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FAQ

Prospective Students

What is required to apply to UC Merced?

Please visit the Graduate Division general Application Requirements page, for a further breakdown of the requirements.

  • Application Fee: The graduate application fee is $120 for domestic applicants and $140 for international applicants. Fee Waivers are available for eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents based on program participation or demonstrated financial need.
  • Transcripts: For the initial review process, upload a scanned copy of all college level academic work.
  • TOEFL or IELTS Scores (international students only). For more information please visit the Graduate Division International Applicants page.
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History and Achievement/Contributions
  • **Individual Program Requirements: Please review the Graduate Division Application Requirements page "Individual Program Requirements" section to confirm if any additional requirements are imposed by the graduate program you are applying to (GRE test scores, Writing Samples).
When is the graduate application deadline?

For current application deadlines and information, please visit the Graduate Division Application Deadlines page for the most current information.

Are official transcripts required to submit my application?

Official transcripts are NOT required until an applicant has been admitted. While submitting your application please upload scanned copies of your transcripts for all college-level academic work including community college, summer session, and study abroad. Scanned copies of your transcripts are required for the initial review process.

How do I apply to graduate school at UC Merced?

An applicant can be considered for only one program area during a term. The electronic application can be accessed through our Online Application System.

Am I required to take a GRE test and are there any Graduate Program specific requirements?

As of the Fall 2021 admissions cycle, the GRE requirement is now decided by the individual graduate program. Please refer to the Graduate Division Application Requirements page, under the "Individual Programs Requirements"section. There you will find a table of all the graduate programs and their GRE requirement policy. GRE scores are valid for five years after the testing year in which you tested. You may report self-reported scores on the application, however, official scores are required to complete your application. The GRE institution code for UC Merced is 4129.

Am I required to take a GRE subject test?

Currently, no graduate program requires the GRE Subject Test. As this is subject to change, Graduate Admissions encourages applicants to visit and review the webpage of the program you wish to apply. For a list of application requirements, please visit the Graduate Division Application Requirements page.

How do I submit a letter of recommendation?

When submitting your application you will be requested to input emails of references. Those references will receive a link to a survey and will be instructed to provide UCM Graduate Studies with a letter of recommendation. Graduate Admissions will not accept letter of recommendations that come directly from the applicant.

My transcripts, test scores, letter of recommendations, are not ready. Should I wait until I receive them to submit my application?

Do not miss the application deadline waiting on test scores, transcripts or letter of recommendations. Be sure to note your test date and registration number on your application, and remember to send a reminder to your recommender. Transcripts may be submitted with pending course work.

I am an undocumented applicant. Is there any information that will be of assistance?

Graduate Division hosts an FAQ page for undocumented applicants.

I have additional questions. Where do I go for more information?

The Graduate Division website has an extensive FAQ and admissions related information.  You are also welcome to contact the SSHA Graduate Services Team for more information

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