FIRST SEMESTER AT UC MERCED
For your first semester, you will use the sample 4-year plan for your major in the Catalog as well as MyDegreePath to build your preferred class schedule.
For links, videos, and additional information see our Fall 2024 First Year Registration tab.
Your individual courses in the first semester will be based on your:
- Intended major
- UC Merced online math placement exam score
- UC Merced online chemistry placement exam score
- UC Merced online computer science & engineering placement exam score
- UC Merced Writing Readiness Review (English composition) placement score
- Official SAT or ACT exam scores received by UC Merced
- Official AP exam scores received by UC Merced
- Official IB exam scores received by UC Merced
- Official college transcripts of all college courses taken during high school received by UC Merced
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions (for lower division undeclared transfers) received by UC Merced
Faculty in each major establish the priority courses in that major for the first semester.
If you have questions, connect with your BAC academic advisor.
SECOND SEMESTER AND BEYOND
You will need to select your classes each semester in advance and enroll at your assigned registration time.
Many majors have courses that must be taken in a specific order or sequence.
Some majors require courses that are offered only once a year.
Meet with your BAC academic advisor each semester to help develop a short-term and longer term academic plan. We want to help you do the best possible planning to meet your personal, academic, and career goals.
The Schedule of Classes (open course list) usually becomes available about 3 weeks before registration begins.
Check When Can I Register? for general registration periods each semester.
Registration tips:
- Academic planning is an ongoing process that requires reflection.
- Develop a plan on MyDegreePath for courses you need to take in future semesters.
- Connect with your BAC academic advisor if you have questions on required courses or course sequencing.
- Having a plan on MyDegreePath will save time during registration week since you will have identified courses you need in advance.
- Enroll in 12-16 units at your assigned time to have the best selection of classes and class times.
- Registration will remain open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week after your assigned time to adjust your schedule.
WHAT ABOUT TAKING A CLASS I'VE ALREADY COMPLETED?
In general, you should NOT repeat a course that you have already completed by AP exam, IB exam, or college courses taken in high school or at your previous institution.
This includes college courses taken through dual enrollment that were taught at your high school.
Don't waste your time--or money--taking a class that you have already completed.
However, if you are a pre-health student (pre-med, pre-nursing, pre-pharmacy, pre-dentistry, etc.), some health professions programs may not accept AP exam scores in biology, chemistry, or physics.
See the pre-health advising site resources, including the pre-health course flow chart, and consult with your BAC academic advisor if you have questions.
Plan to attend a pre-health workshop as early as possible in your first semester at UC Merced.
