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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. 2 Overall

as a top public university in the nation for social mobility. We elevate students to a higher standard of living. (U.S. News & World Report, 2024) 

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)

Valuable Degree

UCR is an AAU member, making your student's degree even more valuable! AAU membership includes Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. (Association of American Universities, 2023)

 

5 Tips for Supporting Your Student

1. Share Friendly Reminders

Familiarize yourself with admission requirements, dates and deadlines, financial aid, and support resources to help your student stay on track during this busy time. 

2. Explore the Application Process
3. Apply for Financial Aid — No Matter What 

Learn more about the value and affordability of a UCR degree for first-yeartransferout-of-state, and international students. We always recommend that families apply for financial aid. In 2023-24, 85% of UCR undergrads who applied for aid were awarded aid, and 97% of undergrads who were awarded aid received need-based scholarships and/or grants. 

4. Attend Events and Open Houses
5. Stay Connected

 

 

 

Plan Their Path to UC Riverside: 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

 

  • 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’ events and campus-wide events that are open to the public.
    • Subscribe to our mailing list for the latest information for prospective students and their families.
    • Attend Highlander Day in the spring, UCR’s open house for admitted and prospective students and their families.
  • Grade 11

    From January–April:

  • 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. Submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) 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 status updates.
    • March – 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 CADAA by the priority deadline of March 2. (Applications can be submitted after March 2.) Federal school code: 001316
    • April (Various Dates) – Attend Highlander Day, UCR’s open house for admitted and prospective students and their families.
    • May 10 – Submit the Housing contract. (If your student is admitted, they'll need to submit the SIR by first.)
    • May 15Deadline to submit the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) and deposit. Submit the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR).
    • June – Take the Mathematics Advisory Exam (MAE) and Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR).
    • June 8 – Deadline to register for Highlander Orientation.
    • 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 for incoming students. International students must also register for the International Student Orientation, which takes place in September.
    • September – Residence Halls move-in day.
    • September – International Student Orientation takes place.
    • September – Fall instruction begins. View the Academic Calendar.
Prospective Transfer Students

 

  • 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.
    December – Access the FAFSA and GPA form to apply for financial aid. Federal school code: 001316 
    Jan. 1 – Access the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). 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 CADAA 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 – International Student Orientation takes place. 
    September – Campus Apartments check-in day. 
    September – Fall instruction begins. View the Academic Calendar.

  • 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. 15 – Deadline to submit the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).
    December – Access the FAFSA and GPA form to apply for financial aid. Federal school code: 001316
    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 (CADAA). 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 CADAA. 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 UC Riverside

1. Academic Excellence

Your student will be empowered by world-class faculty, over 80 majors , internships, undergraduate research, and study abroad opportunities. If they need assistance, learning communities, peer mentors, and a full suite of services are available at the Academic Resource Center (ARC) — including free tutoring!

(parents and guardians) Skye Hall photo

 

2. Career Readiness

The UCR Career Center prepares students with career planning, skill-building workshops, career fairs, and internship/job opportunities. They also invite top employers to recruit and hire UCR students. Companies include Apple, Kia Motors, Microsoft, and Teach for America. Encourage your student to visit the Career Center early and often!

The average salary for the Class of 2022 is US$59,479. 
(UCR's Career Center First Destination Survey)

Academic Excellence

 

3. Beautiful, Affordable Riverside

The cost of attending UCR is extremely competitive compared with other University of California campuses and private schools. Plus, the expenses associated with living in Riverside are considerably less than those in nearby metropolitan areas.

Riverside is known for its small-town friendliness and big-city fun. Its central location means that Hollywood, Disneyland, Coachella, and legendary beaches are just an hour’s drive away.

(parents and guardians) Cost photo

 

4. High-Value Degree

When your student graduates with a high-value UCR degree, they'll enjoy more earnings, career options, and employability! UCR is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), which includes Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. This means they'll be part of the most diverse student bodies at a top-tier research university in the United States. They'll also get the skills and experience employers want! Learn more about the value and affordability of a UCR degree. 

(parents and guardians) Inclusion Photo

5. Inclusion and Involvement

Students have access to a wide variety of programs that promote connection in safe spaces. UCR's Ethnic & Gender Centers will help them explore identity, build community, find role models, and succeed in a diverse world as students and well beyond graduation!

(parents and guardians) Connection Photo

 

 Frequently Asked Questions