Student Life

UC Merced Recognized on Newsweek’s Inaugural ‘America’s Best Colleges for Women’ List

February 4, 2026

Recent female UC Merced graduates wave to the camera

UC Merced has been recognized on Newsweek’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026 list, a national ranking designed to spotlight institutions that support, advance and elevate women across campus and beyond. Newsweek developed the new report in partnership with Gender Fair...

UC Merced Students Get Firsthand Political Experience at California Legislature

After taking part in the UC Merced Center for Analytic Political Engagement 's inaugural legislative boot camp, students say they are better prepared to take on the first internships of their...

Clovis Native Excited to Represent the Central Valley Playing for UC Merced Volleyball Team

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2023 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. When Clovis native and lifelong volleyball player Morgan Wilson...

Joslyn Conchas is one of 15 incoming students who were accepted into UC Merced’s inaugural San Joaquin Valley Prime+ B.S. to M.D. pathway that focuses on high school students who are committed to pursuing careers in medicine.

Fresno Native Takes Next Step to Becoming a Doctor

For Joslyn Conchas, becoming a physician wasn’t always the plan. “I wanted to be a veterinarian, but that was before I saw firsthand how impactful health disparities are within my...

Environmental Research, Working Toward Saving the Planet Among New Bobcat’s Plans

Incoming Bobcat Benji Thier already knows what he wants to do with his college degree: Save the planet. “I am planning to study Environmental Systems Science because I did some environmental...

Incoming first-year student Preston Nguyen knows how to balance academics and soccer.

Soccer Standout Heads to UC Merced this Fall

Since age 5, Preston Nguyen has been kicking around a soccer ball. “I have been consumed by the sport ever since,” the Turlock native said. “I can play any role in the midfield,...

UC Merced, Yosemite Community College District Launch Transfer Program

UC Merced and the Yosemite Community College District (YCCD) have partnered to further extend access for transfer students in the Central Valley. By signing the Merced Promise Pathway Program...

SoCal Student Says UC Merced Will Be a ‘Breath of Fresh Air’

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2023 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. It's the change of pace that Kayla Lopez has been craving. In...

Incoming UC Merced student Delia Rodriguez

Incoming Fresno Student Prepares to Launch Her Health Career at UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2023 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. Delia Rodriguez poured her heart into college prep — ...

Two students pose for a photo in the Carol Tomlinson-Keasey Quad at UC Merced.

Orosi Friends Seek Community, Diversity and the Written Word at UC Merced

UC Merced is highlighting incoming students for fall 2023 — a dynamic, diverse and accomplished cohort of new Bobcats. With a population of about 8,700 people, the Tulare County town of...