<p>Not so fast, UC still indicates they allow admission by exam:</p>
<p>[University</a> of California - Admission by exam](<a href=“http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/freshman/requirements/examination/index.html]University ”>http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/freshman/requirements/examination/index.html )</p>
<p>
If you don’t meet UC’s minimum requirements, you may be considered for admission to UC if you earn high scores on the ACT With Writing or SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests.</p>
<p>To qualify by examination, you must achieve a minimum UC Score total calculated according to the instructions below of 410 (425 for nonresidents). In addition, you must earn a minimum UC Score of 63 on each component of the ACT or SAT Reasoning Test and on each SAT Subject Test.</p>
<p>You may not use an SAT Subject Test to meet these requirements if you have completed a transferable college course in that subject with a grade of C or better.
</p>
<p>I think it is true that no one is guaranteed admission anymore, but Merced still needs more students. Please post back here and let us know how you did.</p>