Bold Hearts. Brilliant Minds.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Tuition and Fees

SIR

Residency for Tuition Purposes

Orientation

Major Changes

International

Housing

  • How can I register to live on campus?

    Campus housing is in high demand and fills quickly. 

    First-Year Students: Submit the contract and first payment for Residence Halls housing by May 10 to receive guaranteed housing for fall. You will select your room and roommates (if applicable) during a process that occurs during summer quarter.

    Transfer Students: Submit a contract and first payment for our Residence Halls, or submit an application for our Campus Apartments or Family Housing, as soon as possible. While space is limited, any incoming transfer students who complete their contract and submit their first payment by May 10 will be given priority to access room selection for available spaces.

  • How do I find out more information about housing?

    For housing inquiries and deadlines, contact the Housing office at (951) 827-6350 or housinginfo@ucr.edu. You can also view important information at housing.ucr.edu .

     

  • What is a Net ID and where do I get mine?

    Every UCR student is automatically assigned a student account (Net ID) which provides access to the computing services provided by C&C, including the computer labs, Webmail, iLearn, the wireless network, and many other services. To start using these services, you will need: 

    • Your Net ID
    • Your Permanent PIN
    • Your Student ID Number

    You will receive your Net ID AFTER submitting your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR). It takes approximately three business days to generate and can be found in your MyUCR Account under "My UCR IDs". For more information on Student Technology Support, visit its.ucr.edu/sts.

COVID-19

Financial Aid

  • How is UCR affordable?

    Attending UCR can be extremely affordable with different ways to cover tuition and fees. If admitted, you'll be automatically considered for scholarships and grants (FREE money). Once enrolled, you can apply for as many scholarships as you'd like.

    Learn more about the value and affordability of a UCR degree:

    Plus, the cost of living in Riverside is 33% cheaper on average than other UCs located in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. This makes renting or sharing an off-campus apartment or house a lot more affordable in Riverside. 

  • I have completed the FAFSA. When can I expect an offer of financial aid?

    You can get an estimate of aid via MyUCR once we get your FAFSA (Free Application for Student Financial Aid). Beginning in March, new student awards become available. Once your award is ready, you will be notified via MyUCR through “Alerts” and “Spotlights.” However, if your application is selected for verification of reported information, you will be notified on MyUCR of any additional documents or information needed to complete your financial aid application. If additional documents are required, they must be submitted to the UCR Financial Aid Office by May 1 in order to maintain on-time financial aid consideration.

  • What is an EFC? How is it determined?

    When you file the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Financial Aid), the information you report is used in a formula established by the U.S. Congress. The formula determines your Expected Family Contribution, an amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward your education. This amount may not exactly match the amount you and your family end up contributing. The EFC is used in determining need based financial assistance. The financial need is calculated by taking the estimated Cost of Attendance and subtracting the Expected Family Contribution (from the processed FAFSA). The difference is your financial need, or the amount of your financial aid eligibility.

  • How do I receive money to purchase my books and supplies?

    Around Aug. 15, you will be sent a link to your fall student account (billing) statement. If you have any remaining financial aid after your financial aid credits your fees, other UCR charges, and UCR housing charges (as applicable), a financial aid “refund” will be directly deposited to your bank account at the start of each quarter by the Student Business Services Office (see Important Dates). You may pay for all other expenses not charged on the billing statement with this refund, such as books and supplies.

  • How do I pay my first UCR Housing payment which is due June 1?

    Unfortunately, no financial aid is available prior to the start of the school year. Therefore, your parents/guardians should use a portion of their Expected Parent Contribution to make this payment in June. For more information, visit housing.ucr.edu.

Fee Information

Exams and Test Scores

  • What is Comprehensive Review?

    Comprehensive review is the process by which UC Riverside (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. UCR will calculate an Academic Index Score (AIS) for all first-year applicants. The faculty of UCR have designated the measures described below to be used to calculate the AIS.

    High School GPA – The strength of an applicant’s high school GPA is the strongest indicator that a student will be successful within an academically challenging UC environment. The capped GPA is calculated on the basis of all completed “a-g” courses with extra points added for UC-approved honors courses taken in grades 10 and 11, capped at 8 semesters. A capped GPA considers the extra points earned for honors-level courses and may exceed 4.0 for some students.

    Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses – AP and IB courses prepare students for college-level coursework. Therefore, students who take and do well in these courses tend to have a high probability for success within the UC environment.

    Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) The Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) program recognizes the individual accomplishments of students in light of the opportunities offered by their particular high school.

    Low Family Income – Students who demonstrate high academic achievement, despite low socioeconomic status, are likely to exhibit persistence, maturity, and insight. Low family income is determined based on total family members and household income.

    First-Generation University Attendance – UC-eligible applicants who are the first in their immediate family to attend college are apt to have personal strengths that will contribute to their academic success. Students whose parents have not graduated from a four-year college or university are qualified for first-generation university attendance.

  • What does "official" test scores, transcripts and/or documents mean?

    "Official" means that you must have the test score, transcript, and/or document sent directly to the University of California, Riverside (UCR) from the issuing institution.

    Note: UCR 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. Details regarding UC’s testing policy can be found online.

  • Do you have my test scores?

    Check your My Test Scores section on your MyUCR account to see what information we have received. If you do not see your official test scores for SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or AP, and you have requested them from the testing center, please allow three weeks to process from the date you requested them to be sent. 

    If three weeks have passed since your submitted request, contact the testing center to ensure your scores have been sent to the appropriate location. 

    If you have not requested your test scores to be sent to UCR, please request for them to be sent from the appropriate testing center ASAP.

    • ACT - (319) 337-1360 UCR School Code 0456
    • Advanced Placement - (888) 225-5427 UCR School Code 004839
    • SAT - (866) 704-0176 UCR School Code 004839
    • TOEFL - (609) 951-1100

    PLEASE DO NOT request to have your scores rushed. Please just send electronically.

  • Does UCR require SAT or ACT exams?

    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. Details regarding UC’s testing policy can be found online.

  • Am I required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo Examination?

    If either of the following is true, then you need to take and pass either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) , International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination, or Duolingo English Test (DET):

    • If your native language is not English and your education in secondary/high school or college/university has been in a country where English is not the native language.
    • If you are a first-year applicant, and you have less than three years of high school in the United States, and your native language is not English.
  • What is the minimum required score for the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo?

    For UC Riverside, the minimum scores are as follows:

    • TOEFL Internet Based – 80
    • IELTS – 6.5
    • Duolingo English Test (DET) – 115
  • Where can I take the Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE)?

    Students who have not satisfied the Entry-Level Writing Requirement must take the University of California AWPE. Please visit University Writing Program for available dates and registration information. 

  • What if I can't take the Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE) in May?

    The AWPE is one way to satisfy the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR). For more information on this exam and the ELWR, visit placementtest.ucr.edu or contact the UCR ELWR Office at (951) 827-1384.

  • You haven't received my test scores, what do I do?

    If you do not see that we have received your official test scores on your MyUCR account and it has been more than three weeks since you requested them from the testing center, you will need to contact the appropriate testing center and request to have your scores sent to UCR.

    If you took an Advanced Placement Exam and received a score of 2 or below, this is a non-passing score and your exam will not show as received.

    If you took a TOEFL or IELTS exam and received a non-passing score, your exam will not show as received.

    • ACT – (319) 337-1360 UCR School Code 0456
    • Advanced Placement – (888) 225-5427 UCR School Code 004839
    • SAT – (866) 704-0176 UCR School Code 004839
    • TOEFL – (609) 951-1100
  • UCR has not received my AP exam score(s). What should I do?

    If you do not see your AP exam score(s) on your MyUCR account, and it has been more than three weeks since you have requested them to be sent, please contact the testing center to ensure they were sent to the proper location.

    If you took an Advanced Placement Exam and received a score of 2 or below, this is a non-passing score and your exam will not show as received.

    If you have not requested your AP exam score(s), please contact the testing center to have your scores sent asap.

    • Advanced Placement - (888) 225-5427 UCR School Code 004839


    PLEASE NOTE:

    • All scores must be requested from the testing center AFTER applying to our campus to ensure that your scores are matched to your application.
    • If you elected to use the College Board’s “Score Choice” option for selecting specific exams and institutions to which your tests be sent, you will need to update your elections in Score Choice to release ALL your exam scores to UCR before we will receive them.
    • Please note that there is no advantage in withholding exam scores from our campus, we will only use the highest scores in determining your eligibility for admission to UCR.
  • You have not received my TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. What should I do?

    If you do not see that we have received your official test scores on your MyUCR account, you will need to contact the testing center, and request to have your scores sent to UC Riverside.

    It takes approximately three weeks to process your score before you can view it on your MyUCR account. If you took a TOEFL or IELTS exam and received a non-passing score, your exam will not show as received.

    PLEASE DO NOT request to have your scores rushed. Please just send electronically.

    You can also demonstrate proficiency via Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 115 (Fall 2022 only).

    Learn more about English language proficiency for the UC application.

    Begin your UC application today!

  • I didn't take the AWPE. What should I do?

    If you didn't satisfy the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement by April 1, you must take this exam the second Saturday in May. You'll receive a letter in early April directing you to your test center location. This is required of all first-year students; the results will not affect your admission status. Learn more at ucop.edu/elwr.

  • Where and how do I take the Math Placement exam?

    The Mathematics Advisory Exam (MAE) is used to place first-year students into an appropriate entry-level Mathematics course at UCR. If your major requires at least one course in math, you must take this exam. This includes: 

    • All majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) and in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS). 
    • Many programs in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS). 

    Exemptions:  

    • A score of 3, 4, or 5 on either the AB or BC Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus Exam.  
    • A score of 2 on the AB Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus Exam will clear a student for enrollment into Math 5 (Pre-Calculus). No course credit is awarded for the score. It's recommended that students with this score still take the MAE to see if they might place higher.  
    • Please make sure UCR Admissions has received your AP scores.  
    • Please go to the “Math Classes at UCR” tab at arc.ucr.edu/mae to see what course your score places you into.  
    • A UC-transferable college course at the Pre-Calculus Level (Math 5 at UCR) or higher from an accredited institution.  
    • A score of 5 or higher on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Math Exam.  

    If you do not have one of the above, then you MUST take the UCR Mathematics Advisory Exam (MAE) and this should be completed by July 7.  

    For information on how to take the MAE, visit arc.ucr.edu/mae.

  • I am not planning on taking my AP exam. Will this affect my admission?

    UC Riverside does not require you to take your AP exam(s). Please note, however, that no college course credit is given for taking AP courses. College course credit is only given for AP exam scores with a 3 or higher.

  • What is the UCR school code for SAT, AP, and ACT exams?

    SAT and AP – 004839
    ACT – 0456

    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. Details regarding UC’s testing policy can be found online.

  • What is the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR)?

    For more information on the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR), visit elwr.ucr.edu

    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. Details regarding UC’s testing policy can be found online.

  • What is the Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE)?

    For more information on the Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE), visit ucop.edu/elwr

    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. Details regarding UC’s testing policy can be found online.

Events

Documents and Transcripts

  • What are dates/deadlines to turn in transcripts?

    Fall 2022 first-year and transfer students who have submitted their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), must submit official final transcripts by July 1 and test scores by July 15.  However, your admission counselor may require you to send certain documentation prior to this deadline in order to make an admission decision. Continue to check the "my Alerts" section of your MyUCR account for up-and-coming deadlines and/or requests.

  • I have not graduated yet. Why do I have to send in my transcripts?

    Your admissions counselor is requesting your 7th semester transcript to determine your eligibility for admission to the University. Please submit your seventh semester transcript to our office as soon as possible. In addition, you will need to send a final, official transcript complete with date of graduation (month and year) after you graduate to complete your admissions file. Please continue to check your MyUCR account frequently for up-to-date information regarding your documents

  • I sent my FINAL high school transcript, but it's still showing as not received!

    Undergraduate Admissions is receiving large volumes of electronic and paper mailed transcripts daily and processing time can take up to 10 business days for the updates to be reflected on your MyUCR account. Students will not be cancelled until all mail and electronic transcripts have been processed.  Please do not send more than one copy of your official final transcripts, in order to avoid duplicate transcripts.

    If you have NOT already requested for your official final transcripts to be sent please request from your school or college as soon as possible.

     

  • What does "Incomplete Transcript" mean?

    College Transcript - The term “incomplete” refers to a transcript with work-in-progress.

    A high school transcript is incomplete until it includes all courses and grades completed through the end of the senior year AND contains the date of graduation (both the month and year). If you have submitted international transcripts, the status will appear as incomplete until checked in and verified by an international admissions counselor. 

    We encourage you to send your final, official transcript as soon as it becomes available. But no later than a postmarked date of:

    • July 1 for fall quarter applicants (for all coursework completed through spring quarter).
    • Sept. 15 for fall quarter applicants (for all coursework completed in summer quarter).
  • I sent my FINAL College/University Transcript and my account still shows not received!

    Undergraduate Admissions is receiving large volumes of electronic and paper mailed transcripts daily and processing time can take up to 10 business days for the updates to be reflected on your MyUCR account. Students will not be cancelled until all mail and electronic transcripts have been processed.  Please do not send more than one copy of your official final transcripts, in order to avoid duplicate transcripts.

    If you have NOT already requested for your official final transcripts to be sent please request from your school or college as soon as possible.

     

  • Where do I send my Transcripts/Documents?

    We highly encourage that you request your school to send us an official transcript through their electronic transcripts system from the following vendors: Credentials Solutions/eSCRIP-SAFE, eTranscript CA, JST DoD Military Transcripts, National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment Exchange, SCOIR, Scribe On-Line, SPEEDE or by mail:  

    University of California, Riverside 
    Undergraduate Admissions 
    900 University Ave. 
    3106 Student Services Building 
    Riverside, CA 92521 

  • I was told that my IGETC would be waived. Do I still need it?

    Your College Office determines the status of your IGETC form as waived or complete. All IGETC forms received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions are forwarded on to the college office of your current major program (for BSAD majors, all IGETC forms are sent to the BSAD program office).

    For more information regarding your IGETC form please contact your college office.

    • CHASS (951) 827-3683
    • CNAS (951) 827-7294
    • BCOE (951) 827-3647
    • BSAD (951) 827-2515
  • Why do you show my IGETC is not completed?

    Your college office determines the status of your IGETC form as waived or complete. All IGETC forms received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions are forwarded on to the college office of your current major program.

    For more information regarding your IGETC form please contact your college office.

    • College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences: (951) 827-3683
    • College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences: (951) 827-7294
    • Bourns College of Engineering: (951) 827-3647
    • School of Business: (951) 827-4551
  • I am a transfer applicant, why do I have to send you my high school transcript?

    You must submit your official final high school transcript if you are required to meet freshman eligibility criteria as a lower-division transfer student with less than 51.0 transferable quarter units. Also, one way to clear the campus American History and Institutions degree requirement is by submitting an official final high school transcript verifying the completion of an appropriate year long course (two semesters) of US History with C grades or better or one semester of appropriate US History course work and one semester of appropriate US Government course work with C grades or better.

  • My high school is closed for the summer and I am unable to request that they send you my final, official transcript, what can I do?

    Please contact the district office for the high school that you attended to see if they can assist you in having your official transcript mailed to us. If the district office is unable to assist you, visit admissions.ucr.edu/ask to submit the date on which your high school will re-open and you will be able to have a transcript mailed to us, and we will consider your request.

  • What does "Waived" mean?

    A required item is no longer needed. No additional action is required by you.

  • What does it mean if an item says it is "Processing?"

    We have received your document and our staff is reviewing to ensure that all the necessary information is complete.

  • How do you verify transcripts?

    UCR policy and procedure if UCR or the Secretary has reason to believe that the high school diploma is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education. 

    Public Information on Procedures

    1. UC Quick Reference Guide (pg. 53 – Reporting Student Data): this section outlines the use of self-reported information followed by the receipt of final documents (high school transcript) after a student accepts an offer of admission, as well as the penalties for not providing accurate information.
    2. The UC Transcript Information Website: similar information and context from the two other resources.
    3. UC Academic Senate Regulation 420 speaks to the high school diploma requirement and references expectations:

    Article 2. Submission of Academic Records

    420. Each applicant for freshman admission must arrange for the University to receive, prior to the date established by the Office of Admissions, the final official high school transcript as well as a transcript for all collegiate courses that have been attempted.

    The final official transcript from the high school from which the applicant graduated must show the date of graduation and the grade and the year taken for each course used to satisfy the requirements specified in Regulation 424. (Am 19 May 69, CC 2 May 77; Am 26 May 82) (Am 17 June 2009)

Application for Admission

Appeals

  • How do I appeal my admission decision and check for deadline dates?

    Complete the online appeal form located on your MyUCR account. No written appeals sent via U.S. mail, faxed, emailed, or hand delivered will be accepted.

    Please note that while all appeals will be considered, it is not recommended that you appeal an admission decision unless there is new and compelling information that we would not have been able to obtain from your application that would have led us to a different decision. Please note that applicants can not appeal to be placed on the waitlist.

    Deadline to provide specific appeals are listed below:

    Fall 2024 Deadlines:

    • First-Year Decision Appeal: April 15
    • First-Year SIR Appeal: May 30
    • Fall Transfer Decision Appeal: May 15
    • Fall Transfer SIR Appeal: June 15
    • First-Year and Transfer Final Transcript Appeal: July 15
    • First-Year and Transfer Final Document Appeal: July 31
  • How long will it take for a decision on my appeal?

    We will make every attempt to respond to you with a decision within 15 business days.

  • Do I need to send any documents or letters of recommendation?

    No. Undergraduate Admissions will request documents if needed and provide instructions to submit electronically.

  • Can I appeal more than once?

    No. Once a decision has been made on an appeal, it is considered final.

  • Can I request an interview?

    No. Appeal decisions are based upon the content of the appeal statement and any supporting documents specifically requested by Undergraduate Admissions. 

  • Under what circumstances might an appeal be approved?

    The granting of an appeal by the Undergraduate Admissions Leadership is extremely rare. In the circumstance that the Undergraduate Admissions Leadership does grant an appeal, it is based on new and compelling information not originally reported on the student's application.

Find the Answer

Our campus community is dedicated to your success and well-being, and is looking forward to welcoming all new Highlanders. Review the FAQ on this page for the latest admission and enrollment information, including updates related to COVID-19. If you have additional questions, visit admissions.ucr.edu/ask or call us at (951) 827-3411.

 

 

 

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