Graduate Application

• Which terms do you admit for and when does the application open?

  This varies by program, but we have some programs that are Summer or Fall only and some programs that admit for all quarters (Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring).

  The Summer and Fall application typically opens in early September one year prior to that quarter beginning (September 2018 for Fall 2019). The Winter application opens in March the year before (March 2019 for Winter 2020) and Spring opens July the year before (July 2019 for Spring 2020). 

• How can I apply for admission?

  Please visit our Requirements and Apply pages for more information about application requirements and how to apply.

• How can I contact the program I am interested in?

  Please visit our Graduate Programs page for a list of the graduate programs we offer and their contact information.

• How many applications can I submit per quarter?

  There is no limit. A separate application fee is required for each application submitted. Please note that you only need to apply to a program once for the same quarter. After your application is submitted you can change the degree objective or the program can limit you if they make a recommendation to admit.

• Can I change my degree objective after I submit my application?

  Yes. Please email the Graduate Admissions Office for assistance.

• Can I change the term on my submitted application?

  No. Once your application is submitted we will not change the term. Please make sure that you verify you are applying for the correct term with the program prior to submitting your application. The Application Deadlines page shows when each quarter begins.

• Do you offer conditional admission?

  No, we do not offer conditional admission.

• Do you accept transfer graduate students?

  No we don't. If you are currently in a graduate program, you would need to apply and submit all required application materials. For those interested in transferring units from your current program to UCR, you would need to obtain approval from both the graduate program you are admitted to as well as Graduate Academic Affairs.

• Can I transfer some of my credits to UCR?

  With approval from your graduate program and Graduate Academic Affairs, you can transfer a maximum of 9 units.

• Can I take an individual graduate course without being admitted to a graduate program?

  This is possible through concurrent enrollment with University Extension.

• Can I apply for a duplicate graduate degree?

  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 the same field is not permitted, and duplication of a doctorate is not permitted, regardless of the field of study. For example, if you hold an MS in Entomology you will not be approved to enter our master's program in Entomology but could be approved to enter a master's program in Statistics.

• How can I confirm my application was received?

  By logging into the online application system, you can see the current status of your application. At the time of submission, you will have also been sent an automatic email confirmation to the email address you applied with.

• When will I receive a decision on my application?

  It depends on the program. The majority of admission decisions are made from January - April for Fall quarter. If you have not received a decision by June, please contact the graduate program for an update.

• How will I receive my admission decision?

  Official notification of your admission decision will be sent by email to the email address you applied with. You can also log into the online application system to check your status.

• How can I make changes to my application?

  It depends on what you would like to change. For updates related to your scholastic information, letters of recommendation, essays, or program requirements, the graduate program can assist you. For changes regarding Biographical Information and General Information/Degree Program, please contact the Graduate Admissions office.

• Can I copy a previously submitted application?

  Yes, if your original application was submitted through this online application system. Once you log into the online application system, select View Current Graduate Applications and Check Status link on the main menu, find the application you would like to copy, and select Copy at the end of that row. Your information will copy over and you will have the ability to updated/add any additional information for your new application.

• Who do I contact for my application status?

  Your graduate program if your application is still under review. If the program has made a recommendation, you will be notified by email once a decision has been made.

Application Fee

• How much is the application fee?

  It varies by your status and program. Please visit  Application Fee section in Admission Requirements for more information.

• What forms of payment do you accept?

  We accept VISA, MasterCard, or Discover credit card payments only. The required application fee is non-refundable.

• What if I don't have the required form of payment?

  We recommend you find a family member or friend that can pay the application fee on your behalf.

• When do I have to pay the application fee?

  In order to submit your application, you will be prompted to pay the application fee. Email requests to recommenders will not be sent until your application is submitted.

• Can my application fee be used for multiple applications?

  No. Payment of the application fee is only valid for that application submitted.

• Do you offer refunds?

  No. The application fee is non-refundable.

• Who do I contact if my application fee was captured, but my application doesn not show submitted?

  Please contact the Graduate Admissions office. Please include your name, application ID# and the date that your credit card transaction was processed.

• Do you offer fee waivers?

  Yes we do. Please visit our Fee Waivers page for more information on the available options.

• I participated in a graduate preparation program, how do I get a fee waiver?

  Please visit our Fee Waivers page for programs that qualify and how to apply for the fee waiver.

Transcripts

• Do I have to send official transcripts and degree certificates (International only) for the review of my application?

  No. Programs can review your application off unofficial copies of your transcripts and degree certificates. Please make sure to include complete copies (including the transcript legend/key on the back). If you are admitted and accept, official copies of your transcripts and degree certificates will be outlined in your final admission letter.

• Can I upload my transcripts to my application?

  The only section you can currently upload transcripts is the Additional Information section within the Statement of Purpose and Personal History tab of the online application. If you have already submitted your application, you can email those documents directly to the graduate program you have applied to.

• Do you accept electronic transcripts?

  Yes, if your institution provides this service officially through their Registrars' or equivalent office. If your institution uses a third-party company, we will need to verify this on the institutions official website before confirming we can accept them as official. 

  If you are getting ready to send them, please provide your graduate program's email address as the recipient of these transcripts. Graduate Programs will attach the electronic transcripts received to your online application.

• My undergraduate degree is in progress, when should I provide my transcript for review?

  We would like to see your most recent term completed grades. If Fall term grades are available prior to you applying, please provide those.

• I attended UCR as an undergraduate or graduate, do I have to provide an official transcript?

  Effective Fall 2019, UCR current and previous students will no longer need to provide official transcripts. Unofficial copies will be required during the review process only.

• I took courses at a College for High School credit. Do I have to provide that transcript?

  Yes, if that coursework is counted as transfer coursework (without providing course name, grade, and units) on the transcript of any institution you attended since High School.

• I studied abroad during my undergraduate/graduate program. Do I have to provide the transcript from that international institution?

  No, if your study abroad program was hosted by the home institution you attended and all coursework (including course name, grade, and units) is listed on the home institutions transcript.

• Do you require international applicants to have their transcripts and degree certificates evaluated?

  No. Graduate Admissions' assists graduate programs in evaluating international transcripts and degree certificates provided. We require copies of your transcripts and degree certificates in original language and certified English translation (if not exclusively taught in English) from your institution for the review of your application.

• Do you accept evaluated transcripts and degree certifies from 3rd party agencies/companies (WES, etc.)?

  No, we require copies of your transcripts and degree certificates in original language and certified English translation (if not exclusively taught in English) from your institution for the review of your application.

• How is my GPA calculated?

  If you are completing or have completed only a Bachelor's degree, we look at your upper-division course work completed. If you attended an International institution whose grading scale is not on a 4.0 scale or can be converted, we will leave your GPA on the grading scale and determine a US equivalency based on international credential evaluation resources.

  Your overall GPA will be used for any graduate level course work completed (even if the degree was not award).

• How should I report my GPA if it isn’t on a 4.0 scale?

  In the Scholastic Information section please select the Not on a 4.0 box and enter your GPA based on your institutions grading scale (Point-Scale, Class, Percentage, etc.).

• When do I need to send my official transcripts?

  Once you have received your final admission letter from the Graduate Admissions office. This final letter will identify what documents we will require in order for you to enroll for your first quarter.

• What do you mean by “official” transcript?

  An "official" transcript and degree certificate is a document that is certified by your home institution as being a true copy to what your home institution has on file. Certified copies must contain original wet ink stamp attesting that it is a certified copy to the original on file.

• What if my institution will not provide another transcript or degree certificate?

  If your institution will only provide one original transcript and/or degree certificate (diploma), please request that they provide a certified copy.

• What if my institution won’t seal my documents in an institution envelope?

  We will not be able to accept the documents as official. Your institution must place them in a sealed closed institution envelope and we must receive them in that same condition to assure the validity of those documents provided.

• What if my institution does not provide certified English translations?

  We recommend you either find a certified translator in the country your are currently residing. If you are residing in the U.S., we recommend you visit the American Translator Association site and use their Advance search to find a translator close to your current location.

• Who do I send my official transcript to?

  You will only need to send unofficial copies of your transcripts and degree certificates (if degree has been completed) to the graduate program you are applying to for the initial review.

  If you accept an offer of admission, official transcripts and degree certificates (if degree awarded isn't posted on transcript) should be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office. Our mailing address is:

  Graduate Admissions

  University Office Building, Room 116

  900 University Avenue

  Riverside CA, 92521

• Can I provide my own English translation?

  No. They must be provided by a certified translator. This can be your institution or a certified translator within your country or the U.S.

• Do you require certified English translations?

  Yes.

• Can I get a copy of my transcripts?

  Please check with your graduate program for assistance.

• Can I request my transcripts be returned?

  No. Once submitted. Your official transcripts and official certified copies of your degree certificates (if applicable) become part of your record and cannot be returned. Due to this policy, please make sure to never provide your original degree certificate awarded to you.

Test Scores

• What test scores are required?

  Please review our test scores section on our Requirements page.

• Can I apply without test scores?

  Yes, you can apply without test scores. Your application will not be reviewed by your graduate program until unofficial copies of your required scores are provided. In completing the the online application, you can either leave this section entirely blank if you have not registered for an exam or enter your Exam Date and Registration Number (7-digits) if you have signed up. Any entries in the test score results will require all fields to be completed.

• Are official scores required?

  No. Unofficial test scores are welcome for the initial review process. If admitted and accept, the Graduate Admissions office would request official scores at that time.

• If I previously submitted my test scores to UCR, do I have to report my test scores again?

  As long as the exam date is still valid, the answer is typically no. We encourage you to always check with the program if you are reapplying for admission.

  Those applying for re-admission, add a major, and change of major are not required to provide new test scores; unless your graduate program your started at UCR didn't require the GRE and the new graduate program does.

• Did you receive my test scores?

  Please log into your online application to check the status of your test scores. Official and unofficial scores will be marked received as soon as the Graduate Admissions office or Graduate Program is able to confirm the scores have been received. Electronic scores are official scores. Test scores reported to UCR prior to you applying will not be updated until after your application has been submitted.

• Is the GRE subject exam required?

  Only for the graduate program in Physics.

• What is UCR’s institutional code for the GRE/TOEFL exams?

  UCR's institution code is 4839.

• How do I find out the Department Code for the GRE exam?

  Please visit the ETS website for the listing of program codes. If you are not sure, you can always select 00 as test scores are matched to your personal information rather than the graduate program you applied to.

• What is the minimum GRE score required?

  An overall score of 300 (Verbal+Quantitative) score, is typically required for admission. We encourage you to speak to your graduate program (if it isn't posted on their website) as files are reviewed as a whole. The graduate program may either be flexible with the score minimum or may have a higher minimum requirement.

• Can I take the best scores from different exams?

  No. We will only use the score results from one exam date.

• How old can my GRE test score date be to be accepted by UCR?

  GRE scores are valid for 5 years per ETS. We allow test scores to be reported to UCR for Fall 2019 if they are dated January 2014. If your test score is older than that, we encourage you to speak to the graduate program.

• Do I have to provide an English Proficiency exam score?

  If any of your institutions attended where you earned a Bachelor's degree or higher were not exclusively taught in English, you are required to provide a valid and passing English Proficiency exam.

  If you received or will receive a Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited (or recognized institution if outside of the U.S.) institution whose main language of instruction was exclusively English prior to the quarter you have applied to, the English Proficiency exam requirement is waived.

   

   

• What English Proficiency exams do you accept?

  We accept the TOEFL and IELTS exams.

• Do I need to provide an English Proficiency exam score if I earned a degree in the US?

  No, if that institution attended is regionally accredited and the degree awarded or will be awarded to you is a Bachelor's degree or higher.

• Do I need to provide an English Proficiency exam score if I am a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident that earned a degree from an institution whose exclusive language of instruction was not English?

  Yes. The only exception would be if you earned an additional advanced degree (Master's or Doctorate) from a recognized institution whose exclusive language of instruction was English.

• What are the minimum English Proficiency exam scores?

  Here are the overall minimum scores.

  TOEFL: 80 (iBT); 550 for pBT.

  IELTS: overall score of 7.0, with no individual component score less than 6.0.

• How old can my English Proficiency test score date be to be accepted by UCR?

  TOEFL and IELTS must be dated 2 years from the quarter you are applying for. For Fall 2019, test scores cannot be older than September 2017.

• Do you accept the TOEFL MyBest™ scores?

  No. Scores reported to UCR will be evaluated based on an exam where all sections were completed and scored for one exam date. Results from multiple exams cannot be combined to create a super score. 

Letters of Recommendation

• How many letters of recommendation are required?

  A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation are required.

• Can I submit more than the required number of letters of recommendation?

  You can, but it does not increase your chances of being admitted.

• When will a request to upload my letter of recommendation go to my recommender?

  Once you have submitted your online application, your recommenders will receive an automated email from our online application system with further instructions on how to upload their letter to your application.

• Who do I contact to correct or update a recommender’s information on my application?

  The graduate program you applied to will be able to assist you with updates, corrections, or removal of your letter recommenders.

• Who do I contact if my recommender didn’t receive the email request to upload my letter of recommendation?

  The Graduate Admissions office. Prior to this please check the following things:

  1. Please confirm that the email address listed in your online application is correct. If it isn't please contact your graduate program to make any corrections.
  2. If all information is correct, please have your recommender check their Spam or Junk folder. The email will come from our online application system (email) and is titled "Email Title".
  3. The email invitation is sent the dame day you submit your online application so please provide the recommender with that information.
• I forgot to waive my rights to view the letter of recommendation, how do I fix that?

  Please contact the graduate program you applied to for assistance. You can provide them with the name of the recommender and confirm you are waiving your rights by email. The graduate program will then update that information in your online application and send a new invitation to the recommender reflecting that update.

• When are letters of recommendation due?

  Please check your Graduate Program's website for more details. A program can either require them to be submitted the same date as their application deadline or may accept them after the online application deadline.

• Can I resend a request to my recommender?

  Yes, you have the ability to do this once for each recommender on your application status page in our online application system. Once logged in, . If you need to send the request a third or fourth time, please contact the graduate program you applied to for assitance.

• Did you receive my letter(s) of recommendation?

  You can check the status of letters received through your application status page.

• Do you accept letters of recommendation from Interfolio?

  Yes. For specific instructions on how to note that in your online application, please review the instructions in the - section of the online application.

• How can I view my letter(s) of recommendation?

  If you have waived your rights to review the letter of recommendation, you will never be able to see the letter of recommendation. For those you have not waived your rights, you can only review them if you have matriculated as a UCR graduate student.

• Can I get a copy of my letter(s) of recommendation?

  No. If you qualify to see a letter of recommendation, you will only be shown a copy of the letter. Please review the above question for qualifications to review a letter of recommendation.

Statement of Purpose & Personal History Statement

• Do I have to submit both statements?

  Yes, unless application instructions indicate otherwise for this section in the online application.

• How long does each statement need to be?

  That depends on the individual and their responses to the writing prompts.

• How can I submit these statements?

  Both statements can either be uploaded (PDF or Word Document) or entered online in the application prior to submission. There is a 3,000 character limit (including spaces) for those that enter it online into the fields provided.

• How do I submit an updated or corrected one?

  Updated or corrected statements will need to be emailed directly to the graduate program you applied to. For contact information, please visit our Graduate Program page.

Program Requirements

• How do I find out about program requirements?

  Please visit the Graduate Programs page for more information. Graduate Programs will also indicate if Writing Samples or other program requirements will need to be provided in the Additional Information section located at the bottom of the Statement of Purpose & Personal History Statement tab in the online application.

Funding

• What kind of funding is available?

  Fellowship funding is available to certain graduate programs and only certain degree objectives within a graduate program. We encourage you to check with the graduate program you are interested in regarding funding availability based on the program and degree objective you are interested in.

• Do I have to apply for fellowship?

  No. If the graduate program and degree objective selected are eligible for fellowship funding, you will be considered for it by the graduate program. The graduate program is who makes the admission recommendation to provide funding.

• How do I find out if I received a fellowship?

  Any fellowship funding will be noted in your offer letter and a financial chart showing the funding approved will be provided as well.

• I didn’t receive a fellowship. Is it possible to receive future funding?

  Depending on the graduate program applied to and degree objective chosen, we recommend you check with the graduate program.

Admitted Students

• When do I have to accept my offer of admission?

  Your offer letter will provide you with a required response deadline.

• Can I get a deadline extension to my offer of admission?

  Only with the graduate program's approval. You will need to contact them first. If approved, they will notify our office and we will adjust this date based on their recommendation and you will receive an automated email from our online application system confirming the new response date.

• Can I defer to another quarter?

  It is an option for admitted students that requires approval from your graduate program. The deferment request form is currently available here. The deadline to submit a deferment request for those admitted to Winter 2021 is 11:59 PM (PST) on November 30, 2020. If your graduate program has not already reached out to you about the possibility of deferring admission, we encourage you to reach out before submitting the request form.

• Is it possible to decline an offer after I have already accepted it?

  While we are sorry to hear that, yes it is possible. You will need to notify Graduate Admissions and copy your graduate program as well. Our office will confirm once your decision has been updated to a decline.

International Students

• What is the International Applicant Confidential Financial Statement?

  International applicants are required to complete the International Applicant Confidential Financial Statement section as part of the Graduate online application. This section will provide total required fees, required proof of living expense, and dependent proof of support for the 9-month academic year. Any dependent's (spouse or child) requiring an I-20 form from our office will require you to provide additional verification of support to our office. You will also be required to provide the type of sponsorship you have. 

  As fellowships are merit-based, indicating that you have a sponsor will not exclude you from consideration of a fellowship.

• What is the International Student Sponsorship Information Form?

  The International Student Sponsorship Information Form is available in the Confidential Financial Statement section of the online application. The form contains more information regarding acceptable sponsor types and proof of support. This form and accompanying proof of support is not required during the application review process. If admitted, your offer letter will provide you with more details on these requirements.

• How much does it cost to attend UCR?

  Total required fees and expenses are estimated at US$47,331.86 per calendar year (this figure is subject to change). This amount is for the student alone. This estimate includes $32,287.86 for fees for three quarters and $15,044.00 for basic living expenses for the nine month academic year only. All fees are subject to change without notice. Married students must verify an additional US$3,500 if accompanied by a spouse and another US$3,000 for a child; each additional dependent requires US$3,000.

  If you have applied to the MPAc, MFin, MBA (Management or Professional), or MPP, visit Financial Verification and Visa Procedures for the total verification of support required for those programs

• When do I have to provide verification of support?

  Verification of support does not need to be provided during the initial review process of your application. If you are admitted, your offer letter will confirm if this is a requirement and provide you with further instructions.

• What are my visa options?

  The I-20 form is issued to admitted applicants who are qualified for an F-1 (student) visa. The DS2019 form is issued to admitted applicants who are qualified for a J-1 visa. J-1 (exchange visitor) status is appropriate for students whose programs of study are substantially funded by the U.S. government, their home government, an international or nonprofit organization, or UCR.

  Questions related to your current situation (if in the US on another visa) should be directed to the International Students and Scholars Office (ISS) to determine what your best option is given your current situation.

• How soon will I receive my I-20?

  Once your Certificate of Eligibility form is submitted, our office will prepare your I-20 within 1-3 business days. If you have a transfer I-20, your transfer will be prepared the next business day after your confirmed release date.

  Once prepared, your program will be notified to pick it up from our office and they will send it to you by express mail. Tracking information will be provided by your graduate program once it is shipped.

• When can I enter the US?

  If you have an initial I-20, you can enter the U.S. 30 days prior to the start date listed on your I-20 form. Your I-20 form will list that entry date, to assist you in planning your travel arrangements.

New Graduate Students

• I just accepted my offer of admission, what happens next?

  The Graduate Admissions team will review and prepare your final admission letter and send it to you within 1-3 business days after you accept. For International students, a separate email regarding preparing your I-20 form will be sent.

  If you are International and you are required to provide verification of support, further instructions will be provided in your Grad I-20 email and form.

• Where do I find my student identification information?

  All of your student information can be found on your final admission letter.

• I forgot my password and didn’t setup my security questions. Who do I contact to have my password reset?

  Email grdadmis@ucr.edu and provide your Name, application ID# and let us know you need your password reset and we will assist you in initiating this process.

• How can I get more information about what I need to do before the quarter begins?

  Your final admission letter will provide lot's of information to help you set yourself up as a graduate student here at UCR. You can also visit Accepting Your Offer for assistance.

  We recommend you setup your R'Mail account as soon as you receive your final letter so that you can also receive important communications sent by other UCR campus departments.

• What orientations are available to new graduate students?

  Orientations for new graduate students are provided by Graduate Division, International Students and Scholars (ISS), and typically through your graduate program. Each orientation has a different focus and we encourage all new graduate students to attend. The Graduate Division orientation is only offered in Fall quarter and your graduate program and ISS will reach out to you if you were admitted for another quarter.

Continuing or Returning Students

• Who do I contact to reset my password as a returning UCR graduate student?

  The Graduate Admissions office will be able to assist you. Please provide your name and student ID number to better assist you.

• How do I apply for re-admission, add a major, or change of major?

  Visit Returning & Continuing Students for more information about this process.

• How do I change my degree objective for the same program?

  This is handled by the Graduate Academic Affairs office. Visit Petitions and Forms for more information.

• Do I need to reapply when I come back from a Leave of Absence?

  This is handled by the Graduate Academic Affairs office. Visit Petitions and Forms for more information.

• Who do I contact if I can’t log into the Returning Student Application login?

  The Graduate Admissions office will be able to assist you. Please provide your name and student ID number to better assist you.