Skip to content

New Student Registration Frequently Asked Questions

Fequently Asked Questions

Freshman FAQs

   I have limited access to the internet or a computer.  How can I register in my courses during my designated day/time?
A    If you are in the Merced area, you can visit campus and access one of our open computer labs.  Additionally, you are able to register at Orientation in one of the computer lab available.

Q    I recently took/will be taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams.  How might that effect my course recommendations for fall?
A    Depending on the exam and your score, you might earn course credit and units.  When you receive your score report, please notify your academic advisor so you can work together to make any needed updates.  Your advisor will plan your courses based on your current placement and AP scores.

Q    I took an AP Exam for chemistry and/or calculus.  Should I still take the MATH and CHEM placement exams?  What if I do better on the AP exams than the placement exams?
A    Yes, you should still take the MATH and CHEM placement exams.  Your advisor will use whichever score is higher to place you into the appropriate courses.

Q    I applied as one major, but now I’d like to pursue a different major.  What do I do?
A    We understand that you might have changed your mind about your intended major since you applied to the University in the fall.  Please check your UC Merced email.  After you have submitted your Statement of Intent to Register, you will receive an email that allows you to change your major prior to June 1.

Q    I took community college courses while I was in high school.  How do those courses transfer and meet my degree requirements?
A    First, please make sure that you have sent official transcripts to UC Merced from the community college, not your high school.  Your academic advisor will review the course(s) by utilizingAssist.org to determine how your transferred coursework might apply towards your degree requirements.  This course will appear on your MyDegreePath audit once the transcript(s) has been evaluated by the Office of Admissions.

Q    How many courses should I take in my first semester?
A    In order to make good progress towards completing your degree on-time, you will need to enroll in a minimum of 12-16 units every semester.  Your advisor will provide you with a list of recommended coursework prior to the opening of your enrollment window.

Q    I’d like to declare a minor or double major.  When can I do that?
A    There is plenty of time to explore a minor and/or double major.  You can view the list of currently available minors and majors online through your catalog to get a sense of which you might pursue.  After your first semester, you may declare a minor and once you have attained sophomore standing, you may declare a second major.

Q    My class schedule needs changing due to my time commitments.  How can I change them?
A    You are free to modify your schedule online through your UC Merced Portal.  If you are thinking of changing a course, not the days or times it meets, please consult your academic advisor.

Q    How do I know when to enroll in courses?
A    You will be assigned a day and time to enroll in your courses for the week of June 18th. Check your email as your advisor will help you decide what courses you will enroll in for fall term and when your window will open.

Q    How do I know what classes to take?
A    We understand that this can be a confusing time, but your advisor will help you select your courses for fall. Your advisor will send you a list of courses to enroll in that are based on your placement exams, major, current AP/IB or community college credit.

Q    What if my AP scores are higher than my Placement Exam scores?
A    For course placement purposes, your advisor will take the highest out of AP, community college credit, and placement exams to assist you with your course planning.

Transfer FAQs

Q    I applied as one major, but now I’d like to pursue a different major.  What do I do?
A    Transfer students are admitted to majors based on the successful completion of selection criteria.  To determine if you are eligible to change your major, please consult with your academic advisor.

Q    How many courses should I take in my first semester?
A    In order to make good progress towards completing your degree on-time, you will need to enroll in a minimum of 12-16 units every semester.

Q    I’d like to declare a minor or double major.  When can I do that?
A    Due to normal progress issues, it is unlikely for transfer students to double major. Please explore this possibility further with your advisor. It is imperative that you let your advisor know you are planning to add a minor or double major as quickly as possible.

Q   My transfer credit is not yet reflected on my audit in MyDegreePath.  When will I know how my transfer coursework applies to my degree requirements?
A    Your official record will be updated once the Office of Admissions enters your transfer credit after receiving your official transcripts.  At that time, the audit in MyDegreePath will reflect your credit.  Your advisor will provide you with a list of recommended coursework prior to the opening of your enrollment window.

Q    I just saw in the schedule of courses that there are very few seats open at this moment in core courses, how will this impact me?
A    We understand that you would like to begin viewing your schedule now, but know that we “hide” seats for new incoming transfer students for core courses. Therefore, what you see on the schedule of courses prior to June 10th may not reflect what is available to you.