University of California-Riverside Top Questions

Rejects from other UCs.

There are the jocks who are always in the gym and hitting the weights. There are the science geeks who are always in the library studying worrying about the curve. There are the Frat Kids who are usually rich or very well off and worry only about their appearance and company. There are the stoners who are very lackadaisical and who seem to not be concerned about anything. There are also the party people who are just looking for an excuse not to be sober. There are the typical commuters who just come to class and automatically leave.

That everyone who goes here was rejected from all of the other UC campuses and was then handed admission to UCR as a last resort. This creates another stereotype that everyone who goes here is stupid and couldn't get in anywhere "better". This however is NOT true, and it is a stereotype that frankly should stop being perpetuated.

My school is known for being a diverse flock of degenerates but you'll actually find a very chill and welcoming atmosphere.

There are many stereotypes that are attached to the name of UC Riverside. The most popular one you'll hear is the one referring to the incredible heat. People always ask me, "Isn't it super hot over there?" That stereotype is half true and half false. Yes, during the spring and summer quarter, the heat can become quite overbearing reaching anywhere from mid 90s to low 100s. However, during the fall and winter quarter we actually experience some really nice weather ranging anywhere from high 60s to mid 70s. Contrary to popular belief, it actually does get quite cold around here. Another stereotype we are infamous for, is that we are one of the lower ranked schools among the UC system. You will find that most high school seniors apply here as a "back up" school, a school that they can use as a safety net in case they dont get accepted into anywhere else; hence the name UCR standing as an abbreviation for the University of College Rejects. However, this is not true in the slightest. You must understand that this is a school of the UC system, we are taught basically the same curriculum and we are all part of the same system. Also, the business school here is one of the best in the country. With the recent acquisition of Dr. David W. Stewart from the Marshall School of Business at USC, our business program at UCR is quickly growing to be one of the best in the nation. Also, UCR has recently been crowned as the 5th best school in America by Forbes, a highly regarded name in the business industry. With accolades such as that, can we really be stereotyped as a dummy school?

There are many stereotypes that are attached to the name of UC Riverside. The most popular one you'll hear is the one referring to the incredible heat. People always ask me, "Isn't it super hot over there?" That stereotype is half true and half false. Yes, during the spring and summer quarter, the heat can become quite overbearing reaching anywhere from mid 90s to low 100s. However, during the fall and winter quarter we actually experience some really nice weather ranging anywhere from high 60s to mid 70s. Contrary to popular belief, it actually does get quite cold around here. Another stereotype we are infamous for, is that we are one of the lower ranked schools among the UC system. You will find that most high school seniors apply here as a "back up" school, a school that they can use as a safety net in case they dont get accepted into anywhere else; hence the name UCR standing as as abbreviation for the University of College Rejects. However, this is not true in the slightest. You must understand that this is a school of the UC system, we are taught basically the same curriculum and we are all part of the same system. Also, the business school here is one of the best in the country. With the recent acquisition of Dr. David W. Stewart from the Marshall School of Business at USC, our business program at UCR is quickly growing to be one of the best in the nation. Also, UCR has recently been crowned as the 5th best school in America by Forbes, a highly regarded name in the business industry. With accolades such as that, can we really be stereotyped as a dummy school?

There is a common theme that runs throughout High School's in California that those who could not get into any other colleges attend UC Riverside. However, this is completely untrue. The Riverside community is a very welcoming environment. I have been very fortunate to attend a school that provides students with undergraduate and graduate research, creates a fun environment to learn and live in, and support to its students. Many of us had UCR as our first choice. I don't regret attending here at all. I am a transfer student and the resources available to me are not more or less than what any other student receives. I am very happy with the support system and the curriculum of the school.

As our student population is so diverse, we really don't have a "stereotype". I suppose one stereotype would be that UCR students are lazy or non-studious, because they didn't go to a more "prestigious UC". This stereotype is false. A lot of UCR students come from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is hard to get good grades and good SAT scores if you come from a less privileged area. Once they come in, many UCR students generally have to play "catch up" to the students who were fortunate enough to attend a school that offered college preparation programs and classes.

Unfortunately the prevailing stereotype for UCR students is that they attend UCR because no other college would accept them and that these students aren't too intelligent or interested in school. Fortunately this stereotype is false and doesn't apply to many of the students. Many students at UCR chose the school for various reasons from the financial aid they may have recieved to the academic resources UCR offers.

In 2007, UCR was named the 5th most diverse campus in the nation, and we have many campus clubs and organizations that cater to embracing student differences. High school is known for its clicks, and groups that determine social status and college is somewhat similar, however my experience at UCR has been one of almost complete acceptance. Of course you still have your "asian nerds" or sorority/fraternity drinkers, the gamers, and athletes, but the difference in college is that everyone has their own major. We all don't take courses together like you do in high school, and so one becomes friends and comes into contact with a variety of individuals depending on what courses they take. Every college campus is different, however in my opinion, mostly every student recognizes the investment they are making in their education, and values that respect in other students as well.