How to Apply
Academic and Application Requirements
Applicant Admissions Criteria:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution with a major appropriate to the proposed graduate program. This degree must represent the completion of a program equivalent both in the distribution of academic subject matter and scholarship achievement comparable to that offered at the University of California.
- Have a satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) is required.
- Provide Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. The GRE general exam is required. Applicants should arrange to have GRE scores sent electronically to the UC Merced Graduate Division office. For additional information, please visit www.ets.org. The GRE institution code for UC Merced is 4129.
- Provide TOEFL or IELTS test scores (international students only). All graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English, must show evidence of having taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or TOEFL-Internet Based Test or the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) examination within the past two years.
GRADUATE APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Online Application and Fee
Submit the online admission application. After you have completed the application, make the application fee payment using the online payment system. The application fee is $135 for domestic applicants and $155 for international applicants.
Graduate application fee waivers are available for eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents based on program participation or demonstrated financial need. A fee waiver may be requested on the admission application. Note: if you apply for a fee waiver, do not pay the fee unless you are contacted by the Graduate Division.
transcripts
For the initial review process, upload a scanned copy of all college level academic work including community college, summer session and study abroad, onto your application. If recommended for admissions, official transcripts of all academic work must be submitted in a sealed envelope issued by the originating institution.
gre scores
The general test of the GRE is required for admission to graduate study at UC Merced. Applicants should arrange to have GRE scores sent to the UC Merced Graduate Division Office. GRE scores are valid for five years after the testing year in which you tested. The GRE institution code for UC Merced is 4129. You may report self-reported scores on the application; however, official scores are required to complete your application.
letters of recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required for graduate admissions. Preferably from professors or instructors in the proposed field of study.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Submit by March 2 to meet priority processing. This form may be filled out online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. UC Merced's federal code is 041271.
TOEFL or IELTS
(international applicants only)
All graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English, must show evidence of having taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or TOEFL-Internet Based Test or the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) examination within the past two years.Verification of test scores will need to be provided to the Graduate Division. TOEFL test scores must be verified through ETS using code 4129.
Statement of Purpose and Personal History
A statement of purpose is required to help determine whether your academic objectives can reasonably be satisfied in the graduate program to which you seek admission.
The Personal History and Achievements/Contributions statement is required and provides admission committees insight into an applicant’s background, accomplishments, achievements, or contributions that are important in evaluating the applicant for graduate study. Relevant information includes educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities pertinent to the applicant’s academic journey.
Check the status of your application
Once you submit your application, you will receive an email with a link to check the status of your application.
send required documents
Send required documents to:
University of California, Merced
Graduate Division, SSB 310
5200 N. Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343