@babrthewarrior: For which major or majors at UCR and CSUF?
Academically overall UCR is more competitive than CSU Fullerton. UCR is probably on par academically with San Diego State and CSU Long Beach along with some majors at Cal Poly SLO.
If you are interested in UC Merced, this post gives an excellent overview of the campus: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-merced/2089179-uc-merced-campus-tour-impressions.html
Edited with Freshman profile for both campuses below:
CSU Fullerton (2019)
Average CSU/UC capped weighted GPA: 3.68
Average SAT: 1127
Average ACT: 22
UC Riverside (2019): 25-75th percentiles
UC Capped weighted GPA: 3.69 - 4.11
ACT Composite Score: 21 - 29
ACT English Language Arts : 22 - 30
SAT Evidence Based Reading & Writing: 560 - 670
SAT Mathematics: 570 - 730
SAT Essay: 14 - 17
UC’s are test optional for the 2021 and 2022 application cycle. 2023, the UC’s will be test blind.
CSU’s are test blind for the 2021 admission cycle. No word for future application years.
Link for academic averages for all CSU campuses. Impacted majors and campuses will have higher requirements.
Both CSU Fullerton and UC Riverside are considered commuter schools, UCR less so than CSUF.