Merced colleges - any advice?

Hi there, I'm looking into applying to colleges in Merced, California. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions for colleges in the area?

Hi! Merced is home to the University of California, Merced (UC Merced), which is the newest addition to the UC system, founded in 2005. UC Merced has been growing rapidly and offers a variety of academic programs across three schools: School of Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, and School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts. Some of the top majors at UC Merced include Biology, Psychology, Public Health, Mechanical Engineering, and Business Administration.

Since UC Merced is a younger institution, it continues to expand its campus facilities, such as the recent opening of the 2020 Project, and to develop stronger research and academic programs. Its smaller size and growing reputation give students more opportunities to establish personal relationships with professors and participate in research projects, even as undergraduates.

When applying to UC Merced, you'll use the University of California application system, which is available from October 1 to November 30. You'll need to complete four personal insight essays, chosen from eight available prompts.

Keep in mind that UC Merced is highly focused on diversity and community engagement. In your application, emphasize experiences or activities that show your commitment to these values. This may include community service, involvement in extracurriculars that focus on social issues or underrepresented groups, or personal experiences that have shaped your understanding of diversity and community.

UC Merced is test-blind for the 2024-2025 application cycle, which means they won't consider SAT or ACT scores in their admissions process.

Overall, UC Merced is a solid option for students interested in attending a smaller, developing UC campus with a strong emphasis on diversity, community engagement, and research opportunities. Good luck with your application!