A Partnership in Creating Pathways to Success in the Journey from High School to Higher Ed in the Central Valley
The University of California, Merced, have partnered with several school districts and schools to create an academic pathway for their students that when satisfied, the student is guaranteed admission* to UC Merced.
In the news:
Fresno Central Unified joins MAAP
Visalia Unified joins MAAP Sun Gazette
Dinuba Unified joins MAAP
Modesto Unified joins MAAP Modesto Bee
LA Times
Discover UC Merced Event Series for Fall 2025Discover UC Merced is a virtual event series that offers our guests insight into the University of California, Merced's academics, student life and culture. Please join us for one of our upcoming sessions or enjoy one of our many on-demand, instant replays available on our YouTube channel. Throughout the month of November, we will be offering events focused on how to submit your UC admission application, first-year and transfer student advising, introducing our newest majors at UC Merced and more. Register for an upcoming event and we'll email you a unique Zoom link to join us online. |
Partners
Bear Valley USD
Central UHSD
Chowchilla Union High School
District Colton USD
Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified
Dinuba USD
Dos Palos-Oro Loma JUSD
Golden Plains High School
Hesperia USD
Kings Canyon USD
Downtown Magnets High School
Le Grand Union High School
Los Banos USD
Riverbank USD
Madera USD
Mariposa County USD
Modesto City Schools
Morongo USD
Mountain View Los Altos UHSD
Oakdale USD
Parlier USD
Porterville USD
Sacramento City USD
San Ramon USD
Sanger USD
Snowline USD
Tulare USD
Turlock USD
Visalia USD
Victor Valley UHSD
What Majors Are Available?
Your students can elect any major of their choice when applying to UC Merced on the Fall 2026 University of California Undergraduate Application for Admission & Scholarships during the October 1- December 1 priority filing period. There are currently no selective majors at the first year (freshmen) level. MAAP applicants are guaranteed undergraduate admission to UC Merced as long as they continue to meet the MAAP criteria.
The guarantee doesn't apply to nor will it affect an applicant's chances for scholarships or selective student support programs (i.e. Fiat Lux or B.S. to M.D. Program/Prime+).
UC Merced Admissions will notify participating districts at least one year in advance of a major becoming selective.
Also, students can still be eligible for the guarantee by applying for an alternate non-selective major and meeting the departments’ requirements for changing into that major in the future.
When do students apply?
High school junior students will submit their application to participate in the guaranteed admissions program by June 30, the summer before their senior year. Students will be notified of their decision in late September before submitting their UC application.
Recommended Program Criteria for Fall 2026 Admission:
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Submit the Merced Automatic Admission Program (MAAP) Application by June 30, before the start of your senior year.
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Complete 15 yearlong A-G courses required for freshman UC admission with a weighted GPA of 3.5.
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By the end of a student’s junior spring term:
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Complete three of the four years of Area B (English); Complete Area C (Math).
- Complete and submit the University of California Undergraduate Application for Admission & Scholarships during the October 1 - December 1 priority filing period.
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Have questions? Contact
Next Steps and Maintaining Your MAAP Guaranteed Admission Eligibility
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 3.5.
Majors:
You may select any major of your choice when applying to UC Merced on the University of California Undergraduate Application for Admission & Scholarships during the October 1 - December 1, 2025 priority filing period.
Maintain Your Good Grades to Ensure MAAP Eligibility:
It is imperative that you maintain your current level of academic performance throughout your senior year or your admission to UC Merced could be jeopardized. 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.
