Does anyone know how stringent UC Merced's admissions process is? Also, what do they really look for in their applicants? Any insight from current students or folks who’ve been through the process recently would be great!
UC Merced, like other UC campuses, follows a thorough review process when considering applicants. They claim to consider many factors beyond just academic performance. They look at your coursework, grades, and how much you've challenged yourself academically. This doesn't just imply taking AP courses, but also how you've effectively utilized the academic resources available at your school.
Moreover, your personal insight responses play a significant role in the admissions process. These essays allow admissions officers to understand who you are as an individual, your personal journey, and how you've developed and utilized your skills in real-life situations. While it doesn't directly apply to UC Merced, I would suggest steering clear from cliché topics in your essays, instead focusing on detailing a unique or highly personal experience that had a significant impact on you.
Extracurricular involvement is also an important part of the application. While quantity of activities is often thought of as preferred, UC Merced tends to value the depth of your commitments and the tangible impact you might have had through your involvement. Think of it in terms of tiers of extracurriculars with tier-1 and -2 activities involving national or international achievements or leadership roles, while lower tiers show general involvement and interests.
Another point to remember is that for the 2024-2025 application cycle, UC Merced, like all UC campuses, is test-blind, which means they do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
As of the current data, UC Merced's acceptance rate is relatively high compared to other UCs, but the university continues to grow and expand its programs, so it's best to approach your application seriously and thoughtfully.
Remember, it's essential to really show UC Merced who you are, both as a student and as a person, through your application.
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