<p>*UCR Medical Program (Future hospital. First built in CA in 40 years.)
*UCR Engineering (New research building opens in 2010)
*UCR Students (3rd most diverse in the nation. This is a great opportunity to learn from people around the world. Great Asian connections after college.)
*UCR Research (Millions spent in Research. Nobel Prize winners.)
*UCR (Top Tier University)
*UCR (Central to many locations. Close to mountains, or Disneyland)</p>
<p>As an over thirty years old student I have a much different perspective on the value of a college education. My wife and I recently finished our community college degrees and are now ready to transfer. We married at a young age and have two children. My wife also has health conditions that have required attention taking us more time then desired to finish our two year degrees. I have worked in the corporate world, without a degree, and have learned a lot about the reality of a college education. First I must say that not all major executives go to a first tier college (Which UCR is.) I know top business executives that have degrees in areas such as "Fashion Design." If you have a "go getter" personality you will be successful. I'm not saying don't get a degree. Definitely get a degree. I have many friends that went to USC, UCLA etc. Some are successful and others are not. I know an executive who went to CSUN. My point is the school that you attend is not as important as the type of person you are. That being said we all want to go to the best school possible. The question then becomes which school is the best? Personally, I think that if you can go to IV leagues schools such as Harvard, or Cornell then stop reading this because you are already at the top of your game. Now for those of us looking at USC, UCLA, other UC's continue reading this.</p>
<p>My wife has a CC GPA of 3.67. I have a CC GPA of 3.4. Despite our age and life (medical) challenges we were turned down to UCLA and Berkley. My wife definitely qualified. So why didn't she get in? Who knows and who cares. Over 15,000 applications were submitted to UCLA this year. Do people really think that those accepted are the only elite? If you do you are kidding yourself. I know students that got into UCLA as CC transfers with a 3.2. Sometimes timing, or ethnic representation is part of the decision. Be supportive of your school but don't for a second think you are smarter and better then the rest of us. If you are a freshman out of high school I can see why you would want to go to UCSD, UCSB, and UCLA. They are all near the beach and a lot of clubs! Don't misunderstand me these are all good UC's and so is UCR. As a married couple we want the best education and opportunities available. UCR is a great choice. It has a very good Biology program. A solid Engineering program. Lots of financial aid. (Some of you don't appreciate not being in debt. Believe me when your married with kids not having student loans will be a BIG deal.) The cost of housing in Riverside is very good. Try buying a house under $500,000 by UCLA that isn't a small box. Riverside's housing market is very attractive for young couples.</p>
<p>I spent sometime living in Asia. I must say that my experience is Asians are serious students. Just watch the East continue to grow. We have a lot to learn from them here in the West. My wife was always at the top of her class at the community college. I guarantee there are very few students more capable at academics then she is and she is going to UCR. I know some that go to UCR that have 3.9 GPA's. UCR continues to spend big money on research. If you want to learn, then you can at UCR. If you want an extra challenge enroll in Honors courses. If you work hard, do research, and intern, you will have many opportunities at the end of college. You will learn more with a diverse student body then not. Remember, some people have life oppositions that affects there college GPA. For example: health care needs, international students, and financial challenges. The same students without these challenges would probably be straight "A" students.</p>
<p>Don't buy into the hype. UCR is a solid school. Just remember to spend your time learning. Before you know it you will be the boss of both UCLA, USC, and any other college graduates. Because in the real world 90% of the population didn't go to a top University. And we at UCR are in a "Tier One" University. </p>
<p>I say it's not UCR (rejected) it's UCR (Respected). Unless you are naive and ethnocentric, I suggest stop putting down one of the top Universities in the nation.</p>