I see Merced as a safety (i didn’t apply but i’m part of the UC guarantee which guarantees us a UC if we didn’t get into those that we applied to, and they pretty much throw ppl in to Merced) but my teacher said this: when she was in high school about 30 years ago, UC Irvine is seen the same way as we see Merced as right now: no one cares for it, they think it’s a safety school, just mostly negative stuff. but now fast forward years later, UCI is one of the best schools in California. so give UCM a chance, guys!
All, UCM just post decision at midnight, my DD got accepted!
@jjkmom thanks for the information! Accepted!!!
Congratulations to all.
I’ve toured UC Merced twice and live about an hour away, as well as, being very familiar with the area. UCM is a series of new buildings and concrete in the middle of a cow pasture. There is NOTHING wrong with the campus or education you will receive. The trouble is there is no place to go off campus that is in walking distance. In fact, those country roads are dangerous to walk. If you’d like to eat samples at Costco or find a Happy Meal, you’re looking at a 15 minute drive to the desolate City of Merced to enjoy that kind of “fun”. If you’re a freshman with no car and the dining hall is closed, you’re stuck searching the library sofas looking for fallen TicTacs.
It is the newest UC and already ranked nationally #165 (2018 US News) and #85 (2018 US News Public Schools)…is rapidly growing and will continue up the ranks. Lots of spoiled types that want the “big city” or beach will slam the location…they should just go to a “rah rah” school in that “perfect location”. It is a great academic opportunity, at a rapidly growing campus and increasing in rank for those really in the know. Best to tour it, feel the vibe, and see it for yourself.