An L.A. Times feature by higher education writer Teresa Watanabe describes UCR as a "living laboratory" in which to study how well students with high grades but low SAT scores fare in college. 

UCR has the second-lowest SAT scores in the UC system for its entering freshmen. But Times research found there is only a two-point difference in graduation rates between those with SAT scores between 900-1090 and those who scored between 1100-1600.

The Times article points to UCR's reputation for helping disadvantaged students succeed, and for the "grit" of its students, many of whom are first generation, from low-income families, and from underrepresented populations.

The article asserts: "The Riverside campus is filled with students from less privileged backgrounds whose hard work has helped them transcend low test scores and rise to UC's academic rigor."

Follow this link for Watanabe's article in the Dec. 22 issue of the L.A. Times.