Transcript:
Mail in one copy of all official transcripts in the original sealed envelope from the home institution. All academic institutions attended after high school should be reported even if coursework was transferred to another college or university. Unofficial copies may be emailed to edgrad@ucr.edu for application review purposes only. International applicants must submit official transcripts and Certificates of Degree/Diploma in their original language and English by the home institution. Notarized documents or copies are not accepted.
Personal Statement:
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 particular interest.
Recommendation Letter:
Graduate Division requires 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 are in a position to analyze your academic ability and potential for success in a rigorous graduate program. It is strongly recommended that you not request letters from Teaching or Laboratory Assistants, postdocs, lecturers, adjunct faculty, friends, or faculty from junior colleges. If you wish to submit a letter from an employer, please contact the graduate program advisor to determine if this will be acceptable. All letters of recommendation must be in English. If you have been enrolled in a previous graduate program, it is required that one letter be from your research or program advisor in that graduate program.
Personal History Statement:
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.