The University Honors Program application cycle for the upcoming academic year [2026 - 2027] will be opening soon. Stay tuned for updates!
Application Information for the 2026-2027 Cohort
Eligibility
For the upcoming academic year [2026-2027], we will be accepting applications from the following student populations:
- Incoming first-year students
- Incoming transfer students
- Rising 2nd year UCM students
- Rising 3rd year UCM students
Deadlines
Please see breakdown below for priority consideration deadlines:
- Incoming first year students: TBD
- Incoming transfer students: TBD
- Rising 2nd/3rd year UCM students: TBD
We will continue to accept applications and keep it open until all seats have been filled.
If the priority consideration deadline has passed, we still strongly encourage applicants to apply!
Incoming Students
Incoming first-year students may apply to the University Honors Program upon admission to UC Merced.
Our application for incoming students can be accessed here.
If incoming students would like to preview the application, the preview form can be accessed here.
Transfer Students
Incoming transfer students may apply to the University Honors Program upon admission to UC Merced.
If incoming transfer students would like to preview the application, the preview form is accessible here.
Current UC Merced Students
Rising 2nd year and 3rd year UCM students may apply in Spring 2026 to begin in Fall 2026.
Our application for continuing UCM students can be access here.
If current UC Merced students would like to preview the application, the preview form can be accessed here.
Contents of the Application
To apply, you will be asked to respond to free response questions. Responses must be 75 - 150 words.
You will also be asked to upload a creative product of your own making. The creative product should represent you and your values. Some examples include:
- Photo
- Painting
- Written materials
- Research project
- Poem
- Song
- Story
- Map
- Video recording
- Digital model
Creative products can also be solutions to problems or puzzles, something you built, or simply a new way to do something that you aspire to and want to share. More information about uploading your creative product can be found on the application.
Lastly, you will be asked to reflect on how your creative product represents your identity and values.
