At 11 years old, Alisa Perales has begun her studies as a computer science major at the University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside), becoming what appears to be the youngest student ever enrolled at the university based on alumni records.
Perales transferred to UC Riverside after earning two associate degrees from Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa. She started attending Crafton Hills at age 8, following completion of all California high school graduation requirements. Her academic interests focus on mathematics and science.
Her father, Rafael Perales, a self-employed attorney and single parent, homeschooled Alisa from an early age. He recalls noticing her unique abilities when she was just a toddler: “She was a sharp kid,” he said. His approach to education emphasized keeping learning enjoyable. “My whole philosophy was to make everything fun because if it’s not fun then the mind wanders and interest is lost, and there’s no moving forward on that point,” he said. “So keeping it fun by singing songs, singing ABCs, singing different things, just progressed to putting the words together from the letters and the sounds.”
From ages 1 to 4, Alisa studied six days a week for eight hours each day before reducing her schedule slightly at age 4. As a reward for her dedication, her father would take her to Disneyland on weekends.
Alisa describes math and science as her favorite subjects: “They’re kind of fun and they help explain the world,” she said.
When she began college classes at Crafton Hills College in spring 2023, Alisa quickly adapted to the new environment: “As soon as I showed up, I liked it,” she said. “I’d be talking to different classmates and meeting new people. I was just fitting in with people.” After two years there, she graduated with associate degrees in multiple sciences and mathematics with a 3.8 grade point average.
The decision to attend UC Riverside was influenced by its proximity to their San Bernardino home and its engineering program that allowed Alisa to choose computer science as her major. Financial aid is helping cover much of her educational expenses.
Since enrolling this fall at UC Riverside, Alisa has been adjusting to campus life—attending soccer games, sampling campus-grown tangerines, joining clubs—and balancing academics with social activities. Her father accompanies her daily and waits nearby while she attends classes.
Tofigh Heidarzadeh, lecturer in electrical and computer engineering who teaches Alisa’s “Technology in the Premodern World” class, commented on her performance: “She’s always on time, following the lectures seriously, and taking notes.”
Alisa aims to complete her bachelor’s degree within two years and may pursue a master’s degree afterward. She has expressed interest in artificial intelligence and space exploration as possible future pursuits.
Outside academics, Alisa plays center forward for her AYSO soccer team—the Fuschia Fireballs—and recently dressed up as Hermione from Harry Potter for Halloween.
Despite media attention—including interviews with People magazine and other outlets—Alisa says fellow students have not focused much on her age: “They don’t seem to have too much of a reaction and they seem nice,” she said. “I’m meeting more and more people here. Hopefully all goes well.”
