Dates & deadlines

Spring 2026 application filing period for Merced. 

Application opens for applicants for fall 2026.

Winter 2026 application deadline for Santa Cruz.

Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) application filing period for fall 2026 term.

Fall 2026 general admission application filing period.

Filing period opens for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, California Dream Act Application and GPA Verification Form (required for Cal Grant consideration). Filing period open through March 2, 2026.

Online transfer application update (TAU) opens for transfer applicants to report final fall grades and in-progress or planned coursework (priority deadline is January 31).

Notification of fall 2026 admission decisions begins.

Deadline for applicants to submit FAFSA, California Dream Act Application and GPA Verification Form.

Notification period for fall 2026 admission decisions ends.

Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) application for winter/spring 2027 term.

Deadline for admitted transfer students to submit Statement of Intent to Register (SIR). 

For students admitted for fall 2026: Final, official transcripts must be sent to the campus admissions office. Transcripts must be postmarked or electronically submitted on or before July 1.

Official AP, IB examination results and other documents (such as IGETC or Cal-GETC certification) must be sent to the campus admissions office. Test scores and documents must be postmarked or electronically submitted on or before July 15.