- GRE/TOEFL scores sent through ETS, use the code 4129 for UC Merced, a department is not required.
- IELTS test scores must be submitted by mail to:
University of California, Merced
Attn: Graduate Division, SSB 230
5200 N Lake Road
Merced, CA 95343
To find out if your graduate program requires the GRE, please visit our Application Requirements page.
What are the minimum GRE test scores required to apply?
There is not a specific score requirement. UC Merced values a holistic admissions approach where each piece of the application is considered valuable to assessing a prospective student’s potential for success. GRE scores are one component that is factored into the overall consideration. To find out if your graduate program requires the GRE, please visit our Application Requirements page.
Am I required to take an English-proficiency (TOEFL/ IELTS) test?
All graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English, must show evidence of having taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or TOEFL-Internet Based Test or the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) examination within the past 2 years. Note: some programs require higher scores, please check the program for details.
Please visit our International Student page for more information.
My test scores and/or transcripts were sent but my application checklist still shows it’s missing.
For documents mailed to our office: Mail can take a couple extra days to reach our office once it arrives on campus. When received, we will add it to your record, and you will see it marked as 'received' in the application portal.
For documents sent via ETS: Please ensure that your name on your test scores and application matches. Test scores take approximately 10-15 days to be received by the institution.
How can I check the status of my application?Once you submit your application, you will receive an email with a link to check the status of your application.
Please note that UC Merced's Graduate Division will release information on the status of your application only to you. The Graduate Division's policy, based on federal and state guidelines, is to hold in confidence all information you provide in your application materials except your name and the department to which you apply, which are considered public information. If you do not want your information released, please include a written request to withhold that information from public disclosure.
How do I decide which academic discipline is right for me?Every graduate group has a graduate coordinator who can answer academic or procedural questions about that particular graduate program. You can browse our Academic Studies to familiarize yourself with our programs, faculty research interests and expertise.
If I want to re-apply, do I need to fill out a new application?Yes. Previous applicants must submit a new application, including all supporting documents, and pay the application fee.
Who do I contact if I have further questions?For questions regarding graduate education at UC Merced, contact the Graduate Division at 209-228-4723 or email grad@ucmerced.edu.
Application ProcessWhat is required to apply to UC Merced?
The minimum graduate admission requirements are: (1) a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution; and (2) a satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale.
There are additional or higher requirements than those mentioned above, and satisfying minimal standards does not guarantee your admission. Please visit our requirements page for a further breakdown.
Additional requirements for international students can be found here .
What is UC Merced's graduate application fee?
The application fee is $135 for domestic applicants, and $155 for international applicants.
When is the graduate application deadline?
The general deadline in January 15, but can vary by program. Click here to view the application deadline by graduate programs.
When should I expect an admissions decision?
Admissions decisions are based on a rolling basis and vary among programs. In general, you can expect an admissions decision to be sent between March-June.
How can I check the status of my application?
Once you submit your application, you will receive an email with a link to a portal to check your status and any pending documents that need to be submitted.
Can I submit my application after the general January 15th deadline?
The application system will not accept submissions after a program’s deadline. Please refer to the Application Deadlines page to ensure you submit on time. Financial support may not be available to late applicants.
If I want to re-apply, do I need to fill out a new application?
Yes. Previous applicants must submit a new application, including all supporting documents, and pay the application fee.
AdmissionsHow do I apply to graduate school at UC Merced?
Applicants may only apply to one program per cycle. The electronic application can be accessed through our Online Application System .
How do I decide which academic discipline is right for me?
You can browse our Academic Programs to familiarize yourself with our programs, faculty research interests and expertise.
Does UC Merced offer spring admissions?
UC Merced Graduate Studies only offers admissions for the fall semester. However, an exception may be made by individual programs to offer spring semester admissions. Please contact the program of interest for their spring admission policy.
Letters of RecommendationWhen is the deadline for letter of recommendations?
Your application and all required documents should be submitted by January 15 th , however, we will still accept letters after this date. Please note, each piece of an application is considered valuable in assessing a prospective student's potential for success, including letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation provide information on an applicant's potential for success and should be submitted as soon as possible to provide a complete application for faculty to review.
How do I submit a letter of recommendation?
Letters must be submitted directly by the recommender listed on your application. They will receive a link to complete a survey and upload their letter. Please ensure their information is correct when you enter it in the application. Graduate Admissions will not accept letter of recommendations that come directly from an applicant.
What does it mean if I waive my right to examine my letter(s) of recommendation?
Selecting "Yes" waives your right to examine the letter of recommendation. UC Merced does not provide a copy of the recommendation. Responding "Yes" gives your recommender the option to keep their letter confidential, and the graduate program will know that the recommender had the opportunity to provide an honest assessment.
Selecting "No" indicates that you may later have access to your letter. Please keep in mind by selecting “No” some recommenders may not submit a letter out of preference and may need to find a new recommender.
Can I update my list of recommenders?
Yes, you may update your list of recommenders. Please log back onto your application and select the "Recommendations" tab.
- To remove and add a new recommender: Select the recommender you wish to remove by clicking "edit" then “exclude.” You may add a new recommender then click "Send to Recommender" for your new recommender to receive the link.
- To edit a current recommender: Select the recommender you wish to edit. Click “edit” then make necessary changes and click “save.” If you are updating an email address, don’t forget to resend the link by clicking “Send to Recommender.”
What if my recommender has not received a link?
If your recommender has not received a link, please log back into your application to ensure the contact information is correct then click "resend link." Recommenders may also directly send their letter to grad@ucmerced.edu if issues persist.
