The University Honors Program Application Cycle has officially closed - we are no longer accepting new applications at this time.
Application Information for the 2025-2026 Cohort
Deadlines
Our priority consideration deadline for both incoming, first-year and continuing, second-year applications is Sunday, February 2nd, 2025.
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.
Continuing, UC Merced Students
We will also be accepting applications from current first-year UCM students who will be continuing as second-year students in Fall 2025.
Our application for continuing UCM students can be access here. Students must currently have first-year status to apply.
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.
