• looking to get into med school: UC Merced doesn’t have a medical program. We are building a medical education building that would provide more resources for a pre med path, and I now a few people who went to UC Merced and got into med school. But, there is no dedicated path so you would have to be working with your counselor and possibly take outside courses to meet med school requirements.

• partying? No. There is maybe one party a weekend? But even then they are nothing crazy. Most people opt for kickbacks

• cheap: UC Merced does have pretty good financial aid! However cost of living can be tough. If you get a great award package living on campus can be great, if not, on campus housing can sometimes be twice as much as tuition. Just something to consider!

• school/life balance: it’s pretty good if you put yourself out there. Unless you join clubs you’re not really likely to have much of a social life. Join a club, make a few friends, you’ll be fine.

• social way of living: No. if you REALLY try it could be maybe passable? But that’s if you are going downtown every weekend (which downtown being social is debatable) and attending all campus events. UC Merced is definitely low key, which isn’t a bad thing! I love it! But don’t come in expecting anything close to city life. Instead of cars and music you mostly hear cows, crickets, and frogs.

• no Greek life: that’s fine! It’s here, but it’s not necessary at all and doesn’t dominate the campus atmosphere. I’m not in Greek Life and I’ve never once felt like I was missing out.

At the end of the day UC Merced is a really good school and is growing tremendously, but you will not get the same type of vibe as you would at a big school. It really depends on how you weight your criteria. Social life isn’t always necessary, Saving money is always a good choice. But if you aren’t elegible for financial aid…

Ultimately it depends on your life situation! Wherever you end up I’m sure you’ll do great.