<p>Okay, so applications are all sent in, and I made a last minute decision to apply to Riverside. I was wondering what my chances were of getting in? The major I applied to was Asian Studies.</p>
<p>UW GPA: 3.58
W GPA: 4.16
UC GPA: 3.79
SAT: 1930 (M- 660, CR-620)
ACT: 30</p>
<p>I'm ranked in the 25%, but that's because about thirty people in my grade have 4.2-4.3 GPAs there's only about 150 of us. We're a small, private Catholic school, and we're one of the most rigorous in our area. </p>
<p>I'm from Oklahoma, African American (1st gen American), a National Achievement SF, Secretary of my state's Junior Classical League, President of Glee and Girl Power Club at my school, and I have a varsity letter in volleyball and over 300 service hours. I'd like to think that my essays were pretty good, as writing is one of my strong points. Do you think I have a chance of getting in?</p>
<p>Also, what is it with Riverside's "bad reputation?" I had a friend who missed her SIR for Irvine, so she SIR'd for Riverside, and she was so frustrated, but now she loves it after going there. I don't know if it's because she's from California, so she viewed it differently, but Riverside doesn't seem that bad to me.</p>
<p>Does it truly have a bad reputation or is it because it's a lower tier UC school?</p>
<p>UCR’s location compared to many of the UC’s is not considered the most desirable. You cannot compare it to UCSB or UCSD which are few steps from the California beaches but it is still a UC therefore you will get an excellent education. I really think UCR gets a bad rap only because it has been one of the easier schools to get into, but by no means is their academics below par. Your race will not be considered in since California banned affirmative action, but you look like a very qualified applicant. If possible, I suggest you visit the campus and form your own opinion. </p>
<p>UCR: Match</p>
<p>You do realize that you will receive little to no financial aid being an OOS student. Your price would possibly be around $50K/year or more. UCR can be one of the more generous UC’s in giving merit scholarships with some around $10-15K/year. I wish you good luck.</p>
<p>Thank you for replying so quickly. Your answer rests my soul a bit. I don’t think my major was terribly competitive, but you still never know. Also, in regards to the reputation, I think I understand a bit more. I think it’s a HS vs College mentality that shapes most of the opinions on my academic level than anything else. I will consider visiting the campus if I have the time.</p>
<p>Ah, yes, I’m well aware of the price tag and the lack of financial aid heading my way, but I’m lucky enough that my family is financially secure and my college fund remains untapped, so most affording most colleges won’t be a problem.</p>
<p>A lot of the reputation just comes from the location just like Gumbymom mentioned & annoying weather
I have many friends who go there and they all love it. The campus is very green and the buildings all look very nice.not to mention the new buildings that opened up this year. It has rock climbing now and more fun things you can do on your free time
There’s a lot of open opportunities to receive hands on experience you just have to make an effort to ask
The people are really nice too
Their reputation has actually been increasing more every year as well </p>
<p>@Hiitsnaomi How annoying is the weather? I’m from Oklahoma, and we get everything here, so it probably won’t faze me much compared to someone who’s used perfect weather all the time. On Sunday, the sirens went off for severe storms, but for most of us here, it was just another rainy day.</p>
<p>@sebethpin The weather won’t be a problem for you at all then 
Just like you said, I am one of those people who have lived with perfect weather all my life so I am not used to super cold or dry hot sun ( I have always lived a couple of min from the beach )… The campus is inland and there are mountains if that gives you an idea about the environment. </p>
<p>@Hiitsnaomi Oh, good :3 That makes me feel even better XD The weather does what it pleases here, so it’s nice to see that I won’t be terribly caught off guard if I end up attending there.</p>