The UC Riverside interview

No admissions interview. Here is how it works and how to prepare.

No admissions interview

No interviews offered; admissions is entirely application-based (PIQ essays, GPA, coursework)

How to prepare for UC Riverside

Focus energy on your four Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) , these 350-word essays are UC Riverside's primary window into who you are beyond grades and test scores.
Demonstrate interest through campus visits or virtual info sessions, since the UC system does not track demonstrated interest formally but understanding the campus helps you write more specific essays.
Highlight any research, community college coursework, or STEM/humanities projects that align with UCR's strengths (notably biomedical research and environmental sciences).
Because UCR is test-blind, contextualize your academic record through your activities and essays rather than worrying about standardized test preparation.

Practice before the real thing

Rehearse real admissions-interview questions and get an honest read on your answers, what an interviewer hears, where you sound generic, and what to sharpen. We coach you; we never script you.

Practice interview questions

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