Admissions

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UC Merced: Another Double-digit Rise in Applications

Nearly 33,000 prospective first-year and transfer students applied to UC Merced for the fall 2024 semester — a 12% increase from last year’s applicant pool.

“It is clear that the word has spread far and wide about UC Merced’s culture of innovation, our world-changing teaching and research, and all the exciting opportunities we offer students and families,” said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz.

1300 Campaign Continues to Lift up Young Men of Color to Pursue Higher Education

Editor's note: In honor of Black History Month, the UC Merced newsroom is highlighting some of the organizations, services and people who serve or represent the Black community on campus.

For many aspiring college students, it can be hard to picture themselves attending a four-year university, especially when they will be the first in their family to attend. UC Merced's partnership with The 1300 Campaign is giving local young men of color a first-hand experience of what being a student at UC Merced might feel like for themselves - from the dorm room to the research lab.

UC Merced To Be Featured on Amazon Prime’s “The College Tour”

UC Merced will be featured on Amazon Prime’s popular show “The College Tour,” a half-hour, student-driven program that showcases colleges and universities around the world. Each episode focuses on a single school, highlighting everything from campus life and academics to athletics, activities and more.

Campus and Academic Growth Highlighted in UC Merced State of the University Address

Distinguished rankings, new academic offerings, world-class research and campus expansions were among the highlights of the UC Merced State of the University address delivered by Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz.

"The state of this 20-year-old institution is unparalleled in the history of American higher education," said Muñoz. "And now I would like to invite you to join me in imagining an even more impactful future for our campus, faculty, staff and students."

Scholars Bridge Crossing Event (Slideshow)

Thousands of incoming UC Merced students participated in the Scholars Bridge Crossing, one of the university's earliest traditions. The annual event is a rite of passage for new Bobcats who also walked through the "Beginnings" sculpture, signifying the beginning of their journey at UC Merced.

New this year, a group of "Bob-kittens" from the Early Childhood Education Center led the spirit-filled procession. Following these future Bobcats was the inaugural "Paw-rade" - a line of more-than-30 golf carts, decked out in various colorful themes by campus departments and groups. 

Move-in Weekend 2023 (Slideshow)

UC Merced welcomed back thousands of students to campus for the start of the university's 19th academic year!

From Aug. 17-20, family and friends joined incoming Bobcats as they arrived on campus throughout move-in weekend. As they settle into the residence halls, student and staff volunteers were on-hand to help and answer questions. Almost 4,200 undergraduate students will reside in on-campus housing this academic year. (Click to scroll)

Bobcats Returning to New Features and Opportunities at UC Merced

UC Merced is preparing to welcome back thousands of students to campus for the start of the university's 19th academic year.

From Aug. 17-20, family and friends will join incoming Bobcats as they arrive on campus throughout move-in weekend. As they settle into the residence halls, student and staff volunteers will be ready to help and answer questions. Almost 4,200 undergraduate students will reside in on-campus housing this academic year.

Clovis Native Excited to Represent the Central Valley Playing for UC Merced Volleyball Team

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2023 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats.

When Clovis native and lifelong volleyball player Morgan Wilson first began exploring her options to play at the collegiate level, her path was not clear. She had several out-of-state opportunities, none of which felt like the right fit.

"I didn't even feel a spark with a lot of the schools," she said.

Then she visited UC Merced.

Environmental Research, Working Toward Saving the Planet Among New Bobcat’s Plans

Incoming Bobcat Benji Thier already knows what he wants to do with his college degree: Save the planet.

“I am planning to study Environmental Systems Science because I did some environmental work in high school and I think it is a very important and relevant field,” he said. “I believe we need more people in this field because we need to save our planet.”

Thier, a Tiburon native and graduate of Redwood High School, visited the campus on Bobcat Day and was impressed with how much environmentally related research is being conducted.

Soccer Standout Heads to UC Merced this Fall

Since age 5, Preston Nguyen has been kicking around a soccer ball.

“I have been consumed by the sport ever since,” the Turlock native said. “I can play any role in the midfield, but I usually play as a defensive midfielder.”

The incoming management and business economics major is joining UC Merced this fall as part of the men’s soccer team on an athletic scholarship.