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.

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.

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.

Make a smooth academic transition to UCR with the guidance of faculty and student mentors through first-year programs offered by our colleges and schools.

• Engineering First Year Learning Community (EFLC)
• CHASS F1RST: First-Year Experience Programs
• CNAS Freshman Scholars Learning Communities (FSLC)

First-year students can also register for Student Life's First Year Mentor Program and connect with experienced/trained student leaders who answer questions and provide support throughout your first year at UCR.

If you're admitted to UCR, you can ensure a smooth transition by following the next steps for incoming first-year students.
 

Safety is a top priority at UCR. We have a 24/7, on-campus police department, an emergency notification system that sends text alerts, a no-tolerance policy against sexual violence and secure residence halls with video surveillance, restricted card access and live-in staff. At night, our Community Service Officers patrol halls and parking lots, and Campus Safety Escorts accompany students across campus.

Every quarter, the Career Center offers over 70 events, including career fairs, skill-building workshops, employer information sessions, and networking meet-ups with representatives from top companies. Take advantage of programming and resources, such as the Career Center's HandShake tool to search for jobs and internships on campus and off, and the R’Professional Career Closet for professional attire.

Discover community, find mentors and develop as a leader with the eight offices that make up Ethnic & Gender Centers:

• African Student Programs
• Asian Pacific Student Programs
• Chicano Student Programs
• LGBT Resource Center
• Middle Eastern Student Center
• Native American Student Programs
• Undocumented Student Programs 
• Women's Resource Center

Participate in service projects, educational initiatives, and campus celebrations by joining a cultural organization. Learn more about UCR’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

UCR focuses on all facets of well-being. We offer many campus resources to help you meet all of your goals, such as support groups, tutoring, community service, employment, emergency food resources, sports and health care — which is all included in your tuition.

As a parent/guardian of a UCR student, you have access to many resources that will help you to support your student during this journey. Learn how to get involved and stay connected, and find out how we will keep your student safe, happy and healthy.

Have fun and make friends! Student Life offers incredible social opportunities with concerts, music festivals, fun fairs, cultural celebrations, guest speakers, film series, theater productions, poets, performers and more than 500 student organizations!

UCR students can travel Riverside county for free on RTA buses — just register for UPASS! Learn about campus parking, alternative transportation, accessible parking and more from Transportation Services.

Undergraduate Education cultivates student success by providing academic support, experiential learning and research opportunities. Challenge yourself in our rigorous University Honors program. Participate in research projects with our renowned faculty. Intern for a government agency or NGO in Sacramento or Washington, D.C. Create and facilitate your own 1-unit course with R'Courses. Ace your classes and prep for graduate school exams with help from the Academic Resource Center.