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. 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)
• School of Education First-Year Learning Community for Education Majors

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.

The Career Center is your headquarters for the professional advice, skills, and strategies that will lead you to your ideal career.

• Handshake to find on- and off-campus jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities
• Career Workshops to build skills (e.g., resume and cover letter writing and networking your way to a job). 
• Career Fairs
• Connections with top employers
• R’Professional Career Closet to select professional attire and prepare to be competitive as you transition from education to employment
• And more!

Discover community, find mentors, and develop as a leader with UCR's Ethnic & Gender Centers. Learn more about UCR’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

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

UCR focuses on all facets of well-being. We offer many campus resources 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 welcomes student parents and offers support with a wide range of resources and accommodations. 

• Center for Early Childhood Education (ECS) for students, staff, faculty, and/or members of the community who need child care services. 
• Lactation rooms with privacy, a refrigerator, plush seating, and sanitary provisions.
• Oban Family Housing with one- and two-bedroom apartment homes adjacent to the campus. UCR’s ECS and Riverside’s public and private schools are nearby. 
• R'Kids for students, faculty, and staff with children, are expecting children, or will have children. Parents can discuss experiences, learn from each other and offer advice, while their children are involved in activities and entertainment.
• SRC Babysitting during a wide variety of educational games, activities, and services while parents/guardians exercise and take part in Student Recreation Center (SRC) programs. 
• SRC Youth Programs to promote a healthy and safe lifestyle using positive experiences, sports, activities, games, and educational instruction.

Visit Transportation Services to learn about parking, public transportation (and student benefits), electric vehicle charging stations, UCR's Bike/Walk Program, and more.

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.