Why is UC Riverside not an optimal "safety" school for Californians?

[TheBiologist]

So you always hear how Cali is one of the "unluckies" states in the country in terms of getting in

but I was just on MSAR and UCR says their median MCAT is a 508 (with a 505 matriculant). isn't this below the national average of 509? why wouldn't this serve as a good state school for calis?

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[Toutie]

So you always hear how Cali is one of the "unluckies" states in the country in terms of getting in

but I was just on MSAR and UCR says their median MCAT is a 508 (with a 505 matriculant). isn't this below the national average of 509? why wouldn't this serve as a good state school for calis?

They set aside a certain # of seats for their own undergrads...25 seats I think. And they are a mission driven school. They want applicants who are from, have shown a commitment to, and would like to practice in the Inland Empire. Most Californians don't fit that mission.

 

[Gibbward]

To add to what @Toutie said, it also seemed like they admit very few people (incoming class is ~60 people according to their website).

 

[3member]

With only ~60 seats for each incoming class (and a portion set aside for students around the IE and UCR undergrads), along with the many Californian pre-meds applying.. not a good safety choice

 

[SuaveCardigans]

but I was just on MSAR and UCR says their median MCAT is a 508 (with a 505 matriculant). isn't this below the national average of 509? why wouldn't this serve as a good state school for calis?

For what its worth, UCLA has those exact same numbers if I am not mistaken.
The takeaway is that there is more to selectivity in admissions that MCAT scores.

 

[DameJulie]

Agree with above said that UCR is mission-driven and in-state preference.

Not sure if they also practice yield protection. But almost all my friends who got into top 10 schools and other UCs didn't get interview/acceptance to UCR. They didn't have URM status.

 

[Dr.Kat]

They set aside a certain # of seats for their own undergrads...25 seats I think. And they are a mission driven school. They want applicants who are from, have shown a commitment to, and would like to practice in the Inland Empire. Most Californians don't fit that mission.

I interviewed at UCR and they didn't take this Californian...