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Next Steps

Checklist

Using your Checklist

Many of these steps involve using your UC Merced checklist.

For tips on how to use your checklist, review this quick tutorial.

 

You're on your way to UC Merced! 

We are so pleased that you have decided to join us! During the next few months, there are some steps you must take before enrolling at UC Merced. This website will take you through the process step-by-step and provide you with the details you need to know to prepare for the 2024-25 academic year, as well as some general helpful information.

We can’t wait to see you on campus and don't forget to attend events designed just for you!
 

On this page:


Step 1: Review Your Conditions of Admission

Fall 2022 First Year Conditions of Admission thumbnail

The Office of Admissions admitted you to UC Merced with a set of conditions that must be met to ensure that your admission offer will remain intact. View the Conditions of Admission for first-year and transfer students:  

Maintain eligibility and complete all courses you indicated as "in progress" or "planned" with grades of C or better. If you receive a D, F, W, NP, or NC grade, or change your schedule from what you indicated on your application, you must notify the Office of Admissions immediately by completing the "myCourseUpdates" form in connect.ucmerced.edu/student Remember, for Fall 2024: Official transcripts and test scores must be received by the Office of Admissions by July 1, 2024. Failure to do so could result in rescinding your admission to UC Merced. Please allow proper time for processing and postal services.

 

 

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Step 2: Accept Your Offer of Admission! (Submit Your SIR)

Statement Intent to Register (SIR)
Deadlines 

  • First Year Students - Fall 2024
    May 15, 2024
  • Transfer Students - Fall 2024      June 1, 2024

Accept Your Offer of Admissions (SIR)

To accept our offer of admission, you must submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) by the date listed in your portal.

Log in to MyAdmissions (decision.ucmerced.edu), and submit your SIR along with the $250 SIR deposit (if required). You can pay online with a credit card, by eCheck, or complete the required form and send your payment, postmarked no later than the deadline listed in your portal, to the Cashier’s Office:

Campus Cashiering Services
P.O. Box 2450
Merced, CA 95344

You may qualify to defer your $250 SIR payment.

If you did not qualify for an SIR deferment, you can request to have your SIR fee deferred by submitting an appeal.

For questions or concerns, call 209-228-7178. 

 

Accept Your Offer of Admission (SIR)

 

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Step 3: Enroll in Duo

Duo Phone Image

Within 24 hours of submitting your SIR, you will be prompted to enroll in 2-factor authentication upon signing into any UC Merced service that requires you to log in via the Single Sign-On page (email, MyMerced in Connect, etc).

Duo 2-Factor Authentication is designed to make sure that you are the only person who can access your UC Merced account, even if someone gets your password. Duo requires that you provide a secondary means of confirming your identity via your smartphone (the preferred method), a tablet, a landline, or a hardware token.

How do I enroll?

Follow these steps to enroll in 2-Factor Authentication.

How often will I need to authenticate with Duo?

When you authenticate, you can choose to have Duo Trust your Browser, which saves a cookie in your browser for 14 days, but you may have to authenticate more than once per day if you use multiple browsers, computers, or devices.

Have more questions?

Check out the 2-Factor Authentication FAQ for even more information.

Enroll in Duo

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Step 4: Submit Your Statement of Legal Residence (SLR)*

 Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) Priority Deadline

  • First Year Students - May 20, 2024
  • Transfer Student - June 5, 2024

*If listed on your student checklist

Your SLR questionnaire needs to be completed to ensure that fees are calculated at the correct California resident rate. The information you submit will be used to determine whether you and your parents meet the requirements for California resident tuition as of the first day of instruction of the term.

Many students will have completed this requirement based on how they responded to questions in their UC application. If the SLR is listed on your checklist, you should complete it as soon as possible as failure to submit your SLR or any requested documents will affect your financial aid package and result in nonresident fees being assessed to your student account. Don't wait; this process can be completed before you submit your SIR.

 

Submit Your SLR

For more detailed information, visit the Office of the Registrar website.  For questions, contact (209)-228-7178 or email slr@ucmerced.edu.

 


Step 5: Apply for Housing

 Housing Deadlines

  • Fall 2024 Housing Application Opens for First-Year and Transfer Students: March 1, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Priority Submit Date: 
    May 19, 2024
  • Move-In Dates: Fall 2024
    August 22 - August 25, 2024, between 8:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

    Students will self-schedule their move-in date and time through the housing portal starting July 1, 2024.

If you are interested in living on campus you will need to complete a housing application 1 - 2 business days after submitting your SIR. Once your application is submitted, your application will be reviewed, and you will then receive an email to return and sign your contract. Living on campus is not required.

How much does it cost to live on campus?

The rates for on- and off-campus housing are available at housing.ucmerced.edu

Do I need to pay the whole contract amount at once?

No. Although the contract commitment is for a full academic year, you are billed by the semester. You have the option to pay the semester in full (about half the total contract amount), or you can apply for the Deferred Payment Plan (DPP) in MyBill at connect.ucmerced.edu/student

 

Apply for Housing

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Step 6:  Complete Placement Exams

Placement Exams: WRR, MATH, CHEM, CSE Placement Exams Open: March 1, 2024. Closing deadline for placement exams: May 31, 2024

You will receive information about placement exams on your UC Merced email address after you submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR). 

Your placement exam scores will be available in your Connect student portal. Log into Connect and select Student Record.  Choose Student Profile then Testing. To see which UC Merced course you test into, see Test Scores and Placement Exams

Placement exam scores, combined with your other academic data, determine your level of readiness in writing, math, chemistry, and computer science and engineering (CSE) classes. These scores place you in the writing, math, chemistry, and/or CSE class that you qualify to take at UC Merced. 

If you choose not to take the required placement exams by the deadline, you will be placed into the preparatory class in that subject (chem, CSE, writing) if it is required for your intended major and degree. Starting Fall 2024, a math placement exam score will be required for all students enroll in any of the introductory math or calculus classes (MATH 5, 8, 11, or 21) at UC Merced.

UC Merced has 4 required one-time-only placement exams for first year students: 

 

Writing (administered by the Merritt Writing Program). All first years who have not satisfied the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR) must complete the Writing Readiness Review.  For information on how you can satisfy ELWR, see Requirements | University of California. More information is available at https://writingprogram.ucmerced.edu/writingplacement.

Computer science and engineering (administered by the School of Engineering). All first-year computer science & engineering (CSE) or math—CSE emphasis majors must take the CSE placement exam. The CSE exam is also strongly recommended for management and business economics (MBE) majors since passing the CSE exam may satisfy a requirement in the MBE major. More information is available at the School of Engineering CSE Placement Exam page.

Chemistry (administered by the School of Natural Sciences) All first-year science, engineering, and pre-health majors must take the chemistry exam. More information is available at the School of Natural Sciences Math & Chemistry Placement Exam Page.

Math (administered by the School of Natural Sciences) All first years in every major must take the math exam.  Starting Fall 2024, a math placement exam score will be required to enroll in any of the inrtoductory math or calculus classes (MATH 5, 8, 11, or 21) at UC Merced. More information is available at the School of Natural Sciences Math & Chemistry Placement Exam page.

For more details on the placement exams, please visit the Bobcat Advising Center site.


Step 7:  Self-Report AP, IB, & College Courses Taken in High School

If you took AP exams, IB exams, or college courses during high school, those exam scores and courses may impact the classes you are eligible to take at UC Merced in your first semester.  Two actions to take now:

A.  Self-report your exam scores and college coursework on the below form.

B.  In addition to self-reporting, submit official test score reports and official transcripts from all colleges attended to UC Merced before the July deadline.  This is true even if the test score or college course appears on your high school transcript.

NOTE:  Fall admits can submit official test score reports and official college transcripts to UC Merced immediately after submitting the SIR.  This will allow UC Merced to evaluate your previous work and apply it toward the requirements in your UC Merced major or degree.

If you have college courses currently in progress, submit a final official transcript after you complete the college course.  (This might be the second official transcript you send to UC Merced.)

Official transcripts and official test score reports must be received before the deadline listed in Step 13 below.

Form Opens - (TBD)


Step 8:  Change Your Major

First year students can change their major before entering UC Merced by completing the major confirmation form. The form can only be completed once. The form opens May 11, 2024; in order for this to be reflected in the student's record by the fall 2024 registration date, the major change must be submitted by June 7, 2024.

A complete list of majors can be found at Academics & Majors.

Junior level transfer students cannot change their major without school approval. Please speak to the school transfer advisor you would like to change majors into for eligibility evaluation:  Who is My Academic Advisor? | UC Merced Academic Advising

The change major form will be available on May 11, 2024.

Change Form is Currently Closed

 

 

Step 9:  Register For Classes

Registration will take place between June 24, 2024 - June 30, 2024.

  1. Plan for registration (before June 24th) by watching the first four "How-To videos."
  2. Know when you can expect and learn how to register, watch "How-To videos" 5 and 6.
  3. For more detailed information, visit our Registration Guide.

UC Merced - thumbnail of Understanding Placement Exams UC Merced - thumbnail of Understanding Academic History UC Merced - thumbnail of What classes should I take my first semester UC Merced - thumbnail of the My Degree Path Access webinar 

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Step 10: Complete Financial Aid Requirements

Items required by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will be listed in your personal checklist in the Connect portal. Requirements must be completed by the priority deadline, or the deadline listed on your MyChecklist, or your awards will be subject to cancellation. Please note that some of these documents (tax transcripts, income statements, etc.) will need to come from a parent.

 Financial Aid and Priority
Documentation Deadline

  • Fall 2024: Verification Priority Deadline - June 1, 2024.
    Refer to your My Checklist or check your email for more information.

After you receive your awards:

  • Click the My Financial Aid icon in the Connect portal. Click "Award Offer"
  • All grants and scholarship awards will be accepted for you.
  • Choose which loans or work opportunities you’d like to accept, if applicable.
  • If you are required to complete the verification process, you will be able to accept/decline loans and work opportunities once that process is complete.

If you or your parents would like to apply for a loan, you can visit the Financial Aid website for detailed instructions.

If you did not submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA):

  • Apply for financial aid as soon as possible and no later than May 2, 2024 to be considered for all types of aid. All students will be considered for federal grants and loans throughout the year. Contact our office if you need assistance. Our school code is 041271.

If you did submit a FAFSA or a CADAA:

  • Confirm that you have included UC Merced’s school code (041271) on the application.
  • If UC Merced’s school code was listed, visit the Connect portal to view requirements or awards. If you do not see any awards, contact the Students First Center for assistance.

Questions?

Email the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at finaid@ucmerced.edu or call the Students First Center at 209-228-7178.
 

Complete Financial Aid Requirements

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Step 11: Get Your Student ID (or as we call it, CatCard)

 

Within 24-48 hours after of submitting your SIR (statemnt of intent to register) you will have the ability to submit a photo for your CatCard. Simply follow the steps on our Catcard website. You will pick up your physical CatCard at new student orientation. 

 


Step 12: Sign Up for Orientation

New Student Orientation is a two-part experience and is a requirement for all new students. Your Orientation experiences will provide valuable information and activities to help jumpstart your transition to UC Merced.

Build relationships, explore resources, reflect on your goals and learn more about what it means to be a Bobcat!

Reservations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to register your parents, guardians and supporters, as we have a special program designed especially for them. More information on registering will be available on the orientation site. 

Registration fees are:

$110 students, $100 per parent / registered guest

CalendarImportant Orientation Dates

First Year Students:

  • Wednesday, July 10, 2024
  • Saturday, July 13, 2024 
  • Tuesday, July 16, 2024
  • Thursday, July 18, 2024
  • Saturday, July 20, 2024
  • Wednesday, July 24, 2024
  • Friday, July 26, 2024
  • Monday, July 29, 2024
  • Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Transfer Students: Exact dates coming soon.

 

Orientation Registration
Deadline

  • Registration opens: April 16, 2024
     
  • Priority Registration deadline: June 12, 2024

Questions? Email New Student Orientation at orientation@ucmerced.edu.

 

Register for Orientation

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Step 13: Submit Admissions Documents

Transcript Deadline

  • Official Transcripts Due - Fall 2024 - July 1, 2024

A. Transcripts

  • Final, official transcripts from all high schools and higher education institutions must be postmarked or electronically submitted to the Office of Admissions. For Fall 2024, transcripts must be received by the Office of Admissions by July 1, 2024.
  • Notify the Office of Admissions if you have difficulties getting your transcripts sent. Check connect.ucmerced.edu/student frequently to confirm that we have received your official documents and to review your checklist for any unresolved items.
  • College transcripts are required for all college courses taken, including dual enrollment classes that appear on your high school transcript.
  • If you are an international applicant and have attended school outside of the United States, visit the connect.ucmerced.edu/student student portal to view any foreign records the Office of Admissions requires.

Test Score Deadline

  • Test Scores Due - Fall 2024 - July 15, 2024

B. Test Scores 

  • Official scores for ALL exams and tests you have taken must be received in the Office of Admissions for Fall 2024.
  • If you have sent your test scores to a UC campus and they are not listed, contact the UC Application Center at 800-207-1710 for assistance.
  • If you are an international applicant and have attended school outside of the U.S., please visit the connect.ucmerced.edu/student student portal to view any external exam scores the Office of Admissions requires.

C. Notes for Entering Transfer Students

  • If you reported AP or IB examinations passed with acceptable scores on your application, it is recommended that you have your official test scores sent to the Office of Admissions as a condition of your admission. If AP exams appear on your checklist, they are required, and you must contact the appropriate testing agency immediately to have your official scores sent to the Office of Admissions.

Required Admissions Documents Guide

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Step 14: Submit Proof of Immunization

Proof of Immunization

 Proof of Immunization

Deadline

  • Fall 2024 - August 28, 2024

To comply with the University of California immunization requirement, all incoming students are required to complete a TB Risk Screening Questionnaire and Immunizations Form to prove vaccination and/or immunity to measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), meningitis (under age 22 only) and tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap). You can find these items in the MyHealth portal at myhealth.ucmerced.edu. We strongly recommend that you meet TB and immunization requirements before you arrive on campus. Failure to submit proof of immunizations and TB compliance will result in a registration hold for the following semester. For more information, visit health.ucmerced.edu/immunizations.

 

Submit Proof of Immunization

 

Student Health Insurance Waiver

Student Health Insurance Waiver 

Deadline

All registered UC Merced students are automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) in order to meet the University of California mandate that all UC students have health insurance coverage as a non-academic condition of enrollment. However, if you have coverage through a major medical insurance plan that meets the University’s minimum criteria for health care and do not wish to be enrolled in UC SHIP, you can waive enrollment by submitting an online waiver application.

Waiver applications can be submitted at connect.ucmerced.edu/student during the fall or spring waiver periods. A new waiver application must be completed each academic year in the fall.

Complete the Waiver Criteria Worksheet at health.ucmerced.edu/waiver to help you gather the information you will need prior to completing the application. 

Semester Waiver Opens Waiver Deadlines
Fall April 29, 2024 July 29, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring  Mid-November 2024 Early January 2025

 

Submit the Student Health Insurance Waiver

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Step 15: Pay Tuition and Fees

Undergraduate fees will be assessed to your student account in MyBill. You will be responsible for paying the fees by the fee payment deadline. To access your student account, select MyBill after logging in to connect.ucmerced.edu/student student portal.

 Fee Payment Deadlines

  • Fall 2024 Deadline: August 21, 2024
  • Deferred Payment Plan (DPP):
    • 1st payment - Aug. 21, 2024
    • 2nd DPP: - Sept. 20, 2024
    • 3rd DPP - Oct. 21, 2024
    • 4th DPP - Nov. 20, 2024

How to pay?

Log in to the connect.ucmerced.edu/student platform and select MyBill to view the amount you owe. Balances not paid by the payment deadline are subject to a $50 late fee and a hold on your student account.

Payment methods:

  • Online: Credit card and eCheck payments
  • In person: Cash, checks and money orders
  • By mail: Checks and money orders

Financial aid disbursements

Financial aid will disburse (post) to student accounts no sooner than 10 days prior to the first day of instruction of each term. These requirements must be met:

• Generally, you must be enrolled in at least 12 units unless approved for part-time instruction.

• Submit all required documentation.

• Accept all aid before your aid can be disbursed to your account.

Deferred Payment Plan

The Deferred Payment Plan (DPP) offers the option to pay registration fees and on-campus housing costs (if applicable) in four monthly installments per semester. To qualify for the DPP, you must owe more than $500 after authorized financial aid. You must request to enroll in the DPP every semester. The first installment plus the nonrefundable $40 participation fee must be paid at the time you enroll. To enroll, log in to the connect.ucmerced.edu/student platform, select MyBill, then select Deferred Payment Plan.

  • Fall 2024 Deferred Payment Due Dates:
    • 1st DPP - Aug. 21, 2024
    • 2nd DPP - Sept. 20, 2024
    • 3rd DPP - Oct. 21, 2024
    • 4th DPP - Nov. 20, 2024

Electronic Refunds (EFT)

You should sign up for Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) if you are expecting a refund. With EFT, you have the convenience of your refund going directly to your bank account. Those funds will be accessible in 1 to 3 business days. Students who have not enrolled in EFT must pick up a paper check at Campus Cashiering Services. You can sign up for EFT using the Electronic Student Refund link in the connect.ucmerced.edu/student student platform.

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Step 16: Move-in Days

On-Campus Residents

Move-in Dates

 

  • Fall 2024: 
    August 22 - August 25, 2024, between 8:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
  • Students will self-schedule their move-in date and time through the housing portal starting July 1, 2024.

Move-in for Fall 2024 will take place Fall 2024 - August 22 - August 25, 2024, between 8:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. Students will self-schedule their move-in date and time through the housing portal starting July 1, 2024.

What's Included in Your Room

  • 1 twin 5-position adjustable bed with an extra-long twin mattress (80”x30”)
  • 1 desk
  • 1 desk chair
  • 1 lockable drawer (bring your own lock)
  • Under-bed drawers
  • Closet space
  • 1 TV cable jack (cord not included)
  • 1 telephone jack
  • High-speed ethernet jack for each resident (wireless Internet only in Glacier Point and Granite Pass)
  • Wireless Internet

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Step 17: Complete Violence Intervention and Prevention Training

All New Incoming Students

Deadline

  • Attend this online training no later than the first 6 weeks of the semester state date

Preventing sexual violence, dating/domestic violence and stalking are top priorities for UC Merced. The UC Office of the President (UCOP) requires that all incoming students complete the EVERFI Sexual Violence Prevention Training within the first 6 weeks of school starting.

The Campus Advocacy, Resource and Education (CARE) office provides online training to bring awareness of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking, bystander intervention strategies and campus resources.

Additional Information

Visit the CARE website for more details about the program and ways to satisfy this requirement.

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