UC Merced Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at UC Merced is 39.2%.  Its admission rate is the 23rd lowest in California and the 167th lowest the nation.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into UC Merced and can you get accepted?

UC Merced is a highly competitive school to get into. You have a moderate chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 26,598 out of the 67,891 who applied were admitted.

University of California Merced typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.55. 9% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into UC Merced?

39% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to University of California Merced you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.55 or better
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 1050 on the SAT
• Score 21 on the ACT

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into University of California Merced?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into UC Merced are to have around a 3.55 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

Even with a competitive GPA, admission to UC Merced will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at UC Merced is 3.55 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #48 in California for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since UC Merced is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required by University of California Merced. The school has a test blind policy.

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to University of California Merced?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at UC Merced is 1050 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 960-1140. Students who get into University of California Merced score in the top 68 percent of all SAT test takers..  UC Merced ranks #57 in the state of California for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1050 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. UC Merced regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 960 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 960, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 870, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

University of California Merced is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1050 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1050, you have around a 39% chance of being admitted. A 1140 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 55% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into UC Merced?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to UC Merced is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 19 and 24.  The school ranks #51 in California for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 21. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 19 and score in the score in the top 56 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 16.

51 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to University of California Merced.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as University of California Merced is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into UC Merced for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 39% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 58% with a 24 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to University of California Merced is $80.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to University of California Merced and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because UC Merced is highly competitive, you have a moderate chance of acceptance depending on your GPA and test scores. If you earn at least a 3.55 GPA, you will have a fair shot at getting in. Additionally, you should score a 1050 on the SAT or 21 on the ACT to be competitive. If you can score a 1140 SAT you will be a very strong applicant.