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Merced Automatic Admission Program (MAAP)

A Partnership that Creates Pathways to Success from High School to Higher Education at UC Merced

The University of California, Merced has partnered with several school districts and schools to create an academic pathway that, when completed, guarantees students admission* to UC Merced.

In the news:
Fresno Central Unified joins MAAP
Dinuba Unified joins MAAP
Modesto Unified joins MAAP Modesto Bee
LA Times

uc merced graduate hoisting up his diploma at commencement
 

Partners

Bear Valley USD
Burton School District
Central UHSD
Ceres USD
Chowchilla Union High School
Colton USD
Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified
Delhi USD
Dinuba USD
Dos Palos-Oro Loma JUSD
Golden Plains USD
Gustine USD
Hesperia USD
Hughson USD
Kings Canyon USD
Downtown Magnets High School
Le Grand Union High School
Lindsay USD
Los Banos USD
Madera USD
Mariposa County USD
Merced UHSD
Modesto City Schools
Morongo USD
Mountain View/Los Altos UHSD
Oakdale JUSD
Parlier USD
Patterson JUSD
Porterville USD
Rialto USD
Riverbank USD
Sacramento City USD
San Ramon USD
Sanger USD
Snowline JUSD
Tulare USD
Turlock USD
Victor Valley UHSD
Visalia USD

 

What Majors Are Available?

  • Students can select any UC Merced undergraduate major. There are currently no selective majors at the first year (freshmen) level.
  • The guarantee doesn't apply to nor will it impact a student's chances for selective programs (i.e. Fiat Lux, Honors Program, SJV PRIME+).
  • Selecting a major on the MAAP application is non-binding. Students can choose to apply to a different major on their UC application. The UC Application will override the major a student choses on their MAAP application.

When do students apply?

High school seniors should submit their application for the Merced Automatic Admission Program by September 30. Students will be notified of their decision prior to the UC Application deadline.

 

Submit Your Application

 

 

MAAP Requirements:

  • Submit the Merced Automatic Admission Program (MAAP) Application by September 30.

  • Complete the UC A-G course requirements for first-year admission by high school graduation, with a weighted UC GPA of 3.0 or higher.

  • Apply to UC Merced using the University of California Undergraduate Application for Admission and Scholarships during the October 1 – December 1 priority filing period.

Have questions? Contact

 

Maintain your Admission Guarantee

To fulfill the requirements for Fall 2026 admission, you must:

  • Complete and submit the University of California Undergraduate Application for Admission & Scholarships during the priority filing period of October 1 - December 1, 2025. You can access the application at http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply.
  • Complete all required UC approved A-G courses during your senior year with a weighted GPA of 3.0.

Maintain Your Good Grades to Ensure MAAP Eligibility:

MAAP students have guaranteed admission to UC Merced as long as they continue to satisfy the conditions of admission, which include passing their senior-year courses with a grade of C or better. If you have difficulty in your senior year, we encourage you to contact the Office of Admissions at (209) 228-7178 or email admissions@ucmerced.edu to receive advising to maintain your eligibility.