
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to your questions about the various stages of admission at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). If you need additional assistance, visit admissions.ucr.edu/ask or call us at (951) 827-3411. We’re happy to help you on your journey to becoming a UCR Highlander!
CONTACT US
Not finding the answer to your question on our website? Not sure who to ask? Visit admissions.ucr.edu/ask or call us at (951) 827-3411.
Admitted Students for Fall
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Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)
Say “YES” to UCR
To accept your offer of admission, submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) by:- May 1 for first-year students
- June 1 for transfer students
If admitted to multiple UC campuses, you must select one (1) and submit your SIR via the MyUCR applicant portal by the SIR deadline. A $250 non-refundable deposit is required at submission. Payments can be made online by credit card or by mailing a check or money order, which must be received by the SIR deadline. Students who received an application fee waiver are not required to submit a deposit.
Once you submit your SIR, Additional fall admission deadlines include:
- July 1 for official final transcripts
- July 15 for official test scores
- July 15 (first years) and July 16 (transfers) for financial aid documentation
- Aug. 1 for the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR)
For more dates and deadlines, visit Next Steps for First-Year Students and Next Steps for Transfer Students.
I can’t pay my SIR fee by the deadline. What should I do?
If you are unable to pay the SIR fee may request a deferral at admissions.ucr.edu/ask. If approved, the fee will be added to their fall tuition bill.How do I decline my offer of admission?
If you decide not to attend UCR, you must officially decline your offer by completing the Cancellation Form in your MyUCR applicant portal. NOTE: Once you decline admission, this decision cannot be reversed. -
Enrollment and Deadlines
Where can I find important enrollment dates and deadlines?
All important enrollment dates and deadlines are available in your MyUCR applicant portal, as well as on Next Steps for First-Year Students and Next Steps for Transfer Students.What if my transcripts are delayed?
If your school is on a quarter system and can’t provide transcripts by July 1, your admission will not be affected as long as your official transcript is submitted before enrollment. However, be sure to request your transcripts as soon as your final grades are posted.For transcript submission methods, visit Transcripts and Test Scores.
What exams do I need to take before enrolling?
The Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE) is required for first-year students to fulfill the UC Entry-Level Writing Requirement (ELWR). The exam is held statewide on the second Saturday of May. Visit Entry-Level Writing Requirement for test dates, fees, and more.If you cannot attend, visit Placement and Advisory Examinations or contact:
- UCR Learning Center at (951) 827-3721
- UCR ELWR Office at (951) 827-1384
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Health and Financial Aid
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes, all UC students are automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UCSHIP). If you have comparable insurance, you may apply for a waiver before the deadline.What if my family’s financial circumstances have changed?
If your financial situation has changed, make sure your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is updated with your most current financial information. If you need additional support, contact the Office of Financial Aid. Keep in mind that response times may be longer during peak periods. -
Major and Course Adjustments
I was admitted to my alternate major. Can I switch back to my preferred major?
Due to high demand and competitive applications, we were unable to admit all students to their preferred major. If you were admitted to an alternate major, you may be able to request a major change after enrolling. We recommend speaking with your academic advisor during Orientation to discuss your options.How do I declare a minor?
Minors can be declared through your academic department after enrollment. See all minors.Can I change my major before enrolling?
Yes, a max of one (1) major change request is allowed before enrollment via the Change of Major Request Form. After starting at UCR, you may work with your academic advisor to discuss additional major change requirements. Major change requests are approved on a limited basis. -
Conditions of Admissions and Admissions Contract
I haven’t submitted my Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) but can’t meet my conditions of admission. What should I do?
Your admission to UCR is contingent on meeting specific requirements. If you are unable to meet these conditions, your admission may be impacted.- Please note:
Your records may go through a second review, which could result in your admission being rescinded.
If you have any grade deficiencies or course changes, notify UCR Undergraduate Admissions immediately by submitting the Application Update Form in the MyUCR applicant portal.
How do I report a low grade (D/F)?
Submit the Application Update Form in the MyUCR applicant portal as soon as possible. Multiple D/F grades may result in a review of your admission and possible cancellation.What if I need to drop a course?
First review your conditions of admission in MyUCR to determine if the course is required. Then submit the Application Update Form in MyUCR. - Please note:
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Events and Orientations
Will UCR host events for admitted students?
Yes. UCR offers various events for admitted students to connect with peers, faculty, and campus resources. Check your email and MyUCR applicant portal (Events tab) for invitations and event details. You can also check out UC Riverside Events. -
Deferrals and Appeals
Can I defer my acceptance to another term?
UCR does not typically allow deferrals for undergraduates. Admission is only valid for the term applied. However, deferrals may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Visit admissions.ucr.edu/ask.I missed the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) deadline. What should I do?
You may submit a Late SIR Appeal through the MyUCR applicant portal. Appeals take 6-8 weeks to process and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Waitlisted Students
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Waitlist
How does the waitlist work?
Accept your waitlist offer in the MyUCR applicant portal if you want to be considered. The waitlist is not ranked, so priority is not based on when you opt in. You should still accept another admission offer elsewhere to secure a spot.How many students will be admitted from the waitlist?
The number of students admitted from the waitlist varies each year based on space availability. There are no set number of waitlist offers, and decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the summer.Can I change my major while on the waitlist?
No, UCR does not allow major changes while a student is on the waitlist. If admitted, you may request a major change after enrolling, but approval is not guaranteed.What should I do while waiting for a decision?
Here are some tips while you wait:- Accept another admission offer elsewhere to secure a spot for the fall term.
- Continue excelling in your academics to keep all options open.
- Prepare for enrollment at another institution in case space does not become available at UCR.
- We do not accept letters of continued interest, transcripts, or letters of recommendation at this time.
What happens if a space at UCR opens up?
If space becomes available after the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) deadline, UCR will review the waitlist and extend admission offers. Students admitted from the waitlist will have approximately seven (7) days to accept the offer.If you have already committed to another college, you may cancel your SIR at that institution and accept UCR’s offer of admission.
If admitted from the waitlist, will I receive the same opportunities as other students?
Yes, waitlisted students who receive an offer of admission get the same benefits as all other admitted students, including:- Financial aid eligibility, if applicable
- Guaranteed housing, if deadlines are met
- Orientation
- Academic advising
Denied Students and Future Admissions Opportunities
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Denied Students
Can I still attend UCR events or programs for future applicants?
Yes. UCR encourages prospective transfer students to stay engaged. Update your Inquiry Form in the MyUCR applicant portal to receive event invitations and important updates.Can I appeal my admission decision?
If you believe there is new and compelling information that was not included in your original application, you may submit the online Appeal to Selection Decision form via your MyUCR applicant portal.- Deadline:
April 15 for first-year students
May 15 for transfer students - Please note:
Appeals must provide new and significant information that was not previously available in your application.
Appeals cannot be submitted to be placed on the waitlist
- Deadline:
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Future Admission Opportunities
Can I still attend UCR in the future?
Yes. Many students who were not admitted as first-year applicants successfully transfer to UCR through one of our structured transfer pathways.• Road to Riverside (R2R) – A program designed to help students transition smoothly from a California Community College to UCR.
• Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) – Guarantees admission to UCR for eligible California Community College students who meet program requirements.
• UCR Transfer Advisors – Available to help students plan their transfer path and meet admission requirements. Find your advisor today!Visit Transfers for resources and support.
How do I strengthen my future application?
We recommend the following:• Enroll in a California Community College and follow a structured transfer pathway like the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG).
• Maintain strong academic performance and complete prerequisite coursework for your intended major.
• Get involved in leadership, internships, and extracurricular activities that align with your academic and career goals.
• Work with a UCR transfer advisor to ensure you meet transfer admission requirements.