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Frequently Asked Questions

The following pieces of information may be useful in answering some of your questions about the University of California Merced.

How do I check the status of my application?
Visit the portal (one of our main vehicles for communicating with students once they become applicants and all the way throughout the process) and select the "Login" or "First Time Users" link on the left side of the screen. Please note: You will need your Application ID (a 7-digit number you received in your letter from the processor and in your acknowledgment letter from UC Merced) to claim your UCMNetID and password. You can also select "MyAdmissions" under the Applicant Services tab on the right side of the screen to view your status. Visit the portal frequently to receive important information and updates.

Who do I contact if I want to take a tour of UC Merced?
Come visit us! Schedule a tour with one of our friendly student tour guides.

How can I get in touch with an Admissions counselor?
You may reach us via e-mail at admissions@ucmerced.edu or call (209) 228-4682.

When can I apply to UC Merced?
The filing period for admission to UC Merced for November 1 through 30 every year for the following fall semester. The filing period for the spring semester is July 1 through 31. Visit our apply page for more information.

What are UC Merced’s school codes?
UC Merced’s ACT code is 0450 and our College Board Code is 4129. Our financial aid code is 041271. Our financial aid Web site offers helpful resources on financing your education.

Can I earn credit at UC Merced by taking Advanced Placement (AP) tests?
Depending on your major, you may be able to earn credit for a score of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement tests. For more information on Advanced Placement credit, please reference the UC Merced General Catalog.

What is the most important thing I should know about transferring to UC Merced?
Completion of the minimum admission requirements for the University of California is necessary to your successful transfer. Major preparation is also critical to your success and can give you an edge over other students. Remember we’re the ones who best know what you need to do at your college before you transfer. The sooner you contact us for advice, the better.

Do I need to choose my major right away?
Freshmen applicants have the luxury of not needing to decide their major at the time they apply. In contrast, transfer students are required to know, which means the sooner they determine their area of interest the greater their chances of transferring at the desired time. To be competitive, transfer students need to take as many classes for their major as they can before enrolling at UC Merced. For more information please see Major Preparation and Academics.

How will I know if my classes transfer to UC Merced?
Classes transfer if they have been identified as UC-transferable. If you attend a community college, you can find out what is UC-transferable at http://www.assist.org -- the official repository of articulation for California colleges and universities. UC Merced is actively working to post information at this source. Students are recommended to talk with their college articulation officer or contact us for advice.

What if I want to transfer from a California State University (CSU) or college from outside of California?
UC Merced encourages transfer students from colleges outside California or the California State University (CSU) system. These students will have more difficulty than California community college students in identifying the transferability of their classes and are asked to consult UC Merced’s Admissions office for advice. If a course is questionable students can submit course syllabi, sample assignments and reading lists to UC Merced’s articulation officer for review. In addition, non-resident and international students are required to achieve a 2.80 GPA or better in their courses.

What are my chances of getting admitted to UC Merced as a California community college student?
Community college students in California receive priority consideration for admission to the University of California. Transfer students are so important to the intellectual life of UC Merced. Community college students should take a look at the minimum admission requirements that require a 2.40 GPA or higher for California residents.

Are English and math important?
You must complete the English and math minimum admission requirements by the end of the spring term prior to enrolling at UC Merced in the fall. We encourage you to complete these requirements as early as possible since your success in many advanced subjects will be influenced by your performance in these courses. [top]

Do I need to take a foreign language to be admitted?
Studying a language other than English can be beneficial but is not required for UC minimum admission requirements. Some UC Merced majors require two years of college-level study in a foreign language and it may be in your best interest to complete this kind of major preparation prior to admission.

Do I need my associates degree or general education before I transfer?
Completing an associate's degree or general education pattern is not required, nor does it guarantee admission to UC Merced or a specific program of choice. Major preparation is key to successfully transferring to UC Merced. The IGETC available at California community colleges is a recommended plan for students who have not decided on a major. Although not required by UC Merced, completing general education (or breadth) requirements can give students a competitive edge over students who have already completed their minimum admission requirements and major preparation.

Are there any special programs for transfer students like me?
Several programs are available for students in California who are interested in transferring to UC Merced. The program most directly related to transfer is UC Merced's Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program. For more information on TAG, e-mail us at transfer@ucmerced.edu. Another example of a supporting program that can provide unique opportunities for students preparing to travel after transferring to UC Merced, is the Education Abroad Program (EAP).

What calendar does UC Merced follow?
UC Merced follows a semester system calendar. The academic terms are fall and spring, with summer as an option. All other UC campuses except Berkeley follow a quarter system calendar.

When should I apply for financial aid?
Students should apply for financial aid between January 2 and March 2 each year. Students applying for financial aid from UC Merced, the federal government, and/or the State of California must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students will also need to submit a GPA Verification Form to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

What is your Title IV School Code?
Our Federal School Code is 041271.

What is an EFC (Expected Family Contribution)?
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a calculated figure based on the information you report on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The calculation is made through a need analysis formula established by the U.S. Congress. While the EFC seems mysterious, it is based on a preset formula that, in the case of Federal financial aid, is set by law. The EFC formula takes into account: Income, Assets, Employment benefits, Family size, and Number of family members in college. The calculated Expected Family Contribution doesn’t necessarily equal what you’ll be expected to pay to the University (please refer to the current Cost of Attendance to determine your fees). At UC Merced, we use the EFC to determine your eligibility for need-based Federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships. We do this by subtracting the EFC from the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA). If the number is positive, you are eligible for need-based aid up to that amount. If your EFC is greater than your COA, you are not eligible for need-based aid but may be eligible for non-need based student and parent loans.

Is the Cost of Attendance what I owe?
No. The only Cost of Attendance items paid directly to the University are tuition/fees and on-campus room and board if you choose to live on-campus. The Cost of Attendance is just an estimate and includes ALL expenses to attend the University for one year, not just expenses paid directly to UC Merced. The COA includes average tuition/fees, books and supplies, room and board, personal expenses, transportation expenses and a health insurance allowance and varies depending on whether you live on-campus, off-campus or at-home with relatives. Your actual expenses may be different and most items are not paid directly to the University.

I don’t think I qualify for financial aid. Should I complete the FAFSA?
Yes! Financial aid is intended both to remove financial barriers for families who cannot afford the cost of an education beyond high school and to fill in the gap for families who can afford only part of the cost. A number of factors in addition to family income are considered in determining your financial eligibility, including the size of your family and number of family members in college. Although most grant awards are based on financial need, some loans and scholarships are available regardless of need.

Is Financial Aid only available for students with high GPAs?
No. There are scholarships that are "merit-based," awarded on a student's academic performance. However, most financial aid, including grants and loans, is "need-based," or awarded based on a family's ability to pay for college.

Must I be accepted for admission before I apply for financial aid? Must I be admitted before I receive aid?
No. You may apply for financial aid any time after January 1st. However, you must be admitted and enrolled at UCM before you receive any funds.

Do I have to apply for financial aid each year?
Yes. Your financial situation must be reassessed each year. However, after the first year you apply for financial aid, you probably will be sent a Renewal FAFSA Application that will ask you to answer some questions again and recheck the answers to others.

I want to apply for a scholarship only. Do I have to fill out the FAFSA?
No. However, to be considered for scholarships where financial need is part of the criteria, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We recommend that every student fill out a FAFSA.

If my parents save money for college, will it hurt my chances of qualifying for grants?
The amount in a parent's savings account is indeed used in the federal formula that determines the contribution expected from parents. However, a large portion of those savings are "protected" from consideration; only a small percentage of the remaining amount is assessed in the calculation of the parent contribution.

If we haven’t saved money for college, isn’t community college the only option?
While it certainly helps to have saved for your education, there are other ways to pay for college. Families with lower incomes who have not been able to save will likely find that the expectation of them will be quite modest. For families that do not qualify for financial aid, low-interest parent or student loans and tuition payment plans can help.

How do I apply for scholarships?
New entering undergraduate students apply for scholarships on the UC Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarships during November prior to the award year. Free scholarship search information is also available on the World Wide Web at http://www.finaid.org/. Continuing students must submit a Continuing Student Scholarship Application by March 2nd prior to the award year. Continuing Student Scholarship Applications are available in February.

Is there a separate application for Cal Grant?
All students who wish to apply for a Cal Grant must submit a Cal Grant GPA verification form to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 2nd. Students may obtain a CSAC GPA verification form from their high school counselor or the Financial Aid office at their current insitution.

How do I transfer my Cal Grant to UC Merced?
If your Cal Grant award notification indicates a different insitution other than UC Merced, you can complete a Grant Record Change form (G-10) and submit it to CSAC. Please allow 4-6 weeks for the school change to take effect.

How do I pay my fees?
*MyBill is the primary electronic payment collection site for the University of California, Merced. Monthly billing statements as well as a real-time look at your UC Merced account is available on the MyBill website.
* Financial aid disbursements will appear as a credit on your UC Merced student account no sooner than 10 days prior to the beginning of the first day of the term and will apply towards any outstanding eligible charges including fees.
* If your financial aid does not cover the amount of your fees or is not disbursed before the fee payment deadline, you are responsible for paying your fees on time.
* If fees are not paid by the applicable fee deadline, you will be charged a late fee and may be administratively withdrawn from courses. [top]

How Do I Get My Money?
*After your fess and any other charges on your UC Merced student account are paid, any remaining financial aid will be refunded to you.
*Generally, if financial aid has disbursed aid onto your student account and a credit is created, you can expect to receive a refund approximately 5-7 business days later.
*Refund checks are available for pick up at the Campus Cashier's Office or directly deposited via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) into your personal bank account if you signed up for the EFT process. For more information contact Student Business Services.

Don’t Forget
In order to receive your financial aid you must:
Complete the items noted on My Checklist located in the MyUCMerced Portal.
* Accept financial aid awards after June 1st in the "MyFinancialAid" section
* Meet the policies and conditions for receiving aid
* Register in at least 12 units unless in an approved part-time program

Note: If you withdraw or drop below full-time you should contact our office to discuss how your financial aid will be impacted.

I'm already enrolled, but I'm unable to attend classes this semester. What do I do?
Students that are enrolled but unable to attend classes should file a University Cancellation/Withdrawal form with the Office of the Registrar.

I wish to attend, but I cancelled my registration. What can I do?
If a student cancels or withdraws, he/she will no longer be eligible to attend for that semester or any future semester until they are readmitted. Please visit the Policy page of this Web site see the section regarding to the Readmission policy. For further readmission information, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 209-228-2734 (CAT-2REG) or e-mail registrar@ucmerced.edu.

I'm a current student, but unable to continue attending classes. How do I withdraw from the University?
If instruction has already begun and the student finds it necessary to stop attending classes, they must formally request a withdrawal from the University. Students who withdraw during a term need to file a University Cancellation/Withdrawal form. Before leaving, students are urged to consult faculty, school, or college advisors and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, if appropriate, to consider the full implications of this action. The University Cancellation/Withdrawal requires approval from the appropriate Dean. Please review the refund policies for specific details on refund rules. Students who fail to submit an approved University Cancellation/Withdrawal will receive F, NP, or U grades, as appropriate, for all courses in which they are enrolled for that term.

What is MyRegistration?
MyRegistration is UC Merced's Web-based registration system.

What is the registration process?
The registration process includes enrolling in classes, paying fees and other financial obligations, filing a current address with the Office of the Registrar, and completing and filing other information forms.

How do I change my permanent or mailing address on file at UC Merced?
Students can access MyRegistration to change their address or submit a Change of Address form to the Student First Center.

How do I enroll?
Students can enroll online using MyRegistration. With MyRegistration, a student will always receive the most up-to-date information regarding their registration and class enrollment. Pre-assigned appointments that are spread throughout the registration period regulate access to MyRegistration. For security purposes, students are assigned a unique login and password that must be entered to access MyRegistration. They may then add and drop courses during the adjustment period, which starts one week before instruction and extends through the first four weeks of instruction. Please be aware of all Add/Drop/Course Withdraw deadlines.

How can I verify my course schedule for the term?
Students can verify their course schedule for the term using MyRegistration. Students are advised to consult MyRegistration prior to their first day of classes as changes may have been made to their schedule to accommodate course time changes and prerequisite requirements.

I am trying to enroll in a class, but there are time conflicts with my section. What should I do?
It is the policy of UC Merced not to simultaneously enroll students in any courses meetings during the same time period without both instructors’ consent. Students must obtain each instructor’s signature. The Time Conflict Override form must be returned no later than the first week of instruction to the Students First Center or your Academic Advisor within your School. Students should also be advised that this could also cause conflict with their final exams.

I missed the Add/Drop/Withdraw deadlines to enroll in classes. What should I do?
Students who have missed the Add/Drop/Withdraw deadlines should complete a Petition of Academic Policy. In all instances, the instructor's and Dean's signature must be obtained.

How do I get official verification of my student status?
Enrollment Verification forms are available online or at the Student First Center. There is a charge for this service. Please note that enrollment in a specific semester will not verified until after the first day of instruction. This is to ensure that the student is indeed attending the semester that they wish to verify their enrollment in. Before purchasing an Enrollment Verification, check with the company. The company may just need a print out of your current semester schedule. Click here to find out the Enrollment Verification form process.

My class doesn't meet where my printed schedule says it should. How do I find out where it has been moved?
Students can check the Schedule of Classes on MyRegistration for the most up-to-date information regarding class times and locations. We recommend, if a student does choose to print a schedule, they do so the night before instructions begins.

My class level is incorrect. Who do I contact to correct it?
Contact the Office of the Registrar at 209-228-2734 (CAT-2REG) or by e-mail at registrar@ucmerced.edu. Most likely your transcript has been received, but is back logged in processing.

I want to take courses at another school while I attend UC Merced. Does the University have cross-registration agreements with other institutions?
Yes. UC Merced has an agreement with Merced College called the Intersegmental Cross Enrollment program. Enrollment is limited to one course per term and participating students need the approval of both the home and the host campus. Contact registrar@ucmerced.edu or stop by the Students First Center for more information. You can also find more information about this, and other special programs here.

I haven't received my bill. How much do I owe?
Students can check MyBill for their current account balance. Remember, if you haven't registered for the term you will not have a bill.

How can I confirm that my fees are paid?
Students can check MyBill to confirm that their fees are paid, including all outstanding account balances.

I paid my registration fees this term and now I won't be able to attend. What should I do?
If instruction has not yet begun, students must formally request a cancellation of their registration from the University. A full refund will be received if a University Cancellation/Withdrawal form is received at the Students First Center prior to the first day of instruction. If instruction has already begun, it is important that you meet with an academic advisor and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to consider the full implications of this action. Once instruction has begun, the refunds are based on the Schedule of Refunds. You can find out more informaton about leaving UC Merced here.

Who is considered a California resident?
Please visit the Policies page of this Web site and review the Residency section for information regarding establishing California residency.

What is the tuition fee for nonresident students?
The tuition fee for nonresident undergraduate students is different each year. You can find out more information about the amount of non-resident tuition here, by reviewing the academic year fee schedule. You can also visit the CA Residency portion of this website to learn more.

How do I establish the intent to become a California resident?
Please visit the Policies page of this Web site and review the Residency section for information regarding establishing intent to become a California resident.

Who do I talk to if I have a question or want to appeal my classification for fee purposes?
Inquiries regarding residence requirements, determination, and/or recognized exceptions should be directed to the Residence Deputy, Office of the Registrar, University of California, Merced, 5200 N. Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343, 209-228-2734 or by emailing registrar@ucmerced.edu

I'm a veteran or a dependent of a veteran. Where do I apply for benefits?
Please visit UC Merced's Veteran Services Web site for information.

How soon after the term are my final grades available?
Grades are generally available as soon as possible after a semester has ended, but no later than three business days after the last final. Students can check their grades using MyRegistration.

I received an incomplete in one of my classes. What can I do to get it off of my record?
If an I grade is assigned, students may receive unit credit and grade points by satisfactorily completing the coursework as specified by the instructor. Students should not reenroll in the course. You can find out more about incomplete grades here.

I did not receive my grade mailer. Where do I go to retrieve it?
After grades are recorded for a term, they are available using MyRegistration. Students will not receive a grade mailer.

I received a different grade than I feel I deserve. What can I do?
All grades except Incomplete and In-Progress are considered final when assigned by an instructor at the end of a term. An instructor may request a change of grade when a computational or procedural error occurred in the original assignment of a grade, but a grade may not be changed as a result of re-evaluation of a student's work. No final grade may be revised as a result of reexamination or the submission of additional work after the close of term. If you have a grievance about grades, you may appeal. You have grounds for appeal if you feel that considerations of race, politics, religion, sex, or sexual harassment affected your grades, or that your work was evaluated by other criteria that do not directly reflect your performance of the course requirements. Please contact registrar@ucmerced.edu if you have a grievance about the grade that you received.

I have 15 units of I (incomplete) grades. What do I have to do to be eligible to register?
Students with 15 or more units of I on their record may not register without permission of the appropriate Dean.

I transferred from a UC campus that uses the quarter system. How do I convert my quarter units into semester units?
Quarter units, earned previously at another institution, are converted to semester units by multiplying by two-thirds or .667 per unit; for example, 180 quarter units equal 120 semester units.

How do I order an official transcript?
Students can order transcripts online via through the portal. Select 'MyStudentRecord' and 'Access National Student Clearinghouse to request Transcript'. Transcripts can be purchased using a major credit card (convenience fee will apply). Students may also access the National Student Clearing House directly. In-person requests can be made using the Official Transcript Request form and turned into the Students First Center during normal business hours. More information about how to order an official transcript can be found here.

How do I get and unofficial transcript?
Unofficial transcripts can be viewed and printed through the Portal. Select MyStudentRecord and Academic Transcripts. More information about how to obtain your unofficial transcript can be found here.

What is the mailing address for mailing requests for academic or verification transcripts?
Enrollment Verification Requests can be mailed to UC Merced, Office of the Registrar, 5200 N Lake Road, Merced, CA, 95343, Attn: Enrollment Verification.

How much does a transcript cost?
The cost of a transcript depends on the type of delivery that you choose. A transcript ordered for regular delivery is $7.00. If you would like the transcript to be sent rush delivery, there is a $14.00 charge. There is a charge of $5.00 for Enrollment Verifications.

Why does is take so long to get my rushed transcripts when your publication deadlines say that they are usually produced within two working days?
The two working days refers to the processing time within the Office of the Registrar and does not account for mailing and delivery time.

Can I get my transcript in less than two working days?
No. Students who urgently need a transcript that would normally take 7 to 10 days to issue, can request a 48 hours turn-around at the rush delivery rate of $14.00 plus any applicable shipping charges for each copy.

I never received the transcripts that I ordered. What should I do?
Please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@ucmerced.edu if there is a problem with the delivery of your transcript.

After I complete the requirements for my degree, when will my final transcript be available?
Students who are currently registered may order official transcripts using MyRegistration at the end of the semester. If you want your degree to be posted on your transcript, make sure you select Hold for Degree Posting.

Can I see what the University has in my student records?
Students have the right to inspect and review their education records maintained by the University of California, Merced as granted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

I completed a course through the Division of Professional Studies for Continuing Education Credit. Who do I contact to order a transcript?
Please contact the Division of Professional Studies directly. The Division of Professional Studies can be contacted at 559-241-7512 or by e-mail at bnikaido@ucmerced.edu.