Is UC Merced test optional?

It's test blind, which goes further than test optional: scores aren't read at all, even if you send one.

What is UC Merced's acceptance rate?

91% of applicants were admitted in 2024–25, according to the college's Common Data Set or, where that's missing, IPEDS, the federal college survey. In fall 2024, 28,906 of 31,928 applicants were admitted. Applications rose 69%, from 18,862 in 2015 to 31,928 in 2024, and UC Merced's admit rate went from 61% to 91%.

What GPA do you need for UC Merced?

There's no published cutoff. First-year students averaged a 3.57 high school GPA, per the Common Data Set 2024–25. Colleges compute GPA differently, so compare it loosely.

All colleges

Does UC Merced require the SAT? No, it's test blind

UC Merced is test blind: it won't read an SAT or ACT score, even if you send one. It admits 91% of applicants, so grades, courses and essays decide.

University of California-Merced · Merced, CA

UC Merced doesn't read SAT or ACT scores

A score won't be read even if you send one, so it can't help or hurt. With a 91% admit rate, UC Merced is a Likely for everyone; grades, courses and essays decide.

LikelyAdd UC Merced to my list

UC Merced by the numbers

Admit rate: 91%
Middle 50% SAT: Not read
Test policy: Test blind

Test blind · checked Nov 9, 2026 · UC Merced admissions · SAT range from the Common Data Set, 2024–25; admit rate from it or IPEDS

UC Merced admit rate over 10 years

Applications rose 69%, from 18,862 in 2015 to 31,928 in 2024, and UC Merced's admit rate went from 61% to 91%.

Show the numbers

Fall	Applied	Admitted	Admit rate
2024	31,928	28,906	91%
2023	67,891	26,598	39%
2022	29,920	26,766	89%
2021	27,793	24,068	87%
2020	25,923	21,982	85%
2019	25,424	18,294	72%
2018	25,131	16,628	66%
2017	22,574	15,754	70%
2016	20,888	15,492	74%
2015	18,862	11,447	61%

In fall 2024, 2,093 of the 28,906 admitted students enrolled. Applicants and admits from IPEDS, the federal college survey, by fall of entry.

UC Merced GPA

What enrolled first-year students brought from high school.

Average high school GPA: 3.57; 100% of new students reported one

Common Data Set 2024–25.

UC Merced cost and outcomes

What students pay after grants, how many finish, and what they earn.

Average net price: $11,983; per year, after grants
Graduate in 6 years: 69%
Median earnings: $64,368; 10 years after starting
Undergraduates: 8,738

College Scorecard, 2022–23, from the US Department of Education. Net price averages federal-aid students across family incomes.

Colleges like UC Merced

Other colleges that don't read scores, with similar admit rates.

More colleges in California

Sources

UC Merced Common Data Set 2024–25
SAT and ACT ranges, early decision, waitlist, GPA and class rank, as the college reported them.
College Navigator (IPEDS)
Applications, admissions and enrollment by year, from the federal college survey.
College Scorecard
Net price, graduation rate and earnings, from the US Department of Education.
UC Merced admissions
Test policy for 2026–27, checked Nov 9, 2026.
UC Merced website
University of California-Merced

Updated Nov 9, 2026. Spot a number that's off? Email support@tryashore.com and we'll check it against the source.

Questions

Still have a question? support@tryashore.com

None. UC Merced is test blind and won't read an SAT or ACT score, even if you send one.

Raise your score before you apply

The 15-minute starting check finds the question types costing you points, then plans each day up to your test date.

Start SAT free Check your whole list

Starting check

SAT Math · 1 of 5

Calculator allowed

A jacket's price is increased by 20% and then the new price is decreased by 20%. The final price is what percent of the original price?

A $96\%$
B $100\%$
C $104\%$
D $80\%$