- I received an email saying that I was admitted to UC Merced, but I did not originally include UC Merced as a campus choice on my University of California application. Do you know if this offer still applies to me?
Yes. The University of California is committed to ensuring enrollment opportunities for all qualified California high school graduates, and we recognize your potential for success. Since you have been determined to meet the minimum requirements for UC admission and UC Merced is growing, we would like to offer you the opportunity to join our campus.
- Financial Aid: Do I need to update my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA)?
If you already submitted the FAFSA or CADAA, you should add UC Merced to your financial aid application at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa or dream.csac.ca.gov as soon as possible using school code 041271.
If you did not already submit the FAFSA or CADAA, you can still submit them now. The priority deadline for 2024-25 is May 2. If you have questions, contact the Students First Center at 209-228-7178 or visit the Financial Aid website at financialaid.ucmerced.edu.
- Does this mean I'm admitted to UC Merced?
You are provisionally admitted to the Fall 2024 term.
- Can I select a major?
Yes, you will initially be admitted undeclared, but after you SIR to UC Merced, you can select a major via the major confirmation from between May 11 and June 7. We encourage you to further explore our academic offerings at ucmerced.edu/academics-undergraduate-majors-minors.
- Am I still eligible to accept this invitation if I’m on the waitlist at another UC campus, college or university?
Yes. In fact, we highly recommend students who have NOT been admitted to either a UC campus or another college or university accept this invitation, since a waitlist offer is not a guarantee of admission later.
- How much will it cost to be considered for admission through this offer?
There is no application cost associated with this offer of admission.
- Are there any other costs?
If you decide to enroll, all other regular costs apply, including but not limited to a deposit to submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), if applicable, and Orientation fees. Other regular fees can be seen here.
- Why do I have to certify that I will meet certain conditions?
You have been admitted to UC Merced with a set of conditions that must be met to ensure that your admission offer will remain intact. View your Conditions of Admission. Admitted students whose official, final records do not match the self-reported information in their applications are at risk of having their admission offer withdrawn, even after the nonrefundable $250 deposit and Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) have been submitted.
- If I decide to take you up on this offer, what is my next step?
Add UC Merced to your FAFSA or your CADAA (when possible) so that you can review your financial aid awards, if applicable, before the May 15 SIR deadline to secure your spot and become a Bobcat. You should also claim your UCMNetID so you can access the My Admissions portal as well as UC Merced Connect.
- How and when will I know how much financial aid I am offered?
Your financial aid award offer should be available to view under My Financial Aid in UC Merced Connect within two to three weeks after you add the UC Merced school code to your financial aid application (041721).
- When and how should I apply for housing?
UC Merced guarantees ALL incoming first year undergraduate students the ability to live on campus for two academic years. You can apply for housing 1-2 business days after you submit your SIR. To receive guaranteed housing in the residence halls, new first-year/freshman students must submit a housing application by no later than May 19, 2024 at housing.ucmerced.edu . You’ll also need to sign the offered contract by May 20, 2024. If you are unable to meet the priority housing application deadline, contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life to explore your living options for the fall.
- If I have questions, how can I contact you?
Call us at 209-228-7178 and select Admissions. You can also email admissions@ucmerced.edu.
- How do I learn more about UC Merced?
Visit our website at admissions.ucmerced.edu, where you can view more information about our campus and our digital viewbook Explore UC Merced. You can also view one of our recorded webinars or join us for a upcoming events (both online and in person). If you would like to tour the campus, visit tours.ucmerced.edu for options to tour UC Merced in person or virtually.
