Undergraduate Admissions

Undergraduate Admissions

Admission To Undergraduate Programs

Prospective students interested in attending the University of California, Merced are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions well in advance of their intended entrance. The office provides information and advice for prospective students as they prepare for university work. Future UC Merced students planning to enroll as freshmen or transfer students can get assistance in planning their pre-university coursework and with the application process. If you are interested in enrolling at UC Merced, Office of Admissions staff members are available to assist you via email, telephone or in person.

How to contact us – Admissions Questions and Inquiries:

Telephone (209) 228-7178 or email admissions@ucmerced.edu

We offer:

• Admissions presentations
• Pre-application advising
• Transfer advising
• Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAG) 

Website: admissions.ucmerced.edu

Business Inquiries (209) 228-6995

Financial Aid and Scholarships

See the Financial Aid  section of this catalog.

Financial Aid code for UC Merced: 041271

University of California Online Resources

Admissions information:
universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/

Requirements for Admission as a First Year Student (Freshmen):
admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/

Online application:
universityofcalifornia.edu/apply

Approved high school courses:
ucop.edu/doorways/

Transferable California Community College Courses and Articulation:
assist.org

Transfer Admission Planner
admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/transfer/transfer-admission-planner

Financial Aid information:
admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/paying-for-uc/index.html

International Student Information
admissions.ucmerced.edu/international

Registration Information for Required Examinations:

We encourage you to visit the websites below to review the registration procedures and preparation guides for the required examinations. Freshman applicants must take one of the following. Be sure to take your test before the end of December in your senior year.

Application Process

How to Apply

The University of California Undergraduate Application for Admission & Scholarships is available online at universityofcalifornia.edu/apply. Students may apply to UC Merced and any number of the additional eight general campuses of the University of California with one application. Students who cannot apply online at their home, school or local library may contact the Office of Admissions for assistance.

When To Apply

To ensure that applicants are considered for admission, the completed application and application fee should be electronically filed during the priority filing period shown below.

The online application is open for you to start your application for fall term in October. You cannot submit your application prior to November 1. If enrollment space is available, the online application for the spring term opens on July 1. Students can begin the application, save their information on the secure site and continue filling out the application at their convenience, up to the filing deadline. Applicants must submit their applications on or before the last day of the application filing month. Students who miss the November 30 deadline for fall can contact the Office of Admissions for assistance.

University of California Entry-level Writing Requirement/Analytical Writing Placement Exam:

Every undergraduate is required to demonstrate an acceptable level of ability in English composition. For further details on the UC Entry-Level Writing Requirement (ELWR) and Analytical Writing Placement Exam, see the General Education section  of this catalog.

Notification and Enrollment

On-time applicants for admission to a fall semester will be notified of their admission decision between March 1 and 31 (freshman applicants) and March 15 through April 30 (transfer applicants). To reserve your space after being admitted to the entering class, you must submit the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) along with a non-refundable $100 deposit by May 1 for freshmen and June 1 for transfer students. If you cannot afford to pay the deposit contact the Office of Admissions, at least two weeks in advance of the SIR deadline. When the campus is open for spring term applications, spring term applicants will be notified of their admission decision between September 1 and October 15. The SIR deadline for spring semester is November 1.

Admission is specific to a particular semester and cannot be deferred to a future term.

University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement / Analytical Writing Placement Exam:

Every undergraduate is required to demonstrate an acceptable level of ability in English composition and writing for University work. If you have not already satisfied the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR) by another method, you are expected to take the Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE), offered in May. For more information about satisfying the ELWR or taking the AWPE, visit ucop.edu/elwr/.

Application Advice: Provisional Admission

All applicants are asked to provide self-reported academic records on the application. Do not rely on memory. Obtain copies of your academic records and test scores prior to completing the course and examination parts of the application.  Admission to UC Merced is provisional until all final official scores and transcripts are received in the Office of Admissions, reviewed for accuracy and for completion of conditions. You must meet all conditions of admission to be eligible to enroll.

Verification of Self-Reported Academic Records

All admission offers are provisional and subject to cancellation if official documents to verify self-reported academic information are not received in the Office of Admissions by the deadline pertaining to the term of entrance. Required documents include official test scores and final, official transcripts from high schools and colleges attended.

If you are admitted to UC Merced, you must submit final, official transcripts from all schools and colleges attended. Official test score reports must also be sent for the purpose of verifying the information you provided on your application. For fall admission, the preferred date for receipt of official transcripts is July 1. The final deadline is July 15. Documents must be received in the admissions office by this date, or your admission may be withdrawn.

Application Acknowledgment

When you submit your application for admission, make note of your UC application ID number, email address submitted and password. You will receive an acknowledgement email from us between late December and mid-January for fall applications. If you have not heard from UC Merced by January 15, contact the Office of Admissions immediately by sending an email message to admissions@ucmerced.edu.

Application Fees / Fee Waiver

Students applying to UC Merced must submit the application fee with the submission of the online application or immediately afterwards. Application fees are not refundable.

If you cannot afford the application fee and you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may request a fee waiver in advance or at the time of submitting the online application. If your family income and the number of dependents in your household meet specifications of the University of California fee waiver guidelines, the fee will be waived for up to four campus choices. Students who qualify for fee waivers and wish to apply to more than four campuses must pay a fee for each additional campus choice.

How to Obtain a Fee Waiver

When applying online, be prepared to answer questions about your gross family income and the family size. A fee waiver will be offered if you meet the criteria. Hardcopy fee waivers are available from school counselors and college Extended Opportunity Programs and Services offices. If you are using a hardcopy fee waiver, send it directly to the UC Application Center, not to our campus.

Categories of Applicants for Undergraduate Admission

Undergraduate applicants are students who wish to enroll in an established curriculum at UC Merced for the purpose of completing the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.

Candidates for Reinstatement to UC Merced

Students returning to UC Merced after being formally admitted and enrolled in a degree program are required to apply for Reinstatement through the Office of the Registrar. Students who were previously admitted, registered and enrolled at UC Merced should not use the UC Application. For more information about reinstatement, visit registrar.ucmerced.edu

Freshman applicants are students who are currently enrolled in high school at the time of application, or students who have graduated from high school but have not enrolled in a college or university since the summer after leaving high school. Students who have completed a California Certificate of Proficiency or an equivalent proficiency examination from another state or the General Education Development (GED) certificate also apply as freshman applicants if they have not enrolled in a college or university since completion of their high-school equivalency. All college or university work must be reported.

Transfer applicants are students who have enrolled in a regular term at a college or university after leaving high school. Students who meet this definition cannot disregard their college record and apply as freshmen. All college or university work must be reported.

Nonresident applicants are students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents whose legal permanent residence is outside the State of California. Nonresident applicants are generally required to pay nonresident fees and present a higher academic profile than is required of California residents. 

International applicants are students who hold or expect to hold student, exchange, visitor or diplomatic visas. Prospective international applicants are encouraged to review requirements for admission and more information at admissions.ucmerced.edu/international. International students whose native language is not English must demonstrate language proficiency by one of the following methods:

• Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and earn a minimum score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL). Information about the TOEFL is available at toefl.org
• Take the International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS) and earn a minimum score of 7. Information about IELTS is available at ielts.org

Second baccalaureate applicants are college or university graduates whose educational objective has changed substantially after receiving the bachelor’s degree. Applicants for the second bachelor’s degree must be fully eligible for admission to UC Merced and have strong promise of academic success in the new major. All such admissions are subject to the approval of the dean of the UC Merced School in which the second degree will be earned. Candidates for a second bachelor’s degree are subject to the general requirements for the bachelor’s degree and to the particular requirements of the School in which they are enrolled. Admission to pursue a second baccalaureate degree is rarely approved.

Limited status applicants are students whose special attainments qualify them to take certain courses in the university toward a definite and limited objective. To apply for limited status admission, students must either have a bachelor’s degree but not be a candidate for an advanced degree, or have completed a substantial amount of college work with a satisfactory grade point average. Prospective students must submit an undergraduate application with fees, as well as a limited status petition and official transcripts from all schools attended. Limited status students are expected to maintain a certain scholarship average during a predetermined time of enrollment. Admission requires the approval of the dean of the School in which the student intends to study. Admission to pursue a second baccalaureate degree is rarely approved.

Preparing for University Work

As a prospective UC Merced undergraduate, you are encouraged to give careful thought to preparing yourself adequately in reading, writing, mathematics and other subject areas relevant to your intended major. Many undergraduate majors require preparation for mathematics courses beyond the minimum required for admission to the University. The more comprehensive and challenging your high school or college program is, the better prepared you will be for your coursework at UC Merced. Honors-level, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and college courses are all good preparation for UC Merced. These challenging courses will help you develop the good study habits and skills you will need at UC Merced. Give priority to completing the high school or college course patterns required for admission and for your interest area. Check the UC Merced Admissions website at admissions.ucmerced.edu for the most current information. Prospective international students can find helpful information at admissions.ucmerced.edu/international-freshman-applicant.

Freshman Admission

Students interested in entering UC Merced as freshmen must demonstrate their readiness to be successful in the University by completing a prescribed set of college preparatory courses during their four years of high school and achieve a grade point average of 3.00 or better in the A-G courses taken during tenth and eleventh grades. All applicants will be reviewed for admission consideration on the basis of their academic achievement within the context of their school and social environment.

Admission Requirements for Freshmen

A-G Subject Requirement

You must complete, with grades of C or better, the 15 units of high school coursework listed in the following subject pattern, known as the “a-g” subjects or requirements. A one-year course is equivalent to one unit and a one semester course is equal to one half unit. Courses certified to meet the “a-g” subject requirements are identified for each California high school on the UC-certified course list available online at ucop.edu/doorways/. Courses from schools and colleges outside California must provide the same rigor and level of instruction to meet the “a-g” subject requirements.

1. History/Social Science: 2 years required. Two years of history/social science, including one year of world history, cultures and geography; and one year of U.S. history or one-half year of U.S. history and one half year of civics or American government.
2. English: 4 years required. Four years of college-preparatory English that include frequent and regular writing, and reading of classic and modern literature. Up to one year of advanced level ESL coursework can be used to meet the requirement. 
3. Mathematics: 3 years required; 4 years recommended. Three years of college preparatory mathematics which include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry. Approved integrated math courses may be used to fulfill part, or all of the requirement, as may other Mathematics courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades that your high school accepts as equivalent to its own math courses.
4. Laboratory Science: 2 years required; 3 years recommended. Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of these three disciplines: biology, chemistry and physics. Advanced laboratory science courses that have biology, chemistry or physics as prerequisites and offer substantial additional material may be used to fulfill this requirement. The final two years of an approved, three-year integrated science program may be used to fulfill this requirement.
5. Language other than English: 2 years required; 3 years recommended. Two years of the same language other than English. Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading and composition. Courses in a language other than English taken in the seventh and eighth grades may be used to fulfill part of this requirement if your high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses. 
6. Visual and Performing Arts (VPA): 1 year required. One yearlong, approved arts course from a single VPA discipline: dance, drama/theater, music or visual art.
7. College-Preparatory Electives: 1 year required. One year (two semesters), in addition to those required in “a-f” above, chosen from the following areas: visual and performing arts (non-introductory level courses), history, social science, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science and language other than English (a third year in the language used for the “e” requirement or two years of another language).

Examination Requirement

Students applying for admission must meet the examination requirement by taking one of the following examinations by December of the twelfth grade.

• ACT Assessment Plus Writing test or
• SAT Reasoning Test

SAT Subject Tests are optional. Students can demonstrate their knowledge and mastery of specific subjects by taking the tests, by December of the twelfth grade. The University will use the highest test scores you earn in computing your eligibility for admission, and there is no penalty for taking the examinations more than once. The UC strongly recommends that you submit scores from all tests taken. For more information about taking the tests to fulfill the examination requirement, visit universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions, talk to your school counselor or contact the appropriate testing organization. 

Information for the ACT is available at actstudent.org and for the SAT at collegeboard.com.

How to Calculate Your Grade Point Average

The grade point average (GPA) used in the University’s admissions process is calculated by using grades earned in all college preparatory courses (“a-g” subjects), taken between the summer after ninth grade through the summer before twelfth grade.

To calculate your admission GPA, first convert the grades you earned in your courses to a four point scale as follows: A=4 points, B=3 points, C=2 points, D=1 point and F=0 points. Only the grades you earn in “a-g” subjects taken after ninth grade and before twelfth grade will be used to calculate your preliminary GPA for admissions. Courses you take in ninth grade can be used to meet the subject requirements if you earned grades of C or better, but they will be excluded from the calculation of your admissions GPA. Add all your grade points and divide by the number of “a-g” courses. The result is your preliminary admissions GPA. It is important for you to earn good grades in the “a-g” courses you list on the application for your senior year. The admissions offer may be withdrawn if you drop courses or earn grades of D or F during your twelfth grade. 

Honors courses: The University assigns extra points for up to 4 units of certified honors-level and Advanced Placement courses taken in grades 10 – 12 and passed with grades of C or above: A=5 points, B=4 points and C=3 points. No more than 2 units of certified honors-level courses taken in grade 10 may be assigned extra points. Grades of D are not assigned extra points. The courses must be in the following “a-g” subjects: history, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science and visual and performing arts. In these fields, as well as in the fields of computer science and social science, courses that are designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement Examinations, the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination and college courses that are transferable to the University are acceptable honors-level courses. 

D or F and Repeated Grades: Students who receive D and F grades in ”a-g” courses must repeat those courses with grades of C or better. In the subject areas of mathematics and foreign language, however, a D or F grade can be “validated” by earning a C grade or better in the second semester or more advanced level in the same subject. Consult the Office of Admissions or your counselor to determine how D or F grades can be improved and how the University will use them in evaluating your scholarship record. Grades will not be used for repeated courses in which you initially received a C or better.

Domestic Nonresident and International Freshman Applicants

Applicants from other states in the U.S. and international freshman applicants must meet subject and examination requirements as described above; however, your grade point average in the “a-g” subjects must be very good – at the level of approximately 3.40 or higher. 

International students whose native language is not English must demonstrate language proficiency by one of the following methods:

• Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and earn a minimum score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL. For more information visit toefl.org
• Take the International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS) and earn a minimum score of 7. For more information visit ielts.org 

Qualifying for Admission Review by Examination Alone

You may be able to qualify for admission to the University by examination alone through achieving high scores on the ACT Assessment plus Writing or SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests (excluding Mathematics Level 1).

To be considered for admission to the University by examination alone, you must achieve a minimum UC Score Total of 410 (425 for nonresidents). In addition, you must earn a minimum UC Score of 63 on each component of the ACT or SAT Reasoning Test and on each SAT Subject Test. You cannot use a SAT Subject Test to meet these requirements if you have completed a transferable college course in that subject with a grade of C or better. For more information, visit universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/freshman/requirements/examination/.

Selection of Freshman Applicants

All applicants will be considered for admission on the basis of their academic achievements within the context of their school and home or social environments. The following factors may be considered in a comprehensive review of applicants for admission to UC Merced as freshmen:

• Academic grade point average in all required “a-g” courses, including additional points for completion of University-certified honors courses.
• Scores on the ACT plus Writing or SAT Reasoning Test, and any scores earned in SAT Subject Tests. SAT Subject Tests are not required but can be considered if submitted.
• Number, content of and performance in academic courses beyond the minimum “a-g” requirements.
• Number of and performance in University-approved honors courses and Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and transferable college courses.
• Identification as being ranked in the top nine percent of your high school class at the end of your junior year (“eligible in the local context”).
• Quality of your senior-year program, as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned.
• Quality of your academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in your secondary school.
• Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas.
• Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study.
• Recent, marked improvement in academic performance, as demonstrated by your academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.
• Special talents, achievements and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership, such as significant community service or significant participation in student government; or other significant experiences or achievements that demonstrate your promise for contributing to the intellectual vitality of the campus.
• Completion of special projects undertaken either in the context of your high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs.
• Academic accomplishments in light of your life experiences and special circumstances.

Transfer Admission

If you enrolled in a regular session of college or university-level coursework after leaving high school, you are considered to be a transfer student and cannot ignore your college records to apply as a freshman. UC Merced is firmly committed to enrolling well-prepared transfer students. Following California’s Master Plan for Higher Education, UC Merced gives highest priority to students transferring from California’s community colleges, who have completed at least 60 UC- transferable semester units (90 quarter units). While preparing to transfer at the junior level, you must complete a pattern of courses that will prepare you for further study in your chosen major. It is helpful if you identify an intended major early and take all preparatory courses for that major before you transfer. Information about UC Merced majors and transfer preparation is available transfers.ucmerced.edu. If you are enrolled at a California Community College you should visit assist.org for courses that have been articulated to meet lower division preparatory requirements and general education for your chosen major.

The Importance of Preparing for Your Major

Transfer students who complete freshman and sophomore level courses for their intended majors before they transfer enjoy a smooth transition to UC Merced. Depth of preparation is a critical factor in the admission decision. Students transferring at the junior level must complete approved major preparation courses and demonstrate readiness for study in their chosen major.  In addition you must satisfy English composition and mathematics courses required for eligibility to enroll as a transfer student at the University of California. 

Transferable College Units and Grade Point Average (GPA)

The University awards transfer unit credit for courses taken at U.S. regionally accredited institutions and determined by the Office of Admissions to be essentially the same as those offered for the undergraduate degree at any UC campus. For more detail, see the Transfer Credit Practices Section of this catalog. Transferable courses offered by California Community Colleges are listed on the UC Transferable Courses section of the California public institution articulation database, found on the website: assist.org.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade points for all UC-transferable courses attempted on a letter grade basis will be computed into the grade point average (GPA) used to determine admission. Units for courses in which you earned grades of W, Pass or Credit, and No Pass or No Credit, are excluded from the computation of your grade point average. Generally, the grading system used at the institution you are attending will be used in determining your admission GPA; however, grades for honors courses taken in college are not weighted when computing the GPA for admission.

Excess Units

If you have attended only community colleges or two-year postsecondary institutions, all of your UC-transferable college courses will be accepted in transfer for subject credit and your GPA for admission is computed using all UC-transferable college courses attempted. When you transfer, however, the total number of units that can be used toward your UC degree is limited to a maximum total of 70 semester units (105 quarter units).  Students transferring to UC Merced from a regionally accredited four-year college or university may have up to 80 transferable semester (120 quarter) units and still be eligible to transfer.

Transfer Credit Practices for Undergraduates – University of California, Merced

General Guidelines

• UC Merced grants transfer credit from institutions that are accredited by U.S. regional accreditation commissions, specifically:  the New England, North Central, Middle States, Southern, Northwest and Western associations.
• Course credit from institutions in other countries will be considered if the institutions are authorized to grant baccalaureate degree credit and are recognized by the country’s Ministry of Education.
• Courses accepted for transfer credit must be reported on a currently dated, official transcript, in a sealed envelope from the original college/university of enrollment, bearing the institution’s official seal and registrar’s signature.
• Courses determined to be essentially the same as courses offered for undergraduate degree credit at any UC campus will be considered transferable for unit and/or subject credit to UC Merced.  Courses considered transferable must be listed in the home institutions’ catalog, be designed for the same or similar program as at UC, in the same or similarly named academic department, at the same level of instruction, requiring the same prerequisite coursework and including the same or very similar course content.
• Except for courses taken at other UC campuses, transfer work does not affect the UC Merced grade point average.
• Transfer work cannot be applied to the senior residency requirement.
• Transfer courses submitted to meet academic major requirements must be posted as letter grades on the transcripts from the original college/university of enrollment.
• Degree requirement exemptions, satisfaction or partial satisfaction is determined by academic departments and UC Merced schools after final, official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and examination agencies are received, reviewed and verified by UC Merced.  New students: transcripts must be sent to the Office of Admissions.  Continuing students’ transcripts must be sent to the Office of the Registrar. 

Community Colleges (2 year institutions) – Articulation Agreements

No more than 70 semester units of community college coursework can be applied toward the 120 unit graduation requirement. It is possible, however, to satisfy course requirements with community college coursework in excess of this limit. Credit for courses beyond the 70 unit limit is referred to as “subject credit only.”  For California Community Colleges, check for course transferability and requirement equivalencies at assist.org.  ASSIST is the official repository for UC Merced articulation agreements.

Four-Year Institutions

There is no limit to the number of units that can be applied toward the 120 unit graduation requirement from a four-year institution.  However, opportunities to enroll at UC Merced are limited for students who have exceeded 80 semester units of transferable credit.  Prospective transfer students are encouraged to contact UC Merced admissions advisors for help in developing a transfer plan. 

Excess Units

Transfer applicants who exceed 80 semester units of transfer credit will be considered for admission on an individual, case by case basis.  Faculty members review such applications to determine if the students can be accommodated to pursue their first choice or an alternate major.  Students who, at entrance, will have completed 80 or fewer units from a combination of two-and four-year institutions will not be considered to have excessive units. 

High School Enrichment

College courses completed before high school graduation, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Cambridge A Level examinations taken must be reported on the admission application and are recorded as transfer work.  For entering freshmen, these units do not count against the maximum you are allowed to earn at UC Merced.

Other

UC Merced does not grant credit for CLEP exams, work experience, military basic training, vocational training, technical training, remedial subjects or personal enrichment courses.

Admission Requirements For Transfer Students

Students transferring to UC Merced as juniors must satisfy identified lower division major requirements and the transfer course subject pattern identified below. Meeting the eligibility requirements alone does not guarantee admission.

• Complete 60 semester (90 quarter) units of UC-transferable coursework
• No more than 14 semester (21 quarter) units may be taken Pass/Not Pass
• Earn a minimum grade point average of 2.40 (2.80 for nonresidents)
• Complete the seven course pattern below with grades of C or better:
  
  • Two UC-transferable courses in English composition
  • One UC-transferable mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning course that has a published prerequisite of intermediate algebra
  • Four UC-transferable courses chosen from at least two of the following areas:
    
    • Arts and Humanities
    • Behavioral and Social Sciences
    • Biological and Physical Sciences

Major Courses Required for Admission

• You must completion a specified pattern or set of courses that provide continuity with upper division courses in your major prior to transfer.
• Some majors may require completion of courses that meet breadth or general education requirements prior to transfer. 

For more information about courses and GPA required for admission to your intended major, visit transfers.ucmerced.edu/selection.

Students who have completed courses listed on the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) at assist.org before they transfer to the University will have satisfied the transfer course pattern requirement.

Transfer Requirements for International and Nonresident Students

Transfer students who are not residents of California must meet the same requirements as California residents and have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 or better in all transferable college work.

Additional Factors for Consideration: Transfer Applicants

All applicants will be considered for admission on the basis of their readiness for further study in their chosen major at UC Merced. The following factors may also be considered as we review your application:

• Your grade point average and overall academic performance in transferable courses.
• Participation in academically selective honors courses or programs.
• Special talents, achievements and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership, such as significant community service or significant participation in student government; or other significant experiences or achievements that demonstrate your promise for contributing to the intellectual vitality of the campus.
• Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of your college curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs.
• Academic accomplishments in light of your life experiences and special circumstances. 

Notes for California Community College Transfers

If you plan to transfer from a California Community College, you can know the required and recommended courses for your intended major by viewing articulation agreements in assist.org. Transfer Admission Guarantee agreements assure high achieving students of admission to a specific major and term. Information about TAGs is available at transfers.ucmerced.edu/tag. 

Students planning to major in social sciences or humanities are strongly encouraged to complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) prior to transfer. Lower division general education requirements for graduation at UC Merced will be waived. Official certification of your completed IGETC must be sent to the Office of Admissions at UC Merced, along with your final, official transcript from the last community college you attended. 

International Students

Courses comparable to those offered for undergraduate degree credit in the University of California and completed in postsecondary institutions outside the United States will transfer to UC Merced if taken at institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education in the institution’s home country. International students with previous college attendance cannot disregard their academic records and apply as freshmen.

Verification of Self-Reported Records

All admission offers are provisional and subject to cancellation if official documents to verify self-reported academic information are not received in the Office of Admissions by the deadline pertaining to the term of entrance. Required documents include official test scores and final, official transcripts from high schools and colleges attended. Students admitted to fall semesters must be sure their official documents arrive five business days prior to their scheduled New Student Orientation session or by July 15, whichever date comes first. Students admitted to spring semesters must be sure their official documents are received by January 6.

Orientation for New Students

All admitted students are required to attend New Student Orientation during summer for fall semester and during December for spring semester. At Orientation, students meet with an academic advisor, plan their program of study and enroll in classes. Final, official transcripts and official test scores must arrive in the Office of Admissions at least five business days prior to their scheduled New Student Orientation session or registration for courses will be delayed.

Important Dates and Deadlines Related to Fall Admission