The GRE general test is now optional for all applicants applying for admission in Fall 2024.

 

Applicants may report a GRE score but it is not required to complete an application. If you plan to take the GRE, plan to take the exam no later than December of your application cycle to ensure the timely receipt of test scores for fellowship and admission consideration. Keep in mind that it may take a minimum of two weeks for test scores to reach us from ETS. Test Scores submitted may not be borrowed, photocopied, returned to you or sent elsewhere. Although current scores are preferred, you may submit scores no older than five years (e.g. if you apply for Fall 2024 admission, scores must be no older than January 2019). For more information on the GRE exam, visit ETS.

 

GRE Institution Code: 4839

GRE Department Code: 1203

 

We will accept the GRE General Test At-Home version for the 2024 application cycle.

All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not earned an undergraduate (bachelor's or first-degree equivalent) or advanced degree (master's or doctorate) at an institution where English is the exclusive language of instruction must submit passing current exam scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The Graduate Division will not accept the Duolingo English Test. Scores submitted may not be borrowed, photocopied, returned to you, or sent elsewhere. 

 

Before performing duties as a Teaching Assistant, any student whose native language is not English must pass an oral English language competency exam upon arrival at UCR. This includes not only international students but also any student whose first language is not English. 

 

The TOEFL exam is administered by ETS and offered in nearly every country abroad. This exam must be taken within two years of the time you intend to enroll at UCR. We are accepting the TOEFL iBT Special At Home version for the 2024-25 application cycle. However, the TOEFL ITP+ or the TOEFL MyBest™ scores; offered by ETS cannot be accepted. We will accept the TOEFL iBT Special At-Home version for the 2023-24 application cycle. 

 

The IELTS exam is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. We accept the IELTS Indicator for the 2022 -23 and 2023-24 application cycles. This exam must be taken within two years of the time you intend to enroll at UCR. Please request an official Test Report Form (TRF) of your IELTS exam score. Remember to order the TRF from the test center where you took the test and ask the administrator to send the electronic score to UCR. We will accept the IELTS Indicator for the 2023-24 application cycle.

 

Minimum IELTS score: 7 overall total score

The minimum score in each individual component must be 6 or above

 

For more information about registering for this exam or to locate the office of any test center, visit IELTS

Applicants will be able to enter their recommenders' information directly into our online application. Recommenders will be notified electronically and will be provided instructions on how to submit a letter online. All letters of recommendation must be received electronically so they are attached to the applicant's file for review. 

 

Graduate programs require three (3) letters of recommendation. Submitting more than three letters does not improve your standing as an applicant. At least two of these letters should be requested from professors in your major subject. The most important aspect of letters of recommendation is that they be completed by individuals who can attest to your academic abilities and potential to succeed in a rigorous graduate program. All letters of recommendation must be in English. If you were enrolled in a previous graduate program, it is required that one letter be from your research or program advisor in that graduate program. 

 

Applicants using Interfolio's online portfolio service can have their letters uploaded to our online application using Interfolio's "Web Delivery" Method. To do so, please follow the step-by-step instructions located within the Reference Information section of the online application. 
 
If you wish to waive your right to inspect the letters of recommendation, mark the appropriate box below the reference information. Only enrolled UCR students are permitted to inspect letters of recommendation for which they did not waive their right to access. Letters of recommendation cannot be released to the applicant and cannot be forwarded elsewhere. 

Applicants must submit these essays directly into their online application. Please note that each essay should not duplicate the other. We also do not accept a personal resume or curriculum vitae as a response to either essay. 

 

The Statement of Purpose is your opportunity to state your specific interests with respect to the program to which you are applying. Your intended area of specialization, career objectives, research interests, and experience are of interest. 

 

The Personal History Statement is your opportunity to discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Please include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how you might contribute to social or cultural diversity within your chosen field; and/or how you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree. 

A non-refundable application fee is required, and payment can be made using (Visa, MasterCard or Discover) prior to submitting your online application. As application fees vary, please review the amount below to determine your required application fee. 

 

Domestic (U.S. Citizens & U.S. Permanent Residents): $135

International (Non-Immigrant/Visa Student): $155

 

Fee Waivers are available to qualified domestic applicants only. Waivers are not automatically granted and need to be approved prior to submission of your application. Only one fee waiver is allowed per student, per application period. We cannot issue refunds for any application fees already paid.