University of California, Merced Acceptance Rate 2024/2025

Founded in 2005, the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) is a public research university and one of the top universities in the United States with its main campus in Merced, California. The University of California, Merced has numerous undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its colleges and schools.

The University of California, Merced is one of the most applied-to higher learning institutions in the United States. It is also ranked as one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world. Getting admitted into UC Merced is tricky due to the many applicants and low acceptance rates.

Prospective UC Merced students must meet the admission requirements and familiarize themselves with the University of California, Merced’s acceptance rate, admission process, and other conditions.

What GPA is required for UC Merced?

The University of California, Merced has a specific way of calculating the grade point average (GPA) required for admission. You must obtain an average GPA of 3.79 or higher to enter the University of California, Merced, regardless of your field. You will need a good amount of As and Bs to attain a GPA as high as this.

Although there are no fixed UC Merced GPA requirements, to be considered a competitive applicant, you need a weighted GPA of 3.50 – 4.08.

Is SAT required for University of California, Merced?

The University of California, Merced does not require you to take the SAT or ACT before getting accepted. However, students may still include that information on their application. If your SAT or ACT scores are at the top of the scale, consider submitting them to strengthen your UC Merced application.

What is the average SAT score for University of California, Merced?

The average SAT score composite at the University of California, Merced is between 1140 —1390 and an ACT of 23 – 32. Although there is no fixed UC Merced SAT score requirement, falling within or above the average range is a great way to boost your chances of acceptance.

Breakdown of UC Merced Acceptance Rate

In the Fall of 2022, the University of California, Merced received 29,914 applications for the undergraduate class of 2026, out of which 27,046 (Early Decision and Regular Decision) were admitted representing a 90.4% acceptance rate.

Also, the acceptance rate for international students was 9% with some freshmen identifying as Asian, African-American, Hispanic, or Latino. These numbers are unrelated to the acceptance rate for UC Merced, but they show that the institution is a diverse campus.

University of California, Merced Admission Process 2023

The University of California, Merced’s admission process varies depending on the level of education, programs offered, and nationality. However, candidates with a minimum of 3.05 GPA can apply to study at UC Merced.

Also, note that the University of California, Merced’s GPA requirements tend to be higher for out-of-state students. The University of California, Merced GPA requirements for non-residents state that these students must earn at least a 3.70 with no grades below a B.

University of California, Merced Admission Timeline

The admission process starts in the fall season before the year you want to join. Generally, the deadline for the University of California, Merced admission application is as follows.

• Application deadline: November 30

Documents Required for UC Merced

To study at the University of California, Merced you must first and foremost meet the admission requirements. Thereafter, apply to the school before the application deadline. In addition to the general admission requirements, you must also meet the specific subject requirements.

Although the admission application process may vary for local and international students, some of the requirements may apply to both. Below are some of the general UC Merced admission requirements:

• Common Application.
• Official secondary school transcript and school report.
• At least one teacher recommendation
• SAT or ACT score, if available and you wish them to be considered, or other test results like PSAT, if available.
• TOEFL, IELTS, MET, or Duolingo, etc. scores (for non-native speakers of English)
• Official college transcripts (for high school students dual enrolled in a college or university).

Documents Required to Transfer Applicants

• Common Application.
• Official university transcript(s) from all universities attended, must demonstrate at least one year of full-time undergraduate study
• Official secondary school transcript noting graduation
• College report
• Academic evaluation
• SAT or ACT score, if available and you wish them to be considered, or other test results like PSAT, if available.
• Official proof of English language proficiency (ONLY for applicants whose first/primary language is not English or whose secondary schooling has not been in English).

University of California, Merced Application Fee

The University of California, Merced has a nonrefundable application fee of $70 for domestic applicants ($80 for international and non-immigrant applicants) or a fee waiver for qualified students. You can make your payment either by credit card or by mail, just be sure to follow the instructions in the application.

Popular Majors at University of California, Merced

The most popular majors among the University of California, Merced students are:

1. Biological Sciences
2. Management and Business Economics
3. Computer Science and Engineering
4. Psychology
5. Public Health
6. Mechanical Engineering
7. Applied Mathematical Sciences
8. Chemistry
9. Sociology
10. Global Arts Studies