UC Merced, Kern High School District Partner to Offer Guaranteed Admission, Scholarships

UC Merced and the Kern High School District have partnered to provide eligible students with a clear pathway to guaranteed admission to the university through the Merced Automatic Admission Program, or MAAP.

The partnership was announced during a KHSD Board of Trustees meeting, where UC Merced leaders outlined the program and the admission and scholarship opportunities available to participating students. KHSD is one of 51 school districts across California connecting eligible students with UC Merced through MAAP.

"This agreement reflects UC Merced's deep commitment to the Central Valley and to the extraordinary talent found throughout Kern County schools. Through this partnership, we are removing barriers that too often stand between students and a university education," said UC Merced Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management Scott Hagg. "By creating a clear pathway to UC Merced, simplifying the admissions process with a fee-free application, and supporting students all the way to graduation, we are helping more students earn a University of California degree in four years with little to no debt."

"We are proud to partner with UC Merced and create an attainable pathway to higher education for our students," said KHSD Superintendent Michael Zulfa. "This opportunity will help more students envision themselves at a four-year university and take the next step toward achieving their academic and career goals."

To qualify for MAAP, students must complete at least 15 yearlong A-G courses required for UC first-year admission with a grade of C or better and earn a GPA of at least 3.0.

Students can apply to MAAP in the fall of their senior year and may select any UC Merced major. Participation in the program waives application fees and provides a scholarship of up to $3,000 annually for up to four years.

To learn more about the MAAP partnership and the program's complete requirements, visit the MAAP webpage .