Admissions

The University of California, Merced, marks a major milestone today with the start of the 2014-15 academic year – its 10th since opening its doors in 2005 as the first new UC campus in 40 years.

“We begin the year with our strongest class of incoming freshmen and the largest and most diverse student body in our history,” said UC Merced Chancellor Dorothy Leland. “The hopes and aspirations of these talented young scholars serve as a poignant reminder of why UC Merced was established and the promise it holds for many generations to come.”

As the 10^th campus in the UC system approaches the start of its 10^th academic year, the University of California, Merced, has received a record number of applications for undergraduate admission this fall.

According to admissions data released today (Jan. 17) by the UC Office of the President, undergraduate applications to enroll in Fall 2014 hit 17,469, a 1.6 percent increase compared to Fall 2013 applications.  

The University of California, Merced, unveiled six ambitious new initiatives to help college attainment and success among underserved students at an elite White House education summit today.

Chancellor Dorothy Leland joins representatives from about 140 American colleges and universities meeting with First Lady Michelle Obama and officials from the National Economic Policy Council and the Department of Education at the summit.

Between record enrollment and research expenditures, a massive economic impact on the San Joaquin Valley, new buildings and a visit from the new UC president, the University of California, Merced, has had a big year.

Newly appointed University of California President Janet Napolitano chose UC Merced for her first campus visit – in her first week on the job – saying the youngest UC campus is important to the UC system, but also to the Central Valley and the state.

For Melissa Ugaldes and many San Joaquin Valley high school students like her, a University of California education might not be an obvious option.

A fall census shows enrollment at the University of California, Merced, has reached 6,195 students — a 7 percent increase over last year — as the campus continues to grow in both numbers and competitiveness.

After evaluating a record application pool of more than 18,000, the university enrolled 1,757 new undergraduate students for the 2013 fall semester. The freshman class jumped by nearly 11 percent, from 1,495 to 1,654 — making it the largest freshman class in the campus’s history. In addition, the campus added 103 transfer students and 101 graduate students.

The University of California, Merced, kicks off its 2013-14 academic year today with the largest and most diverse class of incoming freshmen, the largest contingent of graduate students, the largest total enrollment and the largest body of faculty members in its history, the university said today.

The best way to explore what UC Merced has to offer is to visit the campus and see it firsthand.

Editor's Note: As of mid-February, UC Merced's graduate student applications increased by 6.6 percent over last year. This press release reports a 41 percent increase, which at the time (Jan. 18) was an accurate figure. The current figure is lower.