Undergraduate Admissions

Comprehensive review is the process by which UC Riverside (UCR) evaluates freshman 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 freshman 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 can demonstrate proficiency by meeting any of the following exam benchmarks. Keep in mind that you must complete one of these exams by December of your final year of high school/secondary school.

• Score 24 or higher for the ACT English Language Arts (ELA)
• Score 31 or higher on Writing and Language in the SAT 
• Score 3, 4 or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition
• Score 6 or 7 on the IB Standard Level examination in English (Language A only) 
• Score 5, 6 or 7 on the IB Higher Level examination in English (Language A only) 
• Score 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination:
   - Internet-based test (iBT): Minimum score of 80 or better
   - Paper-delivered test: Minimum score of 60 or better
• Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 115 (Fall 2021 only)

Become a More Competitive Applicant
Improve essential academic and languages skills with UCR’s Admission Preparation Program (APP) !

Participating in this educational program does not in itself provide preference in admission to the University of California. If you're interested in applying to UCR, view the freshman student admission requirements or the transfer student admission requirements. You can also contact the UCR Undergraduate Admissions office for details about the admission process.

Advanced Placement
UCR grants credit for all Advanced Placement exams on which a student scores three or higher. Units awarded toward UC graduation may be granted for specific subjects and/or for general education/ breadth requirements, as determined by each campus. AP exams can also be used to meet the minimum transfer admission subject requirements in English, math, and four other courses chosen from the humanities, behavioral/social sciences, and biological/physical sciences.

International Baccalaureate
The IB organization awards either a diploma or a certificate for individual IB exams. Students who complete the IB diploma with a score of 30 or above will receive 30 quarter (20 semester) units toward their UC degree. Students who receive IB certificates with a score of five or higher on Higher Level exams will receive eight quarter (5.3 semester) units.

A-Level Examinations
UCR grants credit for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Levels (A-Levels), the Cambridge International A-Levels, the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Levels (H2), and the previously administered Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE), in content-based subjects similar to courses offered at UC and in which grades of A*, A, B, or C are awarded. UCR grants 12 quarter (eight semester) units of credit for academic courses only for GCE, Singapore-Cambridge, and Hong Kong A-Level exams.

Exam Credit 

• AP exams with a score of 3 and above
• IB HL exams with a score of 5 and above

You must earn a grade of C or better in all college-preparatory (“a–g”) courses:

1. History/Social Science: 2 years
2. English: 4 years
3. Mathematics: 3 years, 4 recommended
4. Laboratory Science: 2 years (3 years recommended)
5. Language Other than English: 2 years, 3 recommended
6. Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
7. College-Preparatory Elective: 1 year

For country-specific admission requirements, visit international admissions requirements by country or educational system. For questions, visit admissions.ucr.edu/ask.

To meet minimum requirements to be considered for UCR selection, you must earn a minimum GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to an 85 percent on a 100 percent scale). The assessment of a qualifying GPA is based on “a–g” courses (required high school/secondary classes) completed in years 10 and 11. If the high school/secondary school offers a different curriculum, your academic achievement will be based on that educational system’s grading scale.

International students need a valid passport, nonimmigrant visa (F-1 or J-1), and the appropriate documentation to study at an accredited university in the United States. Learn more about visa and U.S. entry requirements.

Once you are admitted to UCR, the International Students and Scholars (ISS) office will provide support services such as visa assistance and cultural/educational programs, which will help you transition into life in America and life at UCR.

Before you begin, find out what important information is needed for an accurate admission application. You can also find information about specific international admission requirements. Then learn about tips and tools that are specific to international freshman applicants.

You will need your:

• Test scores
• Annual income (optional)
• Social Security number (if you have one)
• Citizenship status
• Statewide student ID (optional)
• Credit card (or check)
• Up-to-date browser
• Learn more about what you’ll need.
• Order Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to be sent.

Express who you are, what matters to you and what you want to share with us by answering four out of eight personal insight questions.

The UC application for fall admission to UCR opens on Aug. 1. The fee is $80 for each UC. You can apply for a fee waiver — provided you have your family’s income and the number of people supported by it — when you fill out the application. The fall application filing period is Nov. 1-30. If you have difficulties, contact ucinfo@applyucsupport.net or call (800) 207-1710 (in the U.S.) or +1 (310) 513-2715 (outside of the U.S.).

Now that you have applied, there are just a few more steps to complete the process. These include printing your receipt, ordering test score reports and updating your application, if needed.

UCR Undergraduate Admissions will email instructions on how to access your MyUCR admission portal account. Log in regularly to check your admission status, respond to messages, and track important dates and deadlines.

• You must complete 60 semester (90 quarter) units of transferrable college credit.
• Admission to UCR is selective, so strive to surpass the minimum.
• Some major programs require a minimum GPA that is higher than that of basic admission.
• No more than 14 semester (21 quarter) units may be Pass/Not Pass.

You need to complete the following seven-course pattern by the end of the spring term prior to fall enrollment at UCR (or the fall term prior to enrollment if you're applying for winter admission):

• Two transferrable courses in English composition
• One transferrable course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning
• Four transferred courses chosen from at least two of these subject areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, or physical and biological sciences Each course must be transferrable and worth at least 3 semester (4–5 quarter) units.

Use ASSIST.org to see if your classes will transfer before taking them.

Students transferring from California Community Colleges can use the UC Transfer Admission Planner (UC TAP) to track your coursework and monitor your progress. You can enter your coursework (completed and planned) from the beginning of your college career (or whenever you decide to transfer to UCR). You should still meet with counselors, as this tool does not replace in-person advising. The UC TAP also serves as your Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) application.

Advanced Placement
We grant credit for all Advanced Placement exams on which a student scores 3 or higher. Units awarded toward UC graduation may be granted for specific subjects and/or for general education/ breadth requirements, as determined by each campus. AP exams can also be used to meet the minimum transfer admission subject requirements in English, math and four other courses chosen from the humanities, behavioral/social sciences and biological/physical sciences.

International Baccalaureate
The IB organization awards either a diploma or a certificate for individual IB exams. Students who complete the IB diploma with a score of 30 or above will receive 30 quarter (20 semester) units toward their UC degree. Students who receive IB certificates with a score of 5 or higher on Higher Level exams will receive 8 quarter (5.3 semester) units.

A-Level Examinations
We award credit for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Levels (A-Levels), the Cambridge International A-Levels, the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Levels (H2) and the previously administered Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE), in content-based subjects similar to courses offered at UC and in which grades of A*, A, B or C are awarded. We grant 12 quarter (8 semester) units of credit for academic courses only for GCE, Singapore-Cambridge and Hong Kong A-Level exams.

International students need a valid passport, nonimmigrant visa (F-1 or J-1) and the appropriate documentation to study at an accredited university in the United States. Learn more about visa and U.S. entry requirements.

• In general, each major has prerequisite (major prep) coursework that you must take before transferring in order to get into your major.
• Take the recommended lower-division/general education/breadth classes for your major. Students who transfer from California Community Colleges can take the recommended lower-division/general education/breadth classes for your major. Some programs recommend the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), which is a series of courses that California Community College students can complete to satisfy first- and second-year general education requirements before transferring. Some programs want you to focus on prerequisites instead of IGETC. Use ASSIST.org to see what your major program recommends or contact a UCR admissions counselor for help.
• Each major has a minimum GPA requirement. Some majors require a GPA higher than that required for basic admission. Programs are selective. Strive to surpass your program’s minimum GPA. Remember: All transferrable coursework will be taken into account.

Breadth Requirements
You are strongly encouraged to focus on preparatory course work (mathematics, science, and technical work) for your desired major rather than on IGETC completion. However, the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) does accept completion of IGETC as satisfying the majority of breadth requirements. Additional breadth coursework may be required after enrollment at BCOE.

Prerequisites
Strong technical preparation is essential for success in the admissions process and, subsequently, in all coursework at BCOE. If you intend to transfer to an engineering major, you are expected to complete the equivalent of UCR coursework required in the first two years of the programs and apply for transfer starting your junior year. Use ASSIST.org to see the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).

Minimum GPA
Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

Learn more about transferring to BCOE.

Breadth Requirements
Complete IGETC or the UCR breadth pattern for the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS). 

Prerequisites
Use ASSIST.org to see the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).

Minimum GPA
Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

Learn more about transferring to CHASS.
Connect with the Transfers First Program for support, advocacy, planning, and more.

Breadth Requirements
You are strongly encouraged to focus on completing transferable math and science classes. IGETC is not accepted as a way to complete the required breadth classes for College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS). However, courses taken to satisfy IGETC may also go toward completing those requirements.

Prerequisites
Use ASSIST.org to view the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).

Minimum GPA
Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

Learn more about being a CNAS student and becoming a new transfer student to CNAS.

Breadth Requirements
Complete IGETC or the UCR breadth pattern for the Graduate School of Education (GSOE).

Prerequisites
Use ASSIST.org to see the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer). 

Minimum GPA
Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

Learn more about being a GSOE student.

Breadth Requirements
Complete IGETC or the UCR breadth pattern for the School of Business.

Prerequisites
Complete community college courses equivalent to seven lower division UCR business major requirements as listed on ASSIST.org.

Minimum GPA
Attain a minimum GPA of 2.8 in all UC-transferable coursework. These GPAs are a baseline for consideration and are not a guarantee of admission.

Learn more about being a School of Business student.

Breadth Requirements
Complete IGETC or the UCR breadth pattern for the School of Public Policy (SPP).

Prerequisites
Use ASSIST.org to see the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).

Minimum GPA
Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

Learn more about being an SPP student.

Before you begin, find out what important information is needed for an accurate winter admission application.

You will need your:

• Transcripts
• Test scores
• Annual income (optional)
• Social Security number (if you have one)
• Citizenship status
• Statewide student ID (optional)
• Credit card (or check)
• Learn more about what you will need.

Express who you are, what matters to you, and what you want to share with us by answering one required and an additional three out of seven personal insight questions.

The UC application for fall admission to UCR opens on Aug. 1, and the fall application filing period is Nov. 1–30. The UC application for winter admission opens on July 1, and the winter application filing period is July 1–31.

The fee is $80 for each UC. You can apply for a fee waiver — provided you have your family’s income and the number of people supported by it — when you fill out the application. If you have difficulties, contact ucinfo@applyucsupport.net or call (800) 207-1710 (in the U.S.) or +1 (310) 513-2715 (outside of the U.S.).

Now that you have applied, there are just a few more steps to complete the process. These include printing your receipt, ordering test score reports, and updating your application, if needed.

UCR Undergraduate Admissions will email instructions on how to access your MyUCR admission portal account. Log in regularly to check your admission status, respond to messages, and track important dates and deadlines.

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

For Freshman Students

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

For Transfer Students

• BCOE Transfer Transition Program
• CHASS Transfers F1RST
• CNAS STEM Connections Program
• School of Business Transfer Student Mentor Program

Freshman and transfer 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 freshmen, fall transfers, and winter transfers.

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. Use the Career Center's HandShake tool to search for jobs and internships on campus and off. Take part in Get HIRED (Help International students Reach Employment Destinations), a career-development program that provides career-related, skills-building workshops, information, and resources to international students in support of their U.S. and global job searches

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

• 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.

Learn more about the many on-campus housing options for both international freshmen and transfers.

International transfers can also choose to live in our International Village — a globally-minded, all-inclusive community, and share an apartment with visiting students from around the world.

If you're interested in living off-campus, visit our About Riverside page, which describes all the different neighborhoods around the city. Find accommodations that fit your needs and preferences.

Once you are admitted to UCR, the International Students and Scholars (ISS) Office will provide information on the following:

• International Student Orientation
• Visa matters including the Form I-20
• U.S. entry
• Transferring F-1/J-1 Status from another U.S. school
• Employment options
• Academic information
• Course registration
• Health matters
• Housing
• Leadership opportunities
• Student organizations
• Cultural adjustment
• International friendships
• Classroom culture
• Money matters
• Taxes
• Support services
• Cultural and educational programs

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.

• Find out more about the UCR experience with our Parent and Guardian Brochure in English or Parent and Guardian Brochure in Mandarin 
• Play an integral role in your student's UCR experience with the Parents Association.

From childcare to housing, transportation to legal services, nurture the development of your family with these campus programs and accommodations.

Cub Club invites your child to cheer on the NCAA Division I Highlanders Athletics Program. The annual membership includes free admission to all regular season home athletic events, a birthday card from mascot Scotty, discounts, and more. 

UCR’s Early Childhood Services (ECS) provides a warm and welcoming environment for children between the ages of two months and five years. Qualifying undergraduate students — primarily Pell Grant recipients — can have full daycare tuition and meals covered for their children.   Video

Oban Family Housing is a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartment homes directly adjacent to the UCR campus. UCR’s ECS and Riverside’s public and private schools are nearby. 

Private lactation rooms are available on campus for breast-feeding mothers. Refrigerator, plush seating, and sanitary provisions are provided.

R'Kids is a student organization that provides support for students, faculty, and staff who have 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.

Scotty Cubs and Parents is a student-parent run support group that creates a safe space for students with families. Discussion topics have included: birthing stories, balancing school, home and baby, parenthood, relationships, academic success, and student life at UCR. Scotty Cubs and Parents is sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) and R'Kids .

The SRC Child Care program lets you work out at the Student Recreation Center (SRC) while your child (infant through 15 years) plays in the safe and secure child care area. 

The UCR Family Resource Guide , created by a student-parent group, lists campus and community resources available to student parents, including child care, housing, health, and nutrition.

SRC Youth Programs take place during the summer, and introduce children (ages 5–14) to sports and educational instruction.

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.

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 450 student organizations!

UCR students can travel Riverside county for free on RTA buses — just show your R'Card! 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.