UC Graduate Admissions
The graduate application to the University of California, Riverside, is a multi-step process. The requirements differ based on the program of study you have chosen and your academic history. To complete the graduate application, you will need to submit all required materials by their deadlines.
Requirements
- GPA requirements. The minimum GPA to apply to UC Berkeley’s graduate programs is 3.0, and we recommend a minimum of 3.5 for your best chance at admission.
- Units required by the program. You must have completed at least 30 units (or the equivalent) with at least a “B” average to be considered for admission as an incoming transfer student; if you’re applying as an incoming freshman, you must have completed 12 or more college-level courses with grades of C or better in high school.
- Units required by the program
How to apply
The first step in applying to UC is determining which campuses you want to attend. The University of California has ten campuses, including UC Berkeley and UCLA. If you are unsure where you would like to attend college in the state or country, visit the University of California website for information on all its campuses.
Once you have decided which campus(es) appeals most strongly to your interests and career goals, visit its admissions website for details about how and when applications should be submitted for admission consideration. To help make this process easier for prospective students who may have trouble accessing technology due to financial constraints or other reasons, all 10 UC undergraduate schools offer paper-based and electronic application options (through either Cal State Apply or Common Application).
Application form
The UC application is a long and involved process, but it’s worth it. The first step is to submit your application fee, which can be done online or by mail. You will then receive an email confirming that you’ve submitted the form and giving details about how to log on and check the status of your application.
Next comes the actual writing: in addition to answering questions about yourself, you’ll need to write two essays (one personal statement and one creative) as well as take three tests–math reasoning/verbal reasoning; English composition 1; biology with lab–and submit them electronically with scores from each test taken within two years before submitting your college applications. You must also submit official transcripts for all high schools attended since ninth grade (including summer sessions), plus any postsecondary institutions attended since graduating high school.
Recommendations
Recommendations should be from someone who knows you well and can speak to your academic abilities, research potential, and teaching potential. Recommendation letters should be sent directly to the UC Graduate Admissions Office by email (preferred) or postmarked by February 1st of the application year.
Recommendation letters are not required for admission but are highly recommended if they are available.
Required testing
The University of California requires applicants to submit their test scores. The most common tests are the SAT and ACT. As an international student, you must also meet the minimum test scores.
The TOEFL is required if you have been educated in a country where English is not the primary language. You plan to enroll at UC Davis as a freshman or transfer student from within California. Please note that some majors require higher TOEFL scores; please check with your departmental advisor before registering for this exam.
The IELTS is required if:
- Your native language isn’t English AND
- You’ve taken two years of high school or college-level classes AND
- Your cumulative GPA is less than 2.5
Personal history statement
A personal history statement is a written account of your background, interests and experiences. The information should be approximately 500 words in length and should be submitted as part of the admission application process.
This document will give the admissions committee an idea of who you are as an individual and how UC Berkeley might benefit from having you join its community. It should include the following:
- A summary of your background (where were you born? Where did you grow up?)
- Your educational endeavours (what schools did you attend, what degrees did/will they award)
Application fees
The application fee is $55 and must be paid by credit card or check. Payment can be made online, but you must print out a confirmation page to submit with your application package.
You may also pay the fee by mailing a personal check or money order (payable to the “University of California”). Please do not send cash through the mail; we cannot accept it!
Transcripts
Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution, in a sealed envelope and to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts must be in English and reach us at least one month before your intended start date.
Statement of purpose
A statement of purpose is a document that explains why you want to go to graduate school and what you hope to accomplish there. This can be a difficult task for some, but it can be an enjoyable experience with the right approach. Here are some tips:
- Make sure you have a clear idea of what type of program or field of study interests you most before starting your statement.
- Remember that this document will be read by multiple people who may each have ideas about what makes a suitable applicant, so don’t feel pressured into writing something just because someone else wants it! The best way I’ve found for coming up with ideas is by reading through past essays myself–and even then, sometimes I still find myself stuck! If all else fails, though, remember these two things: “Think outside the box” (as my mom always told me) and “Don’t try too hard.”
Supplemental materials
Supplemental materials are additional documents that support your application. Examples of supplemental materials include but are not limited to, personal statements, letters of recommendation, portfolios, artistic works, awards and honours received during college studies or professional career.
You may use the following resources to help you prepare:
