Admission Processes at UC Riverside?

Hey y'all, looking for some help here. I'm considering applying to UC Riverside next year, but I'm a kinda bit lost about the admission process. Does anyone have insight on how to apply and what they're looking for in applicants? Thanks!

Glad to see you're looking into UC Riverside! The process may seem daunting, but it is rather straightforward once you get the hang of it. To apply to UC Riverside, you must complete the University of California application, which is used by all nine UC campuses.

Now, let's break down the key elements in the application process.

1. Submission Window: The UC application opens on August 1st, but you can only submit it from October 1st to November 30th. It's a good idea to start working on the application early, so you have plenty of time to revise and perfect your essays.

2. Personal Insight Questions: There are eight Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), and you’ll need to respond to four of them. Each essay has a 350-word limit. The PIQs are a critical aspect of your application - it's your chance to provide insight into who you are as a person, not just a student. They aren't looking for a specific 'right' answer but rather what you've learned and how you've grown from your experiences.

3. Academic Records: You'll have to enter your coursework and grades for all your courses from 9th grade through 11th grade and your planned coursework for 12th grade. Make sure to enter this information accurately, as the UCs use it to calculate your UC GPA.

4. Extracurriculars and Awards: The application also has sections for you to list your extracurricular activities, work experience, and any honors or awards you've received.

For UC Riverside, standardized test scores are not considered as it is a test-blind school. What's crucial is that you focus on showcasing your academic readiness (through your grades and rigor of courses you've taken), and use your PIQs and the 'Activities & Awards' section to highlight your passions, your commitment, and personal qualities that set you apart from other applicants.

Most importantly, throughout your application, you should aim to show commitment, passion, and a clear sense of direction or purpose. Whether it's through your course choices, extracurricular activities, or Personal Insight Questions, try to tell a consistent story about who you are and what you hope to achieve at UC Riverside. Best of luck with your application!