How does ELC work?

I got the heads up that I have an elc (eligibility in the local context) code to put on my college apps. This is because I’m part of the top 9% of my graduating class (I’m a junior). How exactly does this work? Which UC will it likely be?

The ELC basically says that you have met the requirements for admission to a UC and if you don’t get into the one you have applied to, then you have a spot at Merced and , possibly, Riverside.

Thanks. How do you know it’s Merced? Ughhhh not as rad as I thought the program would be

Default campus is Merced, since they are the newest campus and have the most spots available for ELC qualified applicants. If UCR has any spots to fill, they will offer admission. UCR was the default campus until UCM was established. You do not get your choice of campus, only that you are guaranteed acceptance to a UC campus.