Build Your Future at UC Riverside
Turn your passion into purpose as part of the UCR family. Our award-winning faculty will mentor you. Our diverse campus community will embrace you. And our first-year-specific resources will help you build your future!
We've been waiting for a bold and brilliant Highlander just like you!
Applying to UC Riverside
As a top-ranking university, UCR sets high admission standards. Incoming students are selected based on a wide range of criteria, including academic performance and the potential for success as an undergraduate.
At UCR, we "admit to the major," not to the university as a whole. This means that high-demand majors are highly competitive for admission. To increase your chance of a favorable admission decision, add a preferred and an alternate major to your UC application.
3.0
Minimum GPA Requirement
22:1
Student to Faculty Ratio (Fall 2024)
4.06
Enrolled Academic Years to Degree Completion
Requirements
UC Riverside will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admission decisions or awarding scholarships. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll. View UC’s testing policy UC's testing policy.
Comprehensive Review
Comprehensive review is the process by which UCR evaluates first-year applicants, who meet minimum UC requirements, using multiple measures of achievement and promise, while considering the context in which each student has demonstrated accomplishment.
Subject Requirement
You must earn a grade of C or better in all “a-g” courses and complete a minimum of 15 college-preparatory (“a–g”) courses.
Eleven of those 15 courses must be completed prior to your senior year. Find out if your course is UC approved, and if your college course or SAT/AP/IB exam score meets an “a–g” requirement.
GPA Requirement
To meet minimum requirements, you must earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher (3.4 for non-residents) in “a–g” courses taken during grades 10 and 11 (including summers before and after), weighted by a maximum of eight semesters of UC-approved honors points.
Extra Points for Honors Courses
- A=5, B=4 and C=3; D or F=0 extra points.
- Approved honors-level courses may also include acceptable AP classes, higher- (and some standard-) level IB classes and transferable college courses.
Featured Publication: First-Year Viewbook | CA Residents
Learn more about UC Riverside, its remarkable students, world-class faculty, and beautiful campus.
First-Year Dates & Deadlines
Find the dates of instruction at registrar.ucr.edu.
Admissions: First-Year
Aug. 1
Access the UC application
Oct. 1–Dec. 2
Submit your UC application
December
Access the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and GPA form to apply for financial aid by the March 3 priority deadline (UCR school code: 001316)
Jan. 1
Access the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) to apply for financial aid by the March 3 priority deadline (UCR school code: 001316)
March
First-year admission notifications begin
March 3
Priority deadline to submit your FAFSA or CADAA (UCR school code: 001316) Late applications can be submitted after March 3, although CSAC administered grant aid may not offered to late applicants.
Verify that a certified GPA was submitted to the California Student Aid Commission by your high school
May 1
Deadline to submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)
May 10
Deadline to receive guaranteed housing by completing your housing contract and first payment. You'll need to submit your SIR beforehand. Housing contracts will still accepted but may not be guaranteed.
July 1
Deadline to submit your final, official high school transcript
July 15
Deadline to submit your official AP, IB, and A-Level exam scores
September
Fall quarter begins
Resources & Support
UCR is dedicated to your success, and offers a range of programs and resources to support you along your path to degree. Get guidance from faculty and student mentors. Excel in your courses with the help of a tutor or study group. Connect with a wellness department to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Develop as a leader in a campus organization.