Frequently Asked Questions
On this page:
- How do I check the status of my admission application?
- Who do I contact if I want to take a tour of UC Merced?
- How can I get in touch with an Admissions counselor?
- When can I apply to UC Merced?
- What are UC Merced's school codes?
- When will acceptance notices be sent out?
- Can I earn credit at UC Merced by taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams?
- When do I apply for financial aid?
- Can I change my major after I apply to UC Merced?
- Will I be able to graduate in 4 years?
- What if I miss the deadline to apply?
1. How do I check the status of my admission application?
You will receive an acknowledgment email that will notify you when you can begin checking your admission status.
2. Who do I contact if I want to take a tour of UC Merced?
Come visit us! Schedule a tour led by one of our friendly student tour guides.
3. How can I get in touch with an Admissions counselor?
You can reach us at admissions@ucmerced.edu or (209) 228-7178.
4. When can I apply to UC Merced?
The filing period for admission to UC Merced is Nov. 1 through 30 every year for the following fall semester. The filing period for the spring semester is July 1 through Aug. 31. Visit our apply page for more information.
5. What are UC Merced's school codes?
UC Merced’s ACT code is 0450, our College Board Code is 4129, and our financial aid code is 041271.
6. When will acceptance notices be sent out?
Students will be notified of admission decisions for the fall semester beginning in March of the year in which they apply.
7. Can I earn credit at UC Merced by taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams?
Depending on your major, you may be able to earn credit for a score of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement tests. For more information on Advanced Placement credit, reference the UC Merced General Catalog.
8. When do I apply for financial aid?
The filing period for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act application is Jan. 2 through March 2 every year for the following fall semester. Since financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, students are encouraged to apply early in the filing period. At UC Merced, your FAFSA application also serves as your scholarship application. Students do not have to fill out more than a single form to apply for both local and federal funding.
9. Can I change my major after I apply to UC Merced?
Fall applicants: We recommend you apply for the major program you wish to pursue at UC Merced. If you are uncertain about your interest, you can apply Undeclared/Undecided, Undeclared in the School of Engineering, Undeclared in the School of Natural Sciences or Undeclared in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts.
10. Will I be able to graduate in 4 years?
There are many factors that contribute to the time it takes for an individual to graduate; including but not limited to: major, study habits and time management skills, major preparation, etc. For more information about transfer student graduation rates and other student data, visit Institutional Research and Decision Support.
11. What if I miss the deadline to apply?
The Office of Admission has an established appeal committee composed of three unit staff members who review all cases. When submitting an appeal to a decision, please provide relevant information that may not have already been available. Information about how to appeal a decision is provided at admissions.ucmerced.edu/appeals.
