Undergraduate Admissions

Office of Admissions

Phone: 209-228-7178
Email: admissions@ucmerced.edu or transfer@ucmerced.edu
Web: admissions.ucmerced.edu
Mail: Office of Admissions
        5200 N. Lake Road
        Merced, CA 95343-5603
 

• Undergraduate Admissions
• University of California Online Resources
• Registration Information for Required Examinations
• Application Process
• Freshman Admission
• Transfer Admission
• Verification of Self-Reported Records
• Important Dates and Deadlines Related to Fall Admission
• Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations

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 or telephone, or in person.

We offer:

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

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: hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist#/list/search/institution

Transferable California Community College Courses and Articulation: assist.org

Transfer Admission Planner (TAP): admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/transfer/transfer-admission-planner

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

International student information: https://admissions.ucmerced.edu/international/apply

Registration Information for Required Examinations:

Students are encouraged to visit the websites below to review the registration procedures and preparation guides for the optional examinations. Optional exams should be completed before the end of December of a student’s senior year.

Application Process

HOW TO APPLY

The University of California Undergraduate Application for Admission and Scholarships is available online at universityofcalifornia.edu/apply. Students can 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 can 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 the process for the fall term in late summer/early fall. You can begin the application at that time, but you cannot submit it until November 1. If enrollment space is available, the online application for the spring term opens on July 1. You can begin the application, save it on the secure site and continue filling out the application at your convenience, up to the filing deadline. You must complete the submission process before 11:59 P.M., Pacific Standard Time, on 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.

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 nonrefundable deposit in the amount of $250 by May 1 for freshmen, and by 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, notification is sent between September 1 and October 15. The SIR deadline for the spring semester is usually 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, and you are a high school senior, you are expected to take the Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE), offered on the second Saturday in May. For more information about satisfying the ELWR or taking the AWPE, visit ucop.edu/elwr/. Transfer students normally satisfy the ELWR with college-level courses in English composition and expository writing.

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 and 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 deadline for receipt of official transcripts is July 1. The final deadline for test scores (ACT Plus Writing, SAT Reasoning, SAT with Essay, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Examinations is July 15. Documents must be received in the admissions office by these dates, 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 used and password. You will receive an acknowledgment 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 emailing 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 afterward. Application fees are not refundable.

If you cannot afford the application fee and you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can 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 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 are 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 readmission/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 https://admissions.ucmerced.edu/international/requirements. 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 6.5. 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 Office of Admissions website at admissions.ucmerced.edu for the most current information. Prospective international students can find helpful information at https://admissions.ucmerced.edu/international/requirements.

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 3.0 or better in the “a-g” courses taken during 10th and 11th 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.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR FRESHMAN

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 hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist#/list/search/institution. 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: Two 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: Four 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: Three years required; four years recommended. Three years of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry. Approved integrated math courses can be used to fulfill part, or all of the requirement, as can 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: Two years required; three 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 can be used to fulfill this requirement. The final two years of an approved, three-year integrated science program can be used to fulfill this requirement.
5. Language other than English: Two years required; three 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 can 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): One year required. One yearlong approved arts course from a single VPA discipline: dance, drama/theater, music or visual art.
7. College-Preparatory Electives: One 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).

Option to Submit SAT/ACT Test Scores

First year applicants for Fall 2021-2022 have the option to submit SAT/ACT scores with their application. Applicants will not be penalized in the admissions review process if they do not submit SAT/ACT scores. We do not require SAL Subject Tests, and you can use subject tests to satisfy the A-G requirements listed above. Learn more here: admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/freshman-requirements/exam-requirement/.

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 12th 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 12th 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 12th grade.

Honors courses: The University assigns extra points for up to 4 units of certified honors-level courses.  Honors courses are Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate Higher Level and designated Standard Level courses, UC-transferable college courses and UC-certified honors courses that appear on your school’s course list. Courses taken during the summer after 9th grade count as 10th grade; courses in summer after 10th grade count as 10th grade; courses in summer after 11th grade count as 11th grade.  No more than two units of certified honors-level courses taken in grade 10 can be assigned extra points. D grades are not assigned extra points.

D or F and Repeated Grades: Students who receive D or 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 a 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 6.5. For more information visit ielts.org 

Qualifying for Admission Review by Examination Alone

You might be able to qualify for admission to the University by examination alone through achieving high scores on the ACT Plus Writing, SAT Reasoning Test, or SAT with Essay 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, SAT Reasoning Test, or SAT with Essay 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 can be considered in a comprehensive review of applicants for admission to UC Merced as freshmen:

• Academic GPA in all required “a-g” courses, including additional points for completion of University-certified honors courses.
• SAT/ACT scores and 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 9 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 at admissions.ucmerced.edu/major-preparation.

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

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 at 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 GPA. 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 can have up to 79 transferable semester (118 quarter) units and still be eligible to transfer without a dean’s review. Applicants with 80 semester (120 quarter) units or more; a dean’s review is required.

Transfer Credit Policy for University of California, Merced, Effective Fall 2014

The University of California, Merced, grants unit credit for college courses completed at United States regionally accredited colleges and universities; or at a university recognized by the Ministry of Education (or higher-education authority/appropriate government agency) in another country that offers university-level academic degree program courses comparable to a U.S. associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Courses determined to be essentially the same as courses offered for an undergraduate degree at any UC campus will be granted credit, if the course:

• Is listed in the original institution’s catalog/website of official courses offered for the year in which the course was completed, and
• Includes the same or similar content, and
• Requires the same or similar prerequisite course work, and
• Is offered at the same level of instruction.

Courses that further the student’s knowledge and understanding in fundamental liberal arts disciplines such as mathematics, natural science, literature, social sciences, fine arts and philosophy are acceptable for transfer if comparable in scope and depth to those offered at the UC.

Courses accepted for transfer must be reported on an official transcript (academic record), which must be provided to UC Merced in a sealed envelope from the original college/university of enrollment, bearing the institution’s official seal and registrar’s signature.

United States Military Service Courses: UC Merced can award lower-division (freshman/sophomore level) units for military courses completed if the courses are consistent with the University policy on granting transfer credit when there is an equivalent course taught at a UC campus. UC Merced will consult the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations for information regarding course content as a guide to the awarding of credit.

UC Merced does not grant credit for work experience, military/recruit basic training, vocational or technical training, or remedial academic or personal enrichment courses. 

Notes:   

1. Remedial academic courses in English and mathematics are not transferable.
2. Courses completed at unaccredited/nonregionally accredited institution could be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
3. Courses from enrollment at another UC main campus (not UC Extension) during a regular academic (fall, winter or spring) or summer term are all transferable.
4. Courses from enrollment at any UC Extension are transferable if the course is numbered 1-199; courses numbered 1-99 that include a campus designation (e.g. XB, XSB) are equivalent to the same course offered to undergraduates on that campus.

Examination Scores/Grades:

UC Merced grants credit for examinations as follows:

• College Board Advanced Placement (AP)
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level
• GCE or Hong Kong Advanced Level (A-Levels) – unit credit could be granted for satisfactory grades and scores.

UC Merced does not grant credit for College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) exams.

Limitations on Transfer Credits: Students will be granted up to 70 semester/105 quarter units of credit for lower-division coursework completed at any other institution or any combination of other institutions. For units beyond the maximum allowed, subject credit for appropriate coursework taken in excess of this unit limitation will be granted and can be used to satisfy requirements. 

• Units earned through AP, IB and/or A-Level examinations are not included in the limitation and do not put applicants at risk of being denied admission.
• Units earned at any UC campus (Extension, summer, cross/concurrent and regular academic year enrollment) are not included in the limitation but are added to the maximum transfer credit allowed and may put applicants at risk of being denied admission due to excessive units.

In addition, there is a limit to the number of units for which UC Merced grants credit in the following areas:

• English as a Second Language courses:  Maximum 8 semester/12 quarter units
• Physical Education activity courses: Maximum 4 semester/6 quarter units

Duplicative Credit Prohibited: UC Merced will not grant credit for college courses in which the content duplicates material of a previously completed course, or examination for which credit has already been granted, with the exception of the repeat of deficient (D/F) course grades.

Additional Guidance:

California Community Colleges: Every California Community College has an agreement with the UC – a Transfer Course Agreement (TCA). The TCA specifies which courses receive UC credit. To learn if college courses from a California Community College are transferable to UC Merced, visit assist.org. These lists are updated throughout the year, so check ASSIST periodically to ensure you have the most current information.

Other two-year and four-year Institutions: The UC does not have transfer course agreements with institutions other than the California Community Colleges. However, using ASSIST and/or referring to any UC campus’ general catalog can provide guidance on the likelihood that courses from other institutions would transfer to UC Merced. 
 

International Academic Records:

UC Merced does not grant credit for junior/community college programs that are technical or vocational, or programs that do not lead to further academic study at a university in the international country.

• Elementary/intermediate language courses: No credit is granted to students who were instructed in that language during secondary school.

Final determination on the transferability of coursework for credit will be made by UC Merced’s Office of Admissions, based on UC Merced’s review (not that of another institution).

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 complete 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 https://admissions.ucmerced.edu/transfer/major-preparation-schools. 

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 GPA and overall academic performance in transferable courses.
• Participation in academically selective honors courses or programs.
• Completion of a California Community College Intersegmental General Education program or Associate’s Degree for Transfer that provides academic continuity for success in the upper-division coursework for your intended major at UC Merced.
• 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.
• Location of the college you attend and your residence.
• Completion of a UC Transfer Pathway or an AA degree for transfer offered by a California community college.

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 https://admissions.ucmerced.edu/transfer/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 the stated deadline, whichever date comes first. Students admitted to spring semesters must be sure their official documents are received by January 6.

Important Dates and Deadlines Related to Fall Admission

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations

The University awards credit for successful completion of the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) and the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examinations (IB). Students must have official test score reports sent directly from the testing service to UC Merced to receive credit. Students will meet with advising staff during New Student Orientation to discuss which courses or requirements they may have satisfied based on transfer credit for scores in these examinations.

Potential Duplication of Credit for AP and IB Exams

Credit will be granted for either the AP or IB examinations in any one subject area. College courses taken prior to or after enrolling at the university may duplicate the content of AP or IB examinations. The following chart provides guidelines used for awarding units (elective credit) and exemptions for degree requirements. Students who choose to take a course at UC Merced from which they are otherwise exempt will receive credit for the UCM course but not the units for the exam.

Credit for AP Exams

UC Merced grants elective credit for all College Board AP examinations on which a student scores 3 or higher, unless otherwise noted. Some examinations passed with scores of 3 or higher may award exemptions for degree requirements. The number of elective units awarded for each examination can be viewed on the chart in this section.

Placement into level 2 language courses at UC Merced will be granted for Advanced Placement (AP) exams with score 2:  Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish Language. Unit credit will not be awarded.

Credit for IB Exams

UC Merced grants 5.3 semester units of elective credit for International Baccalaureate Individual Certificate subject Higher-Level exams with grades of 5, 6, or 7. All exams must be at the Higher Level (HL) for unit credit.  Unit credit is also granted for Higher Level category B exams in languages other than English. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) awards either a diploma or a certificate for individual IB exams. Students completing the IB diploma with a score of 30 or above will receive a total of 20 semester units of credit toward their UC Merced undergraduate degree.  

Course exemptions already designated for UC Merced can be viewed on the chart in this section. Additional exams for which UC Merced will award elective units include: Afrikaans, Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Biology, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Business and Management, Catalan, Chemistry, Computer Science, Croatian, Czech, Dance, Danish, Dutch, Estonian, Filipino, Film, Finnish, Further Mathematics, Geography, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, History of Africa, History of the Americas, History of Southeast Asia & Oceania, History of Europe & The Islamic World, History of Europe & The Middle East, World History, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Korean, Language B: Language and Literature, Language B: Literature, Latin, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Malay, Norwegian, Persian, Philosophy, Physics, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Sesotho, Sinhalese, Siswati, Slovak, Slovene, Swahili, Swedish, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, Welsh.