Parents and Guardians
Your Student's Success Starts Here
Choosing a college is an important life decision for your student. It’s a journey you share with them — and we hope it leads to UC Riverside.
As a parent or guardian, you've played a valuable role in your student's education. Now, your guidance is needed more than ever to help them prepare for a university education and successfully apply to UCR.
This page is designed to help you help your student meet UCR admission requirements and important dates and deadlines.
It's good to know your student doesn't have to do this alone — and neither do you. Our friendly admission counselors are dedicated to providing support and guidance every step of the way.
Welcome to UCR. We look forward to supporting your student's bold heart and brilliant mind!
No. 1
public university for social mobility for four years in a row, which means UCR elevates students to a higher standard of living. (U.S. News & World Report’s, 2020-23)
Top 1.3%
of institutions worldwide based on education, employability, faculty, and research. (Center for World University Rankings, 2022-23)
No. 6
California-based city in 2022 America's Best Cities' Place category for the perceived quality of its natural and built environments, including safety. (America's Best Cities, 2022)
No. 23
on The Princeton Review's list of Top 50 Best Value Colleges (Public Schools) for stellar academics, affordability, and strong career prospects for graduates. (2023)
5 Tips for Supporting Your Student
1. Share Friendly Reminders
Familiarize yourself with the “must-dos” to help your student stay on track during this busy time. Check out the Dates and Deadlines, as it details the admission and enrollment processes. You can also explore student-specific resources, which feature admission checklists, next steps to enrollment, community college pathways sheets, and more.
2. Explore the Application Process
While the application process can be overwhelming, we’re always here to help you and your student.
- Visit admissions.ucr.edu/ask and our FAQ.
- Contact an admission counselor.
- Get tips to shine on the UC application with Virtual Admission Presentations.
- Access the UC application beginning Aug. 1 for fall first-year and transfer applicants and beginning July 1 for winter transfer applicants.
- Submit the UC application Nov. 1–30 for fall first-year and transfer applications, and July 31 for winter transfers.
- Access Dates and Deadlines to learn more.
- Keep in mind that My.UCR.EDU is the student portal and main form of communication after application.
3. Apply for Financial Aid — No Matter What
In 2022-23, 85% of UCR undergraduate students who applied for aid were awarded aid, and 97% of undergraduate students who were awarded aid received need-based scholarships and/or grants.
- U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents – Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline of March 2. (Applications can be submitted after March 2.) Federal school code: 001316
- Undocumented California Residents – Complete a California Dream Act Application (DREAM) by the priority deadline of March 2. (Applications can be submitted after March 2.) Federal school code: 001316
- Check out the Financial Aid Fact Sheet for a quick view of what’s available to UCR students!
4. Attend Events and Open Houses
Join us for unique opportunities and year-round events!
- Parents Association – Join the association to stay connected and informed.
- Campus Events – Take part in year-round events, workshops, conferences, and more.
- Highlander Days – Attend UCR’s virtual open house for prospective and admitted students and their families. Held in April for first years and May for transfers.
- Family Orientation – Learn what you and your student can expect during the first year at UCR. UCR offers the Highlander Family Orientation (held in July and August) and the Spanish Language Family Orientation (held in July).
5. Stay Connected
- Get UCR in your inbox!
- Follow Life at UCR to get a view of campus life from the perspective of UCR students.
- If you have an international student, encourage them to message current international UCR students.
- Catch the Blue, Gold & BLACK podcast, which amplifies Black voices at UCR.
- Read up on UCR News and keep the college-life conversation going with your student.
- Get answers with admissions.ucr.edu/ask.
Plan Their Path to UCR: Dates and Deadlines
Help your student stay on track to UCR with important dates and deadlines. You can also view the Academic Calendar for dates of instruction, holidays, payment deadlines, more.
Prospective First-Year Students
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Grades 9 and 10
- Set up a four-year study plan with your student’s high school counselor. Meet annually to ensure that your student’s courses meet UCR requirements.
- Check out UCR’s Academic Preparation Programs, namely the Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) and TRIO Pre-College Programs, which help high school students become eligible for and enroll in a college or university.
- Encourage your student’s participation in extracurricular activities.
- Plan college finances as a family.
- Attend Undergraduate Admissions’ virtual events.
- Subscribe to our mailing list for the latest information for prospective students and their families.
- In April, attend Highlander Days, UCR’s virtual open house for admitted and prospective students and their families.
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Grade 11
From January–April:
- Visit scholarships.ucr.edu to research scholarship opportunities.
- Attend Undergraduate Admissions’ virtual events.
- Subscribe to our mailing list for the latest information for prospective students and their families.
- In April, attend Highlander Days, UCR’s virtual open house for admitted and prospective students and their families.
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Grade 12
- Aug. 1 – Access the UC application. Learn how to shine on the application with Virtual Admission Presentations.
- September – Visit scholarships.ucr.edu to research scholarship opportunities.
- October–March – Apply for financial aid by submitting the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (DREAM) by March 2. Federal school code: 001316
- Nov. 1–30 – Submit the UC application. Upon notification of receipt, your student can visit My.UCR.EDU to create an account and get up-to-date information on their student’s admission status.
- March (TBD) – Admission notifications begin via My.UCR.EDU. Confirm whether your student’s high school has filed the Cal Grant GPA verification form by the March 2 deadline. Visit csac.ca.gov to learn more. If there are changes to your student’s academic courses or performance, share them via admissions.ucr.edu/ask. Note: Admitted international students who require a student visa to study in the United States, must obtain a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant, F-1 Student Status). They will receive their Form I-20 via email. Students must complete and upload all required documents. After they submit their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), they can upload their Form I-20 and required documents as soon as possible.
- March 1 – Housing contracts become available.
- March 2 (Priority Deadline) – Apply for financial aid by submitting the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (DREAM) by the priority deadline of March 2. (Applications can be submitted after March 2.) Federal school code: 001316
- April (Various Dates) – Attend Highlander Days, UCR’s virtual open house for admitted and prospective students and their families.
- May 1 – Deadline to submit the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) and deposit.
- May 10 – Submit the Housing contract.
- May 15 – Submit the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR).
- June – Take the Mathematics Advisory Exam (MAE) and Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR).
- June 12 – Submit requested financial aid documents via R’Web.
- July 1 – Submit official transcripts.
- July 1 – International students: Submit all necessary documents, such as proof of financial support, a copy of identification pages of valid passport, required official transcripts/test scores, and the SEVIS Transfer Form (if applicable).
- July 15 – Submit all other official supporting documents, including test scores.
- July–August (Various Dates) – Two-day, mandatory Highlander Orientation takes place for incoming students. International students must also register for the International Student Orientation, which takes place in September.
- September (TBD) – Residence Halls move-in day.
- September (TBD) – International Student Orientation takes place.
- September (TBD) – Fall instruction begins. View the Academic Calendar.
Prospective Transfer Students
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Fall Admissions
• Aug. 1 – Access the UC application. Learn how to shine on the application with Virtual Admission Presentations.
• Sept. 1–30 – Submit the TAG application.
• Oct. 1–Nov. 30 – Submit the UC application.
• Jan. 1 – Access the California Dream Act Application (DREAM). Federal school code: 001316
• Jan. 31 – Deadline to complete the Transfer Academic Update (TAU).
• March – Admission notifications begin via My.UCR.EDU. Note: Admitted international students who require a student visa to study in the United States, must obtain a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant, F-1 Student Status). They will receive their Form I-20 via email. Students must complete and upload all required documents. After they submit their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), they can upload their Form I-20 and required documents as soon as possible.
• March 1 – Housing contracts become available.
• March – Since campus housing is highly impacted and assigned first-come, first-served, it is recommended that your student submit their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), housing contract or application, and first housing payment as early as possible.
• March 2 (Priority Deadline) – Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (DREAM) by the priority deadline of March 2. (Applications can be submitted after March 2.) Federal school code: 001316
• March 2 – Verify that a certified GPA was submitted to the California Student Aid Commission by your community college.
• June 1 – Deadline to submit the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).
• July 1 – Deadline to submit final transcripts/documents for coursework completed through the end of spring.
• July 1 – International students: Submit all necessary documents, such as proof of financial support, a copy of identification pages of valid passport, required official transcripts/test scores, and the SEVIS Transfer Form (if applicable).
• August–September (Various Dates) – One-day, mandatory Highlander Orientation takes place for incoming transfer students. International students must also register for the International Student Orientation, which takes place in September.
• September (TBD) – International Student Orientation takes place.
• September (TBD) – Campus Apartments check-in day.
• September (TBD) – Fall instruction begins. View the Academic Calendar.
• Oct. 1 – Access the FAFSA and GPA form to apply for financial aid. Federal school code: 001316 -
Winter Admissions
• May 1–31 – Submit the TAG application.
• July 1 – Access the UC application. Learn how to shine on the application with Virtual Admission Presentations.
• July 1–31 – Submit the UC application.
• September (TBD) – Admission notifications begin.
• September (TBD) – Since campus housing is assigned first-come, first-served, it is recommended that your student submit their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), housing contract or application, and first housing payment as early as possible.
• Mid-September – Deadline to complete the Transfer Academic Update.
• Oct. 1 – Access the FAFSA and GPA form to apply for financial aid. Federal school code: 001316
• Oct. 15 – Deadline to submit the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).
• Nov. 1 – Deadline to submit the final transcripts/documents for coursework completed through the end of summer.
• Jan. 1 – Access the California Dream Act Application (DREAM). Federal school code: 001316
• Jan. 15 – Deadline to submit final transcript/document for coursework completed through end of fall.
• January (TBD) – Winter instruction begins. View the Academic Calendar.
• March 2 (Priority Deadline) – Deadline to submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (DREAM). Applications can still be submitted after March 2. Federal school code: 001316. Verify that a certified GPA was submitted to the California Student Aid Commission by your community college.
Top 5 Reasons to Choose UCR
1. Academic Excellence
UCR will challenge your student with our world-class faculty, including two Nobel Laureates, a Pulitzer Prize winner, countless social activists, and world influencers. They will gain hands-on experiences with internships, industry insights, and unique networking opportunities on their journey of discovery and achievement.
Your student can choose from over 150 majors/minors within UCR’s colleges and schools.
Students can get help with their studies, time management, and personal growth via a full suite of academic resources. This includes the popular Academic Resource Center (ARC), which offers free tutoring!
2. Career Readiness
The UCR Career Center prepares students with career planning and counseling, informative workshops, 14 annual career fairs, and more! They also invite companies to recruit, hire, and engage with students for job discovery, internships, campus interviews, and careers. Companies include Apple, Kia Motors, Microsoft, and Teach for America.
The average salary for the Class of 2020 is US$49,372. (UCR's Career Center Annual Report, 2019–20)
Encourage your student to check in with the Career Center early and often to locate jobs and internships, and maximize services and events.
3. Beautiful, Affordable Riverside
The cost of attending UCR is extremely competitive compared with other University of California campuses and private schools. That’s because the expenses associated with living in Riverside are considerably less than those in nearby metropolitan areas!
Riversideis a vibrant and diverse community that’s known for its small-town friendliness and big-city fun. It’s ranked No. 3 for the best weather the United States and No. 34 for safety (2021 America’s 100 Best Cities). Plus, Riverside’s centralized location means that Hollywood, Disneyland, snow-capped mountains, scenic deserts, and legendary beaches are just an hour’s drive away!
4. Inclusion and Involvement
UCR is a place of inclusivity, empowerment, and belonging. Here, your student will have access to departments, programs, and student organizations that will give them a sense of belonging, a feeling of support, and the opportunity for learning in a relaxed and safe environment. Learn how our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs supports all UCR Highlanders.
Pro Tip: Contact the Community Engagement Outreach (CEO) team within Undergraduate Admissions. It partners with groups on and off campus to attract applicants from historically underserved and underrepresented backgrounds. Once those students are enrolled, CEO partners provide them with academic, financial, and social/emotional support. Learn more with CEO’s quarterly newsletter and Blue, Gold & BLACK podcast, which amplifies Black voices at UCR.
5. Connection and Celebration
All UCR students have access to a wide variety of programs that promote connection and celebration during the student experience and well beyond graduation. Eight Ethnic and Gender Centers help students explore identity, build community, find role models, and succeed in a diverse world. The Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) ensures equal access to university life, and the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) provides peer support, mentoring, and networking. The Office of Foster Youth Support Services offers resources to former foster youth, and its Guardian Scholars program hosts activities to keep them connected and encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does UCR cost?
Get the cost breakdown and financial aid options for your student via the dedicated pages below. Then be sure to apply for financial aid — no matter what! You might be surprised to learn what kind of aid your student is eligible to receive. In fact, 86% of UCR undergraduate students who applied received some form of financial aid, and 97% of financial aid recipients received gift-aid (grants and/or scholarships). (Financial Aid Office, 2020–21)
• First Year
• Transfer
• Out-of-State
• International
• Former Foster Youth
• Veterans & Military Affiliated -
How can my student get admitted to UCR?
As a top-ranking university, UCR sets high admission standards. Incoming students are selected based on a wide range of criteria, including academic performance and the potential for success as an undergraduate. Check out the course and GPA requirements noted on the student-specific pages below.
• First Year
• Transfer
• Out-of-State
• International
• Former Foster Youth
• Veterans & Military Affiliated -
What are the next steps to UCR for admitted students?
Track the admission and enrollment processes with Dates and Deadlines. You can also explore the student-specific resources below, which feature brochures, checklists, and community college pathway sheets.
• First-Year Resources
• Transfer Resources
• Out-of-State Resources
• International Resources -
Can I access my student’s grades and/or records?
It's understandable that you’d be interested in your student's progress; however, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) gives college students the right and responsibility to control access to their educational records, including their grades and financial statements. If your student chooses, they can grant you access to their records. Visit FERPA For Families to learn more.
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Will my student get the classes they need to graduate in four years?
To graduate in four years, students are encouraged to meet regularly with their academic advisor, take 15 credits per quarter when possible, attend summer sessions, and take advantage of supportive resources including the Academic Resource Center (ARC).
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How can I help my student be successful at UCR?
As you begin to explore UCR, check out these parent and guardian resources:
• Parents Association – Join the association to stay connected and informed.
• Campus Events – Take part in year-round events, workshops, conferences, and more.
• Highlander Days – Attend UCR’s virtual open house for prospective and admitted students and their families. Held in April for first years and May for transfers.
• Family Orientation – Learn what you and your student can expect during the first year at UCR. Offers the Highlander Family Orientation (held in July and August) and the Spanish Language Family Orientation (held in July).Once your student is enrolled, encourage them to get involved on campus and utilize as many campus resources as possible. Examples include the Academic Resource Center (ARC), Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs, Library services, and over 1,500 programs and activities within our Residence Halls.
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How can I learn more about UCR?
Be sure to visit Publications, as it houses a wealth of shareable fact sheets, brochures, checklists, and maps for you and your student.
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Get answers with admissions.
Get answers with admissions.ucr.edu/ask.