University of California, Riverside sits on a large campus of 1,200 acres in inland Southern California. It has a world-class faculty including two Nobel Prize winners and 13 National Academies of Science and Medicine members imparting education to its over 26,000 pupils. The academic excellence of UC Riverside is such that it ranks amongst one of the nation’s top 12 public universities in Forbes rankings. The athletic team of the university known as UCR Highlanders plays in the NCAA Division I Big West Conference. The Business Insider publication ranked the university second in the nation for giving financial aid. Due to all its prestige, UC Riverside receives thousands of applications each year. For good chances of acceptance, you’ll have to apply with the best application as per your profile. Here is all you need to know.

English Proficiency Test Requirements

To succeed in the demanding academic environment of UC Riverside, you’ll need to have a good command of the English language. If you’re applying as an international student who is a non-native English speaker or didn’t have English as the primary language of instruction in the school, you’ll have to meet the English proficiency requirements. You can do this by fulfilling any of the test benchmarks listed below:

• 24 or above in the ACT English Language Arts (ELA)
• 31 or above in Writing and Language in the SAT 
• 3, 4 or 5 in the AP examination in English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition 
• 6 or 7 in the IB Standard Level examination in English (Language A only) 
• 5, 6 or 7 in the IB Higher Level examination in English (Language A only) 
•  6.5 or above in the IELTS academic
•  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination:
     – Internet-based test (iBT): 80 or above
     – Paper-delivered test: 60 or above
•  Duolingo English Test (DET): 115 or above

Note: You’re required to take one of these exams by December of your final year in high school/secondary school. 

ACT/SAT Requirements

 Like the other UC Campuses, the University of California, Riverside will not consider ACT or SAT scores in the admissions or scholarships process. The university will make the admission decision after conducting a comprehensive review of your application. However, if you submit any standardized test scores, they may be used as an alternative method to fulfill minimum eligibility requirements or course placement purposes after your enrolment. Following are the benchmarks you should be aiming for:

Tuition Fee and Cost of Living

 Being a UC Campus, the University of California, Riverside is costlier to attend compared to most public universities. Though it depends on your lifestyle choices, the cost of living in Riverside is going to be less as compared to other UC campus areas like San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, etc. The following mentioned figures are only an estimate. For exact values, visit the university’s website. 

The conversion from USD to INR has been made with $1=₹75. The cost may vary with changes in the exchange rate.

Application Portal

You’ll have to apply to UC Riverside through the UC Application Portal. Visit the given link to proceed further.

Personal Insight Questions

Your answers to the Personal Insight Questions will allow the university to know what’s different in you from the pool of applicants with similar academic achievements. You’ll have to answer any 4 out of the 8 questions posed in a maximum word limit of 350 each. University recommends responding to those questions that are most relevant to your own experience. 

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. 
2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem-solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? 
4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admission to the University of California?

Application Deadlines

Following the important dates to remember to apply UC Riverside:

Conclusion

UC Riverside is classified as a Tier I Research School. A proof of this fact is that some of the most significant research collections in entomology, photography, citrus diversity and science fiction are located at the Riverside. It’s also known for innovation and social mobility and is one of the most highly diverse campuses in the nation. 

Getting into a prestigious university like that is definitely not going to be a piece of cake. So, it’s best to seek help in crafting the perfect application. For that purpose, who better to guide you than a UniRely Mentor already studying at UC Riverside. You’ll also be guided by our expert counselors who have helped students thousands of students fulfill their study abroad dreams. The UniRely website also has some very useful features like Uni Comparison, Uni Essays, Uni Videos available for free. So, what are you waiting for? Sign Up at UniRely and get in touch with your mentor now!