Admissions

If you want a fairly small populated school, UC Merced is the place for you. Of course, research more about the school and look to see if it provides the major/minor/classes that you want to pursue in your college career. Since UC Merced is still developing, new classes are being added every semester, new majors introduced yearly, and more opportunities are provided. The school expects to be double the size it is now by 2020ish.

Again, do your research, and see if UCM provides things that you are looking for.

Also, UC Merced is a great back up school. If you don't apply to UC Merced and have at least a 3.0 in high school, you will be requested to join what is called the Count Me In program, which is basically a request from UC Merced, saying that We noticed you didn't apply to UC Merced. How about this: We'll pay the $60 application fee for you with no strings attached, but you have to submit an application to apply to the school

The program saves you $60, and pretty much guarantees your acceptance into the university.

Another thing I have discovered through experience is that if you don't do the Count Me In program, and you are rejected from all the other University of California schools that you applied to, you will automatically be accepted to UC Merced and UC Riverside. Just something for you to keep in mind.

try to get on campus-housing, i recomend a double room. start with the most basic meal plan, you can always add money on latter. try to explore the town of merced. there is a downtown, a mall, and a lake within really close distance.

-Do NOT procrastinate [this is where most of us falter]
-Time Management IS important [there's a reason behind why they keep emphasizing it during Welcome Week]
-Grades are important but remember it is also important to network and get to know staffs and other students on campus
-Enjoy college but remember you didn't pay $25,000+ to party hard and then be put on academic probation.

Work hard, get plenty of sleep and exercise, smile everyday whether you mean it or not and your day will fly by.

Prepare to have to find ways to alleviate boredom. This is a small town.
There is plenty to do, you just have to find it. Or create it!
There are lots of opportunities to succeed and create and fail and learn and have fun. Take as many as you can, but don't spread yourself too thin.

Get ready to have fun and but be prepared for a challenge. At UC Merced you will have an adventure of a lifetime.

1)If you will be living in the dorms, watch what you eat. It is to just go to the grill in the DC (dinning commons) all the time. But, its no always the healthiest.
2) Everyone should make use of the gym! It has a lot of equipment and tons of different classes for everyone to take. I personally love taking Yoga with Carrie. Its so calming and a real workout. Phew!
3) Go to as much as you can! Everyone is friendly and loves to meet new people at events. Almost every event has free food and no (if any, minimal) cost! No excuses. Just go!
4) Make use of the Peer advisors! They are helpful with your studies and where you want to go with your major and career. Totally nonjudgemental. They understand that just because you are a UC student, you don't know everything.
5) Have fun! UCM is a great place to be even if Cal, UCLA, or UC Davis was your dream. There is a lot to do and tons of people and opportunities for your to succeed. Don't forget to take pictures!

The school is new but great. There are students who got a G.P.A of 4.0 or higher and are coming here because its the school's location. On campus there are many clubs like the Democrats club or the Republicans and they (me included) campaigned for candidates.

-Do your FAFSA!!
-Be open to new experiences and activities
-Do not be afraid to meet people
-Start something new...UC Merced is a new college and any student can begin a club or other activity for present and future students to enjoy for years to come
-Don't under-estimate the power of a small classroom. Get to know your professors and take advantage of the one-on-one learning