present music and dance performances.

Those who decided to make UCLA their choice were able to submit their Statement of Intent to Register and ring the iconic Victory Bell, which goes to the winner of the annual rivalry football game between UCLA and USC. (This year marks UCLA’s third consecutive win over USC).

"I have officially committed to UCLA and I could not be more thankful for my parents and excited for the next four years," tweeted an excited Nimi Ostowari. 

To help visitors navigate the campus and make the most of the day, many used interactive, mobile-optimized maps, available on the Bruin Day website,  that could be customized according to the landmarks and activities they wanted to see.  

The daylong event came together because of the hard work of a cross-campus collaboration of hundreds of people.

“The spirit of optimism that characterizes UCLA is evident not only in our groundbreaking research, innovations and commitment to service, but also in the record number of staff, faculty, students, alumni, parents and friends who volunteer for Bruin Day,” said Youlonda Copeland-Morgan, UCLA’s associate vice chancellor for enrollment management.  “I am incredibly grateful for their service to UCLA and for their support in recruiting each new class of Bruins.”

Bruin Day for transfer students will be held on May 9.