Academics
The University of California-Merced’s opening dramatically expanded the accessibility to this public California school system for students in the San Joaquin Valley and created an research center that serves the entire region. Since then that time, specialization institutes such as those of the Health Sciences Research Institute and Center of Excellence on Health Disparities have produced groundbreaking findings and students of this school that is environmentally conscious have gained many things. They say that the “emphasis the school has on teaching information as it relates to sustainability is amazing” and there are “good student employment opportunities” in addition to internship and research positions.
Students are impressed by this school’s modern design. to be innovative and fresh, “with progressive lectures that are outstanding,” and faculty members who are will “change up their teaching methods based on the particular class they are teaching,” and incorporate new pedagogies “such as rap battles to convince audience members of their research thesis.” The faculty and staff have a reputation for being “warm and kind and understanding, yet challenging,” and “you’ll find yourself supported by the school, peers and the staff.” Research is an essential aspect of the UCM education. One student says, “getting hands-on experience…and designing our own experiments was a key tool.” In addition there is Learning Assistant is a unique initiative. Learning Assistant initiative is a unique method of assistance where the student “attends lecture with other students with the purpose of helping…fellow academics in their studies.”
Student Body
The majority of students are from California The college ranks first in among the UC system in the number of students who are from minority ethnic groups, families with low incomes and first-generation college students. “The diversity and inclusivity that UC Merced provides for students, staff, and faculty is really nice to be a part of,” claims a student. “Everyone comes from all over California and the vibes are good, everyone is just friendly and understanding,” one student says. They are “the most hardworking, culturally diverse, and most of all helpful people” in the area, and “most of the students are focused on their work and being successful.” Because of the scale that the college is (about 8800 students), “it’s so much easier to collaborate with other students and nothing really feels like a competition.” There’s “a lot of school pride and it is easy to meet new people and connect with others in your classes,” and students “really have school spirit when it comes down to any school event.”
Campus Life
If you have the luxury of a car, Merced is “in the middle of California, [so] every attraction site is available to students” from the nearby national parks up to San Francisco and Santa Cruz. For those who live in the tranquil, and “quite peaceful” town itself the public transportation system is accessible, however accessibility is dependent on where you live. Students are fortunate to are able to find Merced as an “extremely clean campus, kept in pristine condition all the time.” It’s a place that naturally encourages athletics as well, and there’s “a solid group of skaters on campus” and “a lot of students hit the gym” or participate in basketball and pickup soccer; the majority of them of them are “young, athletic, and visibly abled-bodied.” The college has over 200 student clubs as well as “the student government hosts tons of events throughout the year,” therefore “life as a student here is never repetitive.” Students also appreciate that the “student-hosted workshops we have throughout the year are quite helpful,” and there are great communal areas to play games and “where anyone can hang out and talk.”
Overview
University of California, Merced is a private institution which was established in. It has an undergraduate student population totaling 8,321 (fall 2021) Its location is in the countryside, while its campus covers 815 acres. It follows an academic calendar based on semesters. University of California, Merced’s position for the edition 2022-2023 of Best Colleges is National Universities #97. Its tuition and fees in-state are $13,680 while out-of-state fees and tuition are $43,434.
