University of California-Riverside
Riverside, CA · public
Official site ↗Admissions
| Admit rate | 76.9% |
| Applicants | 57,714 |
| Middle-50% SAT | —–— |
| Middle-50% ACT | —–— |
| Avg GPA | — |
| Test policy | — |
| Avg net price / yr | $13,707 |
| Grad rate | 77% |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $67,699 |
| Source | cds · 2024 |
Application requirements
| Regular / Rolling | 2025-12-01 |
| Application fee | $80 (US) · $95 (intl) |
| Personal essay | Not required |
| Writing supplement | PIQs: answer 4 of 8, 350 words each |
| Test policy | ignored |
Source: the school's official admissions pages, 2025-26 cycle. Confirm on the college's site — requirements can change mid-cycle.
Supplemental essays
Answer 4 of 8 — max 350 words each.
- Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.
- 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.
- What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
- Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
- 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?
- Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
- What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
- Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?
Copied verbatim from the school's official admissions page (2025-26 cycle).