University of California-Merced is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of University of California-Merced (UC Merced) is 89.46%. This means that 89 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitiveness is University of California-Merced Admissions?
- Slightly Competitive: Applicants need average academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
Although the acceptance rate is high, remember that to secure admission to any institution of higher learning, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. If you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as UC Merced is not very strict in its admission, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
To enhance your chances of admission, perform well in academics and other activities. If your GPA is not excellent, compensate by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can improve your chances of admission.
University of California-Merced Admission Requirements
UC Merced GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UC Merced is 3.55. UC Merced is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.25 and 3.55, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended. You need at least a 3.15 GPA to secure admission.
Can I Get Into UC Merced Without SAT Or ACT?: University of California-Merced does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
University of California-Merced (UC Merced) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
University of California-Merced Average SAT Score: 1050
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of California-Merced is 1050 on the 1600 SAT scale.
University of California-Merced SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1050 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (0 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of California-Merced allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 0, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to UC Merced. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
University of California-Merced SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Reading | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Composite | 1050 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 then you are below most of the admitted students at UC Merced and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 0 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into University of California-Merced (UC Merced) with a 0 SAT?
With a 0 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of California-Merced (UC Merced) are good but the admission staff at UC Merced tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
UC Merced Profile
Name: University of California-Merced (UC Merced)
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from UC Merced Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of California-Merced is USD: 36949. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of California-Merced is USD: 13450
How can I get a scholarship?
61.25% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 31.17 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UC Merced and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of California-Merced, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UC Merced as your choice in the form.
How much a UC Merced Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the UC Merced graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 64368. An average UC Merced graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of California-Merced. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of University of California-Merced, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Faulkner University, AL | 1021 | 21 |
| University of West Alabama | University of West Alabama, AL | 1015 | 19 |
| Central Baptist College | Central Baptist College, AR | 1011 | 21 |
| Henderson State University | Henderson State University, AR | 1019 | 19 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO | 1025 | 20 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Colorado State University Pueblo, CO | 1031 | 21 |
| Columbus State University | Columbus State University, GA | 1020 | 20 |
| Thomas University | Thomas University, GA | 1010 | 18 |
| Valdosta State University | Valdosta State University, GA | 1027 | 19 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of California-Merced. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for University of California-Merced, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1051 | 22 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1050 | 21 |
| Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| The Baptist College of Florida | The Baptist College of Florida, FL | 1045 | 20 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of California-Merced. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1091 | 21 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1089 | 21 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Cognitive Science
- Computer Engineering
- Economics
- English Language and Literature, General
Frequently Asked Questions About University of California-Merced Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $64368 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for University of California-Merced?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $36949 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at University of California-Merced?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for University of California-Merced?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of California-Merced is 89.46 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at University of California-Merced?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.55. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to University of California-Merced?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.25, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at University of California-Merced with a 3.25 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.25 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to University of California-Merced if my GPA is below 3.15
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.55, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for University of California-Merced?
Answer: Admission to University of California-Merced is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1050 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 0-0
Question: Is it possible to transfer to University of California-Merced from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to University of California-Merced each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at University of California-Merced?
Answer: The campus culture at University of California-Merced is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into University of California-Merced?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of California-Merced.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.