UC Merced 2019-20 Undergraduate Viewbook

Detailed information for high school and community college applicants about UC Merced's academic, programs, student life, and admissions requirements.

2019-20 undergraduate viewbook

Building the future

in the heart

of california

Aerial rendering of expected campus layout by fall 2020

RECREATION WITHIN 2 HOURS

10

2

large lakes

rivers

2

35

ski resorts

campgrounds

Sacramento

Exchequer Mountain Bike Park overlooks scenic Lake McClure and boasts 700 acres with 900 feet of elevation change.

San Francisco

modesto

san jose

Yosemite

Merced boasts one of the top city bikeway systems in the U.S.

Santa Cruz

monterey

Fresno

SMALL CITY WITH A

WAYS TO GET AROUND MERCED

SMALL-TOWN FEELING

santa barbara

los angeles

san diego

Just over 80,000 people

the merced community

262

sunny days per year

38°

95°

average winter low

average summer high

grocery, health and ethnic food stores

25 + 20 +

175 + 15 +

eateries

places to grab coffee, tea and boba

gyms, yoga studios and dojos

4

2019-20 UC Merced Undergraduate Viewbook

undergraduate campus profile

campus diversity

5% African-American

1% Pacific Islander

20% Asian

10% White

3% Two or more races 1% Unknown/ Decline to state

53% Chicano/Latino 7% Nonresidents

gender

94% First Year 6% Transfer entering class enrollment

OUR DIVERSE

51% Female 49% Male <1% Unknown

COMMUNITY

fast facts

campus enrollment

first-generation status *

7,967 Total Enrollment

72% All Undergraduates

7,375 Undergraduate Students

592 Graduate Students

75% First Year

64% New Transfer

* First generation is defined as neither parent having a 4-year college degree.

UC Merced is #10 in the U.S. for the graduation rate of first-generation students as published in Washington Monthly 2017 College Rankings

3 years on Princeton Review list of Most Environmentally Responsible Colleges

6 years on Sierra Club’s “Cool Schools” list

PLEASE NOTE: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding. SOURCE: UC Merced Institutional Research and Decision Support, fall 2017

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2019-20 UC Merced Undergraduate Viewbook

academic programs SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING engineering.ucmerced.edu » Bioengineering, B.S. » Computer Science and Engineering, B.S. » Environmental Engineering, B.S. » Materials Science and Engineering, B.S. Optional Emphasis: Nanotechnology » Mechanical Engineering, B.S. » Undeclared School of Engineering***

• Spark Seminars are unique courses taught by professors who are passionate about their research. These classes are kept small, so you'll have the chance to work with faculty as soon as you get to campus. • Intellectual Experience Badges are awarded when students take part in certain co-curricular activities. There are 11 badges, and you can earn them by helping create an ad campaign for a campus event, for example, or volunteering in the community. • You’ll upload your progress to an ePortfolio to keep track of your general education courses, which you can use later during your job search or when applying to graduate school. You’ll get an introduction to learning at a research university during your first semester.

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, HUMANITIES AND ARTS ssha.ucmerced.edu » Anthropology, B.A. » Cognitive Science, B.A., B.S. » Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, B.A. » Economics, B.A. » English, B.A. » Global Arts Studies Program, B.A. » History, B.A. » Management and Business Economics, B.S. » Philosophy, B.A. » Political Science, B.A Subfield: Pre-law » Psychology, B.A. » Public Health, B.A. » Sociology, B.A. » Spanish, B.A. » Undeclared School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts*** UNDergraduate education learning.ucmerced.edu » Undeclared***

SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES naturalsciences.ucmerced.edu » Applied Mathematical Sciences, B.S.* Emphases: Computational and Data Sciences Computational Biology Computer Science Economics Engineering Environmental Physics » Biological Sciences, B.S.*,** Emphases: Developmental Biology Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Human Biology Microbiology and Immunology Molecular and Cell Biology » Chemical Sciences, B.S.* Emphases: Biological Chemistry Chemical Sciences Materials Chemistry » Earth Systems Science, B.S. » Physics, B.S.* Emphases: Atomic/Molecular/Optical/ Condensed Matter Biophysics Mathematical Physics Physics » Undeclared School of Natural Sciences***

TO LEARNING A UNIQUE APPROACH

intellectual experience badges

the academic experience

* Junior-level transfer students must choose an emphasis.

student-faculty ratio

small class sizes

** Learn about an accelerated pathway that makes it possible to earn your degree in three years: ns-advising.ucmerced.edu/acceleratedplan

undergraduate classes with fewer than 30 students undergraduate classes with fewer than 50 students

*** First year applicants only

21:1

60 %

70 %

UC MERCED ACCEPTS APPLICATIONS FOR THE FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS. CHECK ADMISSIONS.UCMERCED.EDU FOR OPEN MAJORS.

countries around the world where students have studied abroad

40+

8

2019-20 UC Merced Undergraduate Viewbook

The Carnegie Foundation ranked UC Merced among 107 top universities in the country as a “higher research” institution

18 research facilities, institutes and centers

$ 24.7 million $ 185 million

spent on research in 2017

spent on research since 2005

BUILDING

LIFELONG SKILLS

institutes and centers

research

UC Merced is #17 in the nation for best undergraduate teaching among public universities - U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, 2019

research.ucmerced.edu

10

2019-20 UC Merced Undergraduate Viewbook

victoria Mollard

Major: Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Human Biology Hometown: Santa Rosa, Calif.

Wherever I am – whether it’s the classroom, field, lab, abroad or anywhere else – UC Merced pushes me to try new things while pursuing what I love. The skills I learn from each activity, such as teamwork and communication from my sport or public speaking and professionalism as a tour guide, I will be able to take with me and apply to my future career.

• Academic chair, Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity • Treasurer, Global Medical Training • UC Merced Women’s Soccer Team • Outreach director, Who We Play For • Campus tour guide • Inpatient volunteer, Mercy Medical Center Merced UC Merced is … a place to grow. The opportunities and possibilities here are endless; you just have to be willing to say YES and go for it. What is your dream for the future of UC Merced? For the world to see it as the place of innovation, acceptance and opportunity.

ezer isai angeles

life on campus

UC Merced has opportunities available to everyone. With every opportunity, there’s room for improvement, and I become more productive and responsible when I engage in things like professional development and get hands-on experience. The experienced faculty and staff know what it’s like to be in real-world occupations, and they want to see students succeed later in life.

Major: Computer Science and Engineering Hometown: Mountain View, Calif.

• Videographer/Photographer, UC Merced Media Cats • Member of the Super Smash Bros. Club and Cru Club

UC Merced is … a welcoming sanctuary for an ever-growing community of students who thrive in their education and their careers.

What is your dream for the future of UC Merced? For the campus to grow to the extent of becoming its own city. UC Merced needs to expand as much as it can so that many more prospective students can have the opportunity of a lifetime to begin their college education and build

200+

20

12

8

clubs and organizations

successful careers later in life. I want to see UC Merced as one of the top landmarks that represents Merced as a city.

intramural sport teams

fraternities and sororities

sport clubs

12

2019-20 UC Merced Undergraduate Viewbook

Themed Living Communities Fiat Lux Scholars Natural Sciences Leadership and Service Social Justice Gender Inclusive Housing AFRO Hall Transfer Learning Community

merced 2020 In fall 2018, the first buildings opened in a project that will double the size of UC Merced and strengthen the ties among student life, academics, student services and campus. It’s all to give students the best university experience possible.

opening by fall 2020

granite pass residence hall

Two additional residence halls

More student organization and activity space

glacier point residence hall

GROW WITH

student support services

Center for Biomedical Science

Wet laboratory

UC MERCED

academic classrooms

Competition swimming pool and recreation fields

Dry computational library

new 2019 housing requirement

living learning community

Research has shown that students who live in university housing are more connected to campus and academically successful than their peers. Starting in fall 2019, new first year students will be required to live on campus for two years. The two-year living/learning residential program will provide you with opportunities to learn life skills and good habits for learning, develop your major career pathway and engage with your classmates and friends who will become your family.

I loved the size of the campus and the way everyone felt like an individual rather than another number. Everything is so personal at UC Merced. That's not an experience I would have gotten at a larger university. - Adrian Nuñez, '17, Psychology

housing.ucmerced.edu

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2019-20 UC Merced Viewbook

michael Pierick '16

average time to degree *

UC Merced prepared me to be able to work with others regardless of opinions, demographics or life story. It also taught me to believe that I have the power to choose to do whatever I want, be whomever I want to be and work hard for anything I wish.

4.4 YEARS First-Time Freshmen

2.9 YEARS Transfer Students

Degree: B.S., Management and Business Economics Hometown: San Diego, Calif.

Employer: Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Central Valley/Boys & Girls Clubs of Merced County Graduate School: Currently enrolled in Master's in Education program at University of the Pacific

• Founder, SAFE (Student Athletes Focusing on Education), a Merced community nonprofit • Four-year student athlete on men’s basketball team • Intramural sports and sport clubs supervisor, Recreation & Athletics Department • Internships with Central Valley Leaders and Blackalicious Music Group

a positive outlook after graduation**

are attending/have attended graduate, professional or technical school

53 % of UC Merced graduates are employed

UC Merced is … a place where everyone has an opportunity to be successful and pursue their passions and interests with accessible mentors and colleagues.

92 %

What is a valuable lesson you learned at UC Merced? I learned to appreciate everyone in one shape or another. Being a part of the human race is a beautiful thing, and we must cherish every moment regardless of who we meet, walk past or disagree with, because we learn from everything we do. What is your dream for the future of UC Merced? For it to continue to grow and provide opportunities that foster unique relationships between students, faculty and staff to create a better future, whether that be in Merced, the Valley, the state or the country.

Recent employers who have hired UCMerced graduates: > Apple > California State Assembly > Chevron > E. & J. Gallo Winery > Facebook > Genentech > Google > Instagram > Kaiser Permanente > Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory > LinkedIn > NASA > National Park Service > PG&E

> Teach for America > Tesla > Topcon > University of

UCMercedislikeastart-upbusiness, where the opportunities are endless and the journey is completely what you make of it. Resources are limitless, and benefits apply long down the road after you have graduated.

shavone charles '12 Degree: B.A., English Literature Hometown: San Diego, Calif. Employer: Head of global and youth cultural communications, Instagram

California > Vanguard > Yelp > YouTube

UC Merced gave me an opportunity to write the story I wanted and plant proper seeds for my future. At UC Merced, I had the opportunity to nourish skill sets and gain professional experience in a safe space.

preparing for the future

• Founder, Magic in Her Melanin, a community organization that focuses on elevating the stories of women of color, and bridge the gap between creatives of color and the tech industry • Internships at Google, BOLD Global Communications and Public Affairs, Lewis PR, U.S. Department of Justice, UC Merced Office of the Chancellor, U.S. House of Representative, BET Networks and city of San Diego • Founder, UC Merced Society of Economists • Editor, UC Merced Undergraduate Research Journal • Historian and vice president, Housing and Resident Life Resident Housing Government • Founding chapter executive, National Residence Hall Honorary

- Alexandra Hamilton, '14, Management and Business Economics

hire.ucmerced.edu

* 2016-17 graduates ** UC Merced Undergraduate Alumni Journey Survey, 2017

Jessica Rivas, ’15 Cognitive Science with an Anthropology minor

Hieu Do, ’15 Management and Business Economics with a Psychology minor

Jherson Fuentes, ’17 Management and Business Economics

UC Merced is … the dream you create.

What is a valuable lesson you learned at UC Merced? You are in control of your journey in and outside of the classroom. Dream BIG. What is your dream for the future of UC Merced? I hope UC Merced can continue to be a top research institution that unapologetically offers support, community and quality education to underrepresented voices across the globe.

Employer: National Park Service

Employer: Tesla

Employer: Vanguard

financial aid

admission requirements

First Year (Freshmen) » High school diploma or equivalent » UC-calculated GPA of 3.0 or above (nonresident: 3.4)

about $ 19,500

91 %

of UC Merced students received financial aid***

is the average annual gift aid offered to eligible UC Merced students***

Required Examinations ACT with Writing or SAT with Essay

2018-19 Cost of Attendance * California resident tuition and fees

Apply for admission to UC Merced at universityofcalifornia.edu/apply

$13,538

Aminimum of 15 yearlong high school courses (“a-g”): a. History/social science – 2 years required b. English – 4 years required c. Mathematics – 3 years required, 4 years recommended d. Laboratory science – 2 years required, 3 years recommended e. Language other than English – 2 years required, 3 years recommended

$16,454

Room and board (on campus, average)

$1,006

Books and supplies (estimate)

Submit your fall admission application nov. 1-30

Submit your spring admission application july1-31

$453

Transportation (estimate)

$1,666

Personal expenses (estimate)

f. Visual and performing arts – 1 year required g. College-preparatory elective – 1 year required

$2,242

Health insurance**

O P P O R T U N I T Y P L A N

admissions.ucmerced.edu/first-year/requirements

For more information on estimated cost of attendance, visit financialaid.ucmerced.edu/cost-attendance .

Transfer

admissions & financial aid

Minimum Junior-Level Requirements » Complete at least 60 semester (90 quarter) units of UC-transferable units by the end of the spring term prior to fall enrollment » Earn at least a 2.4 GPA in UC-transferable courses (nonresident: 2.8)** » Take no more than 14 semester (21 quarter) units as Pass/Not Pass » Complete the 7-course pattern by the end of the spring term prior to fall enrollment, earning a C or better in each course » Complete the courses required for your major** Minimum Lower-Division Requirements » Enrollment at a college or university after high school graduation and fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) UC-transferable units completed prior to enrollment at UC Merced » Meet requirements for the University of California upon high school graduation (required GPA, examinations and all “a-g” courses) » Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in all UC-transferable coursework (nonresident: 2.8)** » Complete the courses required for your major**

3.46 ‒ 3.96 GPA 950 ‒ 1200 SAT Total

67 % Admit rate 19 ‒ 27 ACT Total

#1 public university in the nation for average financial aid package given to first year students. - 2017 U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings

first year admission stats *

Free Application for Federal Student Aid fafsa.gov

California Dream Act Application dream.csac.ca.gov Net Price Calculator finaidcalc.ucmerced.edu

2.82 ‒ 3.45 GPA**

55 % Admit rate

In 2017, UC Merced ranked in the Top 10 in the Western U.S. for affordability. - Washington Monthly’s “Best Bang for the Buck: Western Colleges”

transfer admission stats *

94 % of approved TAGs were admitted for the fall 2018 semester

UC Merced has been ranked #15 in the U.S. for lowest average debt among graduates of public universities. - 2017 U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings

* Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by increases or reductions in state funding or other developments. Nonresidents will pay an additional $28,992 in tuition. ** The campus medical health insurance charge will be waived for students who provide proof of a comparable health insurance plan. *** 2017-18 academic year

admissions.ucmerced.edu

admissions.ucmerced.edu/transfer/requirements

SOURCE: UC Merced Institutional Research and Decision Support, fall 2018 | *Ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students. | **Some majors require a higher GPA for admission selection.

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2019-20 UC Merced Undergraduate Viewbook

University of California, Merced 5200 N. Lake Road Merced, CA 95343

Apply at universityofcalifornia.edu/apply

Aug. 1: Fall admission application opens

Oct. 1: Start your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application

Nov. 1-30: Filing period for fall.* Submit your application online by 11:59 p.m. PST on Nov. 30.

FALL APPLICANT

Dec. 1-31: Take all of your required tests by December of your senior year.

CHECKLIST

5 Weeks After Filing Period: Log in to your application and complete your Transfer Academic Update.

March 1-31: Check the student portal to find out your fall admission decision.

March 2: Deadline to submit FAFSA or California Dream Act application

First Year Students Transfer Students

March-April: Check the student portal to find out your fall admission decision.

* July 1-31 for spring applicants

COME SEE US! VISIT CAMPUS OR TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR: admissions.ucmerced.edu/visit-us

UC Merced Office of Admissions w | admissions.ucmerced.edu e | iwant2be@ucmerced.edu t | 209-228-7178

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