Fall '25 Next Steps

Welcome to the UC Merced Family!

You're about to embark on an incredible journey at one of the most innovative and dynamic universities in California. Your adventure at UC Merced starts now, and we couldn't be more thrilled that you've chosen to join our vibrant community!

Your Pathway to Success Begins Here

The next few months are your launchpad to an extraordinary college experience. We've crafted a comprehensive roadmap to help you navigate the exciting transition into university life. From enrollment to campus preparation, we'll guide you every step of the way, ensuring you're fully ready to make the most of the 2025-26 academic year.

On this page:

• Step 1: Review Your Conditions of Admission
• Step 2: Accept Your Offer of Admission (SIR)
• Step 3: Enroll in Duo
• Step 4: Submit your Statement of Legal Residence (SLR)
• Step 5: Apply for Housing
• Step 6: Complete Placement Exams
• Step 7: Self-Report AP, IB, & College Courses Taken in High School
• Step 8: Change Your Major
• Step 9: Register For Classes
• Step 10: Complete Financial Aid Requirements
• Step 11: Get your CatCard
• Step 12: Sign Up for Orientation
• Step 13: Submit Admissions Documents
• Step 14: Submit Proof of Immunization and Student Health Insurance Waiver
• Step 15: Pay Tuition and Fees
• Step 16: Move-in Day
• Step 17: Complete Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Training

 

---

 

Step 1: Review Your Conditions of Admission

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:  

• Fall 2025 First Year Conditions of Admission
• Fall 2025 Transfer Conditions of Admission

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 2025: the Office of Admissions must receive official transcripts by July 1 and official test scores by July 15. Failure to do so could result in rescinding your admission to UC Merced. Please allow proper time for processing and postal services.

 

 

(back to top)

---

Step 2: Accept Your Offer of Admission! (Submit Your 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 not deferred). 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)

(back to top)

---

Step 3: Enroll in Duo

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

(back to top)

---

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

*Beginning mid March - If listed on your student checklist, if it is not, you do not need to complete Step 4

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 Starting Mid-March

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

(back to top)

---

Step 5: Apply for Housing

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. You will self-schedule your move-in date and time through the housing portal starting July 1, 2025.

1. How much does it cost to live on campus?
   The rates for on- and off-campus housing are available at housing.ucmerced.edu

2. 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

(back to top)

---

Step 6:  Complete Placement Exams 

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. 

1. Log into Connect and select Student Record. 
2. Choose Student Profile then Testing. 
3. 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 classes you qualify to take at UC Merced. 

If you choose not to take the required placement exams by the priority deadline, you will be placed into the preparatory class for the following subjects: chemistry, computer science and engineering (CSE), and writing. For possible exemptions, visit the Test Scores & Placement Exam site.

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

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

Note for Undeclared students: The checklist in your connect portal shows which placement exams are required based on your major. If you are undeclared, it is recommended that you take all 4 placement exams. 

(back to top)

---

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. Three actions you may need to take now:

1. Send your official test scores via College Board or IB (if applicable). Watch our helpful “Understanding your Academic History” video to learn more.
2. Log-into your UC Admissions application to ensure you have self-reported all your AP and IB scores, including senior year (if applicable).
3. Recommended best practice:  send an official college transcript from every college you attended during high school to UC Merced immediately after you submit your SIR (commit to attend UC Merced).

Official college transcripts are required for all college courses taken, including dual enrollment classes that appear on your high school transcript.

Sending your college transcripts as early as possible will allow the Office of the Registrar to begin to evaluate and post those completed courses on your UC Merced record. This may help you qualify to take more advanced courses.

Fall 25 admit deadline to submit final official college transcripts:  July 1, 2025

IMPORTANT NOTE

If you have a two-part last name (hyphenated or not hyphenated), be sure that the name on your AP or IB score report exactly matches the name on your UC application.
 

---

Step 8:  Change Your Major - First Year Admits

First year students can change their major before entering UC Merced by completing the major confirmation form. The form can only be completed once. 

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

Note: The form can be submitted 24-72 hours after submitting your SIR.

Change of Major Form

---

Step 9:  Register For Classes

More information will come soon, so don't worry; we've got you! Keep your eyes on your email for more info soon.

(back to top)

---

Step 10: Complete Financial Aid Requirements

Items required by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will be listed in your 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 documents (tax transcripts, income statements, etc.) must come from a parent.

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 March 3, 2025 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. Contact the Students First Center for assistance if you do not see any awards.

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

(back to top)

---

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

 

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

(back to top)

---

Step 12: Sign Up for Orientation

New Student Orientation is a two-part experience 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 being 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 unique program designed especially for them. More information on registering will be available on the orientation site. 

Registration fees are:

$110 per student, $100 per parent / registered guest

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

Register for Orientation

(back to top)

---

Step 13: Submit Admissions Documents

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 25, transcripts must be received by the Office of Admissions by July 1, 2025
• 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.

B. Test Scores 

• Official scores for ALL exams and tests you have taken must be received in the Office of Admissions for Fall 25 by July 15, 2025.
• 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

(back to top)

---

Step 14: Submit Proof of Immunization

Proof of Immunization

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

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 25	April 29, 2025	July 29, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

 

Submit the Student Health Insurance Waiver

(back to top)

---

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.

How to pay?

Log in to the connect.ucmerced.edu/student platform and select MyBill to view your owed amount. Balances not paid by the payment deadline (August 2025) are subject to a $50 late fee and a hold on your student account.

Payment methods:

• Online: Credit card (subject to processing fee) and Check and 529 Plan
• 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 2025 Deferred Payment Due Dates:
  • 1st DPP - August
  • 2nd DPP - September
  • 3rd DPP - October
  • 4th DPP - November

Electronic Refunds (EFT)

You should sign up for an Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) if you are expecting a refund. With EFT, you can get your refund directly to your bank account. Those funds will be accessible in 1 to 3 business days. Students not enrolled in EFT will have a paper check mailed to their mailing address on file. You can sign up for EFT using the Electronic Student Refund link in the connect.ucmerced.edu/student student platform.

(back to top)

---

Step 16: Move-in Days

On-Campus Residents

Move-in for Fall 2025 will occur in August. Students will self-schedule their move-in date and time through the housing portal starting July 1, 2025.

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

(back to top)

---

Step 17: Complete Violence Intervention and Prevention Training

All New Incoming Students

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.

(back to top)