UCR
Graduate Division
General Applicant FAQ's

How do I apply? (Top)

Log into our website at www.graduate.ucr.edu and complete an online application. You will be instructed along the way as to the application process.

What are the requirements for admission to a Graduate Program at UCR? (Top)

To be admitted to graduate status, the basic requirement is a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution with a major appropriate to the proposed graduate program. This degree must represent the completion of a program equivalent both in the distribution of academic subject matter and scholarship achievement comparable to that offered at the University of California. Satisfying minimal standards does not guarantee admission since the number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of places available. As a result, many well-qualified applicants cannot be accommodated.

An International applicant whose post-secondary education is completed outside of the US is expected to hold a degree with above-average scholarship from a university or university-level institution.

Many departments have additional requirements or requirements beyond those listed above. Applicants should contact the programs they are interested in for specific information.

Admission decisions are based on a number of factors, including the academic degrees and record, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores and relevant experience. The appropriateness of the applicant's goals to the degree program and its relationship to the research interests of the faculty is also considered.

I already hold a Master's or Doctorate degree; can I apply for a duplicate degree in a different discipline? (Top)

Permission to work for a second master's degree in a NEW area may be approved on the individual merit of the application when there is little or no close relationship between the two subjects. Duplication of a master's degree in one field is not permitted, and duplication of a doctorate is rarely permitted, regardless of the field of study.

How can I check my application status? (Top)

You can log back into your application and check the status of your online application at any time.

How do I contact the Department I applied to? (Top)

The Graduate Admissions website has a list of all graduate degree programs offered at UCR, as well as links to the department websites.

Do I need to take the GRE? If so, do I need to take the Subject GRE as well as the GRE general test? (Top)

All applicants to graduate programs at UCR are required to take the GRE general exam with the following exceptions: MED in Education; MFA in Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts; and MFA in Visual Arts. Currently, only the Physics Program requires the Subject GRE as well as the GRE general exam.

What do I do if I find a mistake on my application after I have already submitted it? (Top)

You will need to contact the department to which you applied and inform them of the correction or update to your application.

How do I get information regarding Graduate Programs at UCR? (Top)

You can find the department tof the graduate program you are interested in on the Graduate Admissions website at: www.graduate.ucr.edu. Click on "Graduate Programs." From there, you can access the link to the department's home webpage, or contact them directly to request information be sent to you.

After I apply online, how will I know you received my application? (Top)

We have a system in place to ensure that we receive all submitted applications. After you submit your application online, you will be sent an acknowledgement by e-mail.

I am having trouble with the browser on my computer. Can I submit a paper application? (Top)

UCR no longer accepts paper applications. If you are having trouble with the browser on your computer, we suggest that you might try another computer or another browser on your computer.

What options do I have for payment of the application fee? (Top)

You can pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard).

Can I apply to more than one graduate program? (Top)

You can apply to no more than two graduate programs in any given term.

My transcripts, official GRE/GMAT, TOEFL/IELTS scores are not available yet. Should I wait until they are to apply? (Top)

No. You should apply and enter your unofficial test scores on your application. If you have not yet taken the exams, please enter the date you plan to take them. Please keep in mind that your file cannot be reviewed or evaluated until we have received your supplemental materials.

Where should I have my GRE,/GMAT and/or TOEFL/IELTS scores sent? (Top)

GRE/GMAT or TOEFL/IELTS scores should be sent to institution code 4839.

My GRE/GMAT, TOEFL/IELTS scores are not recent. Will you accept them? (Top)

GRE/GMAT scores are valid for a full 5 years from the date of the exam, and TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for 2 years. Official scores will not be reported beyond these dates. We do not accept outdated test scores.

I took the computer-based TOEFL, and my scores are still less than two years old. Will you accept them even though the TOEFL iBT test is available? (Top)

Yes. We will accept all TOEFL scores unless they are out of date (i.e., taken more than 2 years prior to the quarter of admission).

When will a decision be made on my file? (Top)

Every department has different timelines for review and evaluation of files. Once a decision has been made, you will be notified. You can also check your status by logging back into your application.

Can someone enroll in at UCR in Graduate courses without being admitted as Graduate student? (Top)

No. You must be admitted to UCR with a graduate degree objective in order to enroll in classes. However, courses can be taken at UCR Extension without formal admittance. Applicants may obtain more information at: www.extension.ucr.edu.

Why do I need an e-mail address? (Top)

The online system requires your e-mail address as an identifier and a means of communication. Also, letters of admission, denial, etc., are sent via e-mail.

May I submit my online application before it is complete? (Top)

No. You cannot make any changes or additions once the application is submitted. You can, however, submit your application before you send us your transcripts, etc. You are strongly advised to submit all supporting documents as close to your online application submission as possible. Files cannot be review until supporting documents have been received.

How will I know you have received all of my supporting documents? (Top)

You can log into your online application and check your application status at anytime. You will also be able to see which documents have been received, etc.

Can I submit a hard copy of my Statement of Purpose? (Top)

Yes. We do prefer that you submit it online, but if necessary, you can submit a hardcopy to the department you applied to.

How do I determine whether or not additional materials are required by the Department I am applying to? (Top)

Many departments have additional requirements. Applicants should contact the programs they are interested in for specific information.

I completed a preliminary application on the Department's website that I am applying to. Do I also need to complete a Graduate Division online application? (Top)

Yes. The preliminary applications are specific to the department and are used for information only to the department. You will need to complete an official Graduate Admissions application to apply.

I attended (or am currently attending) UCR. Do I still need to order official transcripts from UCR? (Top)

Yes. You must request that the Registrar's Office send an official transcript to the program to which you applied

May my recommenders mail or fax Letters of Recommendation to the program to which I am applying? (Top)

No. Recommenders must submit Letters of Recommendation electronically through our online application system. They will be sent a request once you submit your application.

Where do I send my transcripts and other supplemental materials? (Top)

Transcripts and other supplemental materials should be mailed to the department to which you applied. For mailing addresses, please visit the department's website or see the Graduate Admissions webpage.

Do transcripts have to be sent directly from the Institution, or can I mail them in with other materials myself? (Top)

It is preferable to have the transcripts sent directly by the institution to us, but we will accept them from applicants if they are still in the sealed envelope issued by the institution, with the university stamp across the seal on the back of the envelope.

I previously applied to a Graduate Program at UCR and was not admitted. Do I need to resubmit all of the documents I previously submitted when I reapply? (Top)

You must submit a new application and application fee. If you are applying to the same program, you should contact the program to inquire if your transcripts, letters or recommendation, etc., are still on file. Also, you must submit official transcripts of any courses you may have attended since you last applied.

I would like to withdraw my application. Will the application fee be refunded? (Top)

No. Application fees are nonrefundable.

How many official copies of each transcript should I have sent to UCR? (Top)

We require one official transcript for each institution you have attended.

My transcripts are not in English. Will you accept them? (Top)

Yes. All transcripts must be submitted in the official foreign language and must be accompanied by a certified English translation done by the institution or a private translating service. The translation must be a literal, complete version of the original transcript.

My school's grading system does not use a 1-4 scale. How do I enter my grade point average on the online application? (Top)

If your school does not use a 1-4 grading scale, you can select "other" under the gpa field on the online application and enter your gpa using your institution's grading scale.

Do I need to submit a financial resources form or other proof of ability to pay? (Top)

You are required to submit the Confidential Financial Statement even if you have no means of support for graduate school or do not have a sponsor. If you are admitted, we will request additional documentation from you at a later date.

Can you tell me about my Visa options? (Top)

The Graduate Admissions Office will not discuss visa issues with applicants. If you are admitted, we will send you information about obtaining a visa at that time.

What if I have questions that are not answered above? Who do I contact? (Top)

If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at: grdadmis@ucr.edu or (951) 827-3313. All other questions should be directed to the program to which you applied.

What ETS institutional code do I use to report GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS scores? (Top)

The ETS institutional code for reporting GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS scores to UC Riverside is 4839.