Frequently Asked Questions
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- What are the Deadlines to Apply?
- Do recommendations and transcripts have to be mailed directly from the school, recommender, or can they be delivered by the applicant?
- What happens if I can only fund a part of my tuition?
- How much financial support should I declare?
- What proof must I have of my funding?
- What if I cannot provide a Certificate of Degree because I am still working on my undergraduate degree?
- Is it O.K. to apply to the Ph.D. program with only a Bachelor’s Degree?
- Is a paper copy of the application available?
- Can I reapply if I was previously denied admission?
- Is it possible to make changes to my application?
- What programs does UCR offer in engineering and where can I find information on faculty and their research?
- How long until my TOEFL and GRE scores expire?
- How do I get my TOEFL waived?
- What is the recommended format for my resume and statement of purpose?
- Can I apply for the winter or spring quarter?
- Where can I check the status of my application?
- When can I expect to be notified of admission decisions?
- What are the minimum test score (GRE, TOEFL) requirements for admission?
- What requirements must I meet to be considered for financial aid?
- If any, which documents are acceptable as a photocopy, fax, or e-mail?
- Can I take classes from other departments as well?
- How do I get a teacher assistantship?
- Once I'm admitted when do I have to arrive on campus?
- What classes should I take?
- How do I register for classes?
- When and how do I pay my fees?
- What forms of payment are accepted and who should I make the check or money order out to?
- Do I need a health plan?
- How do I get a student ID card?
- How do I apply for housing?
* What are the Deadlines to Apply?
Below are some general deadlines, but please contact your department for exact application deadlines.
Fall Quarter Admission and Fellowship Consideration
January 5: deadline for admission and fellowship consideration for domestic and international students. Applications received after this date may still be considered for financial support opportunities, depending on the availability of remaining resources.
Fall Quarter Admission (begins September)
February 1: application submission deadline for international students
May 1: application submission deadline for domestic/US resident students
Winter Quarter Admission (begins January)
July 1: application submission deadline for international students
September 1: application submission deadline for domestic students
Spring Quarter Admission (begins April)
October 1: application submission deadline for international students
December 1: application submission deadline for domestic students
* Do recommendations and transcripts have to be mailed directly from the school, recommender, or can they be delivered by the applicant?
They can be delivered or mailed by the applicant as long as they are sealed and have never been opened.
* What happens if I can only fund a part of my tuition?
That’s OK. Just mark how much you are able to fund per year on the 3a/3b form and provide a bank letter. You will still be considered for financial aid.
* How much financial support should I declare?
The minimum amount of financial support necessary to fund your education is $36,669 per year.[LG76]
* What proof must I have of my funding?
To show proof of your funding you must provide a signed bank letter from your bank(s) showing your account balances.
* What if I cannot provide a Certificate of Degree because I am still working on my undergraduate degree?
We will consider your application without a Certificate of Degree. But if you are admitted, you will be required to submit it upon completion
* Is it O.K. to apply to the Ph.D. program with only a Bachelor’s Degree?
Yes!
* Is a paper copy of the application available?
No. The only form of the application accepted is the online electronic one.
* Can I reapply if I was previously denied admission?
Yes! You can reapply for the next application period.
* Is it possible to make changes to my application?
Yes. Please make sure you notify both the Graduate Division and the department to which you have applied.
* What programs does UCR offer in engineering and where can I find information on faculty and their research?
You can find information on the engineering departments, its faculty, and programs on our Web site: www.engr.ucr.edu/
* How long until my TOEFL and GRE scores expire?
Your TOEFL expires 2 years after you take it.
Your GRE expires 5 years after you take it.
* How do I get my TOEFL waived?
To get your TOEFL score waived you must contact your department’s graduate advisor to schedule a phone interview to assess your spoken English ability.
* What is the recommended format for my resume and statement of purpose?
There is no set format for your resume or statement of purpose. Nevertheless, we recommend the statement of purpose should be in the form of an essay and not more than 2-3 pages.
* Can I apply for the winter or spring quarter?
Bioengineering – yes
Chemical and Environmental Engineering – no, Fall application only
Computer Sciences and Engineering - yes
Electrical Engineering – yes
Materials Science & Engineering - yes
Mechanical Engineering - yes
* Where can I check the status of my application?
Log back onto the online graduate application page where you can see your status. If all else fails, contact the graduate assistant for your department.
* When can I expect to be notified of admission decisions?
Notifications go out throughout the application process. In general, you will have a response within three weeks of turning in ALL of your application materials.
* What are the minimum test score requirements for admission?
Minimum GRE: 1100
Minimum TOEFL: Paper: 550; Computer 213; Internet: 80
GPA: 3.2+
* What requirements must I meet to be considered for financial aid?
You must demonstrate an above average GPA, high GRE scores, and good reference letters to obtain financial aid.
* If any, which documents are acceptable as a photocopy, fax, or e-mail?
> 3a/3b - A fax or e-mail is acceptable for evaluation purposes only. You will still need to provide a hard copy with your original signature.
> Transcripts - A fax or e-mail is acceptable for evaluation purposes only. You will still need to provide a hard copy. The official copy must come in a sealed envelope stamped by your university.
> GRE and TOEFL - Copies are fine for evaluation purposes but you will need to turn in an official copy. Alternatively, you can ask that scores be sent to us electronically.
> Bank Letter - A bank letter is only necessary if you are a self-supporting student. In this case you will need a hard copy of the bank letter.
> Recommendations - We only accept recommendation letters in a sealed envelope signed by the professor and typed on university letterhead.
* Can I take classes from other departments as well?
Some students take classes from other departments. Approval from both departments is necessary.
* How do I get a teacher assistantship?
Assistantships are only offered to applicants who have been awarded fellowships as part of their financial package at this time.
* Once I'm admitted when do I have to arrive on campus?
It is recommended that international students arrive the second Monday of September, since the international student orientation is usually held at the end of the second week. Domestic students can arrive the third week of September, but before the departmental and Graduate Division orientation. Please check with your department for orientation date(s).
* What classes should I take?
During the department orientation students will have a chance to talk to the graduate advisor or with the research advisor regarding courses they should take.
* How do I register for classes?
Students should complete the quarterly advising form with the help of the graduate advisor and/or the research advisor. Take the completed form to the graduate program assistant for enrollment. If your department does not enroll you in courses, then you can register for classes at: http://www.growl.ucr.edu. The Schedule of Classes can be viewed online at: http://classes.ucr.edu/
* When and how do I pay my fees?
Tuition and fees must be paid by the fee payment deadlines published in the UCR Schedule of Classes (http://www.classes.ucr.edu/enrollment/calendar.htm) under the Academic Calendar link in order to avoid a $50 late payment fee and loss of classes for the quarter.
Tuition and fees may be paid by mail or in person at UCR's Main Cashier's Office, located in Hinderaker Hall, or at the Housing Cashier's Office. The Student Business Services Office sends all students a monthly Statement of Account, which includes all fees due and any other outstanding institutional charges.
* What forms of payment are accepted and who should I make the check or money order out to?
Currently we only accept checks or Money Orders in U.S. dollars. Checks must have a valid address. Both can be made out to: UC Regents.
* Do I need a health plan?
The Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan (GSHIP), is the medical health insurance plan offered by UCR to all registered graduate students. All UCR graduate students are automatically enrolled in GSHIP when they pay their UCR registration fees each term. Students who are enrolled in an adequate private medical insurance plan may waive out of GSHIP. For more information, please visit the health center website: http://campushealth.ucr.edu/
* How do I get a student ID card?
Go to the Science Library (Room G50) the first week of school to obtain your UCR Card. Be sure to have your student ID number and some type of photo ID. A $20 fee will be billed to your student account.
* How do I apply for housing?
Please visit the Housing Web site to learn about your housing options while studying at UCR. Submit a contract online: http://housing.ucr.edu/