Chances of getting into University of California Merced
Acceptance Rate
How hard is it to get into UC Merced and can I get accepted?
The acceptance rate at UC Merced is 85%. It ranks #84 in California for lowest rate of acceptance. University of California Merced is an easy school to get into with a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission requirements. Last year, 21,982 out of 25,923 applicants were admitted.
The school has easy admission requirements for SAT and ACT scores, generally admitting students who score in the top 62 percent (SAT 960/1140 ACT 19/24). 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.
The UC Merced application fee is $70 and applications are due by Nov 30.
Testing Requirements
You are required to submit admission test scores with your application. University of California Merced is not a test optional school. Note: Please consult the school directly to confirm the most up to date testing requirements.
UC Merced SAT Scores
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 25th | 480 |
| SAT Math 25th | 480 |
| SAT Composite 25th | 960 |
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 75th | 570 |
| SAT Math 75th | 570 |
| SAT Composite 75th | 1140 |
| Average SAT Score | 1050
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to University of California Merced?
University of California Merced typically prefers applicants to be in the top 68 percent of SAT test takers. The school consistently takes SAT composite scores down to 960 on a 1600 scale, below which admission should be considered a reach. We estimate some students could be accepted with SAT's as low as 870. The average SAT composite for admitted freshman is 1050 out of 1600. UC Merced ranks #50 in California for highest average SAT composite score. A competitive SAT score is critical as 94 percent of applicants submit SAT scores to the school.
Find other colleges with similar SAT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2020 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
UC Merced ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 25th | 16 |
| ACT Math 25th | 17 |
| ACT Composite 25th | 19 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 75th | 21 |
| ACT Math 75th | 22 |
| ACT Composite 75th | 24 |
| Average ACT Score | 21
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for prospective students to get into UC Merced?
Admission data indicates that UC Merced regularly accepts students with ACT's of 19 and above. Successful applicants typically send ACT scores in the top 56 percent nationally. We estimate the school accepting minimum ACT composite scores around 16 in some instances. Prospective students submitting an ACT composite of 22 or higher should be in the upper half of applicants - and students with a 24 and above have very competitive chances. The school ranks #47 in California for highest average ACT composite score. 51 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to University of California Merced.
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2020 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score
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UC Merced GPA
Estimated GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into University of California Merced?
Applicants require very good grades in high school to get into UC Merced. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at University of California Merced was 3.55 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily B+ students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #42 in California for highest average GPA. If your high school grades are above the average 3.55 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as UC Merced accepts 85% of all applicants.
Explore more colleges with similar GPA requirements
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2021
Other Colleges to Consider
High School Class Rank
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 17% |
| Top 25% of class | 0% |
| Top 50% of class | 0% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 14,508 | 11,415 | 25,923 |
| Accepted | 12,563 | 9,419 | 21,982 |
| Acceptance Rate | 87% | 83% | 85% |
| Enrolled | 1,056 | 895 | 1,951 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 8% | 10% | 9% |
Fall 2022 Application Deadline
Applications were Due
Days left to Apply
The application deadline for Fall 2022 has passed. Applications were due on Nov 30, 2022.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to University of California Merced is $70.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to University of California Merced and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Required |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Neither required nor recommended |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required |
| Recommendations | Neither required nor recommended |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Neither required nor recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=445188 IPEDS survey data for University of California Merced.
FAQs
Does University of California Merced prefer SAT or ACT?
94% of students submit their SAT scores to UC Merced. 51% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into University of California Merced?
85% of those who apply are granted admission to UC Merced. Admission competition is and the college has easy admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for University of California Merced?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 960 and 1140. 94% of students submit SAT scores when applying. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for University of California Merced?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 19 and 24. 51% of students submit ACT scores when applying. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.