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Transfer: TAG

Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)

UC Merced Campus

California community college students are eligible for the UC Merced Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program. TAG contracts specify the courses to be completed and GPA you must earn at a community college to be guaranteed admission to UC Merced in the major of your choice.

On this page:

Helpful TAG Videos

Discover how you can TAG UC Merced (Transfer Admission Guarantee)

UC Merced is one of six UC campuses participating in the Transfer Admissions Guarantee (TAG). Join us to learn more about how you can guarantee your admission to UC Merced through the TAG. We will provide an overview of the UC Transfer Admission Planner (UC TAP) tool, outline the TAG submission process, and review UC Merced’s TAG requirements. Originally recorded in 2023 for Fall 2024 applicants. Please check for our website for new dates/deadlines if you're interested in Fall 2025. 

On-Demand Replay

Discover UC Merced - Transfer Admissions Presentation 

Interested in transferring to UC Merced? Join us to learn more about the campus and how you can prepare to transfer. This presentation will provide information about student life, majors and minors, research, and more at UC Merced. You will also have an opportunity to learn about transfer requirements, important dates and deadlines, and opportunities to engage with Admissions.

On-Demand Replay

Discover UC Merced - Transfer Admissions Application 

Are you preparing to transfer? Join us for an in-depth session on filling out the University of California application for transfer students. Our admission advisors will provide a brief overview of transfer requirements, walk through the application process, and share tactics for answering the personal insight questions (PIQs). You will also have an opportunity to learn about the factors that UC Admissions considers and what to avoid and get answers to any confusing aspects of the application.

On-Demand Replay

To view past transfer specific webinar recordings, visit our UC Transfer Initiative Program YouTube channel

 

Steps to Apply for a TAG:

  1. Complete the Transfer Admission Planner
  2. Submit your TAG for your intended transfer term
    • Spring TAG: Submit May 1-31
    • Fall TAG: Submit Sept. 1-30
  3. Apply for Admission

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Why Apply for a TAG?

The benefits of participating in the UC Merced TAG program include early notification that your admission to UC Merced is guaranteed (subject to the conditions of the program), and opportunities for individualized advising about major preparation, general education and/or IGETC requirements.

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Student at a lab

How Can I Pursue a TAG?

  1. Apply for a TAG at uctap.universityofcalifornia.edu.
     
  2. Apply for admission to UC Merced. Students with approved UC Merced TAGs must file the UC application for undergraduate admission for the major and term for which the TAG is written. You are encouraged to wait for your TAG decision before submitting the UC application. You can start your UC application here.

If you have additional questions about the TAG program, you can email us at transfer@ucmerced.edu or schedule an appointment with one of our transfer advisers. Visit our Contact Us page to schedule an appointment.

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Faculty at whiteboard

TAG Eligibility for Spring 2026

To be considered for a TAG you must meet the following criteria at the time the TAG is submitted:

  • Be enrolled full-time at a California community college
  • Have completed 30 UC-transferable units
  • Meet the minimum GPA required for your major
  • *Students who meet all TAG requirements but are not enrolled full-time may still apply; must provide an explanation in the gap in education section.*

In addition, you must also meet the requirements below prior to your intended term of enrollment:

  • Complete the minimum English eligibility requirements for admission
    Completion Deadline: 
     - Fall TAGs by the end of the spring term prior to enrollment
     - Spring TAGs by the end of the summer prior to enrollment

  • Complete the minimum math eligibility requirements for admission.
    Completion Deadline: 
     - Fall TAGs by the end of the fall term prior to enrollment
     - Spring TAGs by the end of the fall term prior to enrollment

  • Complete the required preparation for your major*.
    Completion Deadline: 
     - Fall TAGs by the end of the spring term prior to enrollment
     - Spring TAGs by the end of the fall term prior to enrollment
     *Coursework listed as in progress on your TAG application should be a part of a reasonable workload.

  • Complete 60 UC-transferable units
    Completion Deadline:
    - Fall TAGs by the end of the spring term prior to enrollment
    - Spring TAGs by the end of the fall term prior to enrollment

  • No unrepeated grade(s) of No Pass, C-, D or F in UC-transferable coursework.

  • No more than two (2) total withdrawals in major preparation courses (including Emergency / Excused Withdrawals).

  • No more than one (1) deficient grade in a major prep course, even if the course is repeated with a passing grade. 

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Required Preparation for Your Major

Information subject to change. Check back frequently for updates and see the Majors & Minors page to learn more about UC Merced's academic offerings.

School of Engineering

Majors in the School of Engineering require a minimum GPA of 3.0. The TAG requires you to complete the following UC Merced course requirements at your community college prior to enrolling at the University.

Bioengineering (All emphases) 

  • BIO 011/011L 
  • CHEM 002/002L, CHEM 010/010L
  • MATH 021, MATH 022, MATH 023, and MATH 024 
  • PHYS 008/008L and PHYS 009/009L 

Environmental Engineering

  • CHEM 002/002L
  • MATH 021, MATH 022, MATH 023, and MATH 024
  • PHYS 008/008L and PHYS 009/009L

Materials Science and Engineering

  • CHEM 002/002L
  • MATH 021, MATH 022, MATH 023, and MATH 024
  • PHYS 008/008L and PHYS 009/009L

Mechanical Engineering (All emphases)

  • CHEM 002/002L
  • MATH 021, MATH 022, MATH 023, and MATH 024
  • PHYS 008/008L and PHYS 009/009L

Civil Engineering

  • CHEM 002/002L
  • MATH 021, MATH 022, MATH 023, and MATH 024 
  • PHYS 008/08L and PHYS 009/09L

Computer Science and Engineering

  • CSE 022 (must be completed with grades of B or better)
  • CSE 030
  • MATH 021, MATH 022, MATH 023, and MATH 024
  • PHYS 008 & PHYS 008L and PHYS 009 & PHYS 009L

Aerospace Engineering

  • CHEM 002/002L
  • MATH 021, MATH 022, MATH 023, and MATH 024
  • PHYS 008/008L and PHYS 009/009L

Electrical Engineering (All emphases)

  • CHEM 002/002L
  • MATH 021, MATH 022, MATH 023, and MATH 024
  • PHYS 008/008L and PHYS 009/009L

School of Natural Sciences

Majors in the School of Natural Sciences require a minimum GPA of 2.9. TAGs for the majors listed below require you to complete the following UC Merced course requirements at your community college prior to enrolling in the University.

Applied Mathematical Sciences (All emphases)

  • MATH 021 and MATH 022
  • PHYS 008/008L and PHYS 009/009L

Biochemistry

  • BIO 011/011L and BIO 012/012L
  • MATH 021 and MATH 022
  • CHEM 002/002L and CHEM 008/008L and CHEM 010/010L

Biological Sciences, B.S. (All emphases)

  • BIO 012/012L
  • CHEM 002/002L, CHEM 008/008L, and CHEM 010/010L
  • MATH 011 or MATH 021
  • MATH 012 or MATH 022

Biological Sciences, B.A.

  • BIO 011/011L
  • CHEM 002/002L and CHEM 010/010L
  • MATH 011 or MATH 021

Chemistry (All emphases)

  • CHEM 002/002L and CHEM 010/010L
  • MATH 021 and MATH 022
  • PHYS 008/008L and PHYS 009/009L

Environmental Systems Science (All emphases)

  • CHEM 002/002L and CHEM 010/010L
  • MATH 011 or MATH 021
  • PHYS 008/008L or PHYS 018/018L

Physics (All emphases)

  • MATH 021 and MATH 022
  • PHYS 008/008L and PHYS 009/009L

Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology

  • BIO 011/011L
  • CHEM 002/002L and CHEM 010/010L
  • MATH 011 or MATH 021
  • MATH 012 or MATH 022
  • CHEM 008/008L (Pre-Health Emphasis Only)

School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA)

Majors in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts require a minimum GPA of 2.8, except for Psychology and Public Health, which requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. TAGs for the majors listed below require you to complete the following UC Merced course requirements at your community college prior to enrolling in the University.

All SSHA majors are highly encouraged to complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) prior to enrollment at UC Merced.

Anthropology

  • At least one course from ANTH 001, ANTH 003, ANTH 005

Cognitive Science, B.A

  • COGS 001 or PSY 001
  • MATH 005 or MATH 011 or MATH 021
  • PSY 010

Cognitive Science, B.S.

  • COGS 001 or PSY 001
  • MATH 005 or MATH 011 or MATH 021
  • PSY 010

Critical Race and Ethnic Studies

  • CRES 001 (with a grade of B or better)

Economics, B.A.

  • ECON 001
  • MATH 011 or MATH 021

Economics, B.S. (All emphases)

  • Economics, Economics Analysis and Policy Emphasis, B.S.
    • ECON 001
    • MATH 011 or MATH 021
    • MATH 012 or MATH 022
  • Economics, Quantitative Economics Emphasis, B.S.
    • ECON 001
    • MATH 021
    • MATH 022
    • MATH 023*   *Not required for TAG and admissions, but strongly recommended

Global Arts Studies Program (All emphases)

  • At least two UC-Transferable art courses (e.g., film, music, theater, visual art)

History

  • At least two UC-transferable courses in History (students are strongly encouraged to complete two courses that have been approved as equivalents to specific UC Merced courses, including at least one world history course, as this will prepare students for upper division courses at UC Merced).

Literatures in English (All emphases)

  • At least two UC-transferable courses in English, Literature or English Literature.

Management and Business Economics

  • ECON 001
  • MATH 011 or MATH 021

Philosophy

  • PHIL 001
  • PHIL 004 or PHIL 005

Political Science, American Politics Emphasis, B.A.

  • POLI 001
  • At least one course chosen from: POLI 003, POLI 005

Political Science, Comparative Politics Emphasis, B.A.

  • POLI 001
  • POLI 003

Political Science, International Relations Emphasis, B.A.

  • POLI 001
  • POLI 005

Political Science, Law and Policy Emphasis, B.A.

  • POLI 001
  • And at least one course chosen from: POLI 003, POLI 005

Psychology (All emphases)

  • PSY 001
  • PSY 010
  • 3.0 GPA required for TAG

Public Health, B.A.

  • MATH 018 or PSY 010 

  • IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) Certification 

  • 3.0 GPA required for TAG

Sociology (All emphases)

  • SOC 001
  • At least one of the following courses from the following course ranges: SOC 011-SOC 014 or SOC 016-SOC 089

Spanish

  • SPAN 004 or SPAN 011 (with a grade of B or better)

Writing Studies, B.A.

  • Complete a minimum two of the following courses: WRI 015, WRI 025, WRI 030.

* Requirements are subject to change. Check this page frequently for updates and deadlines.
** Apply as a regular applicant. View major requirements at https://admissions.ucmerced.edu/transfer/major-preparation-schools.

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