Yes, but Merced was built to service the hispanic community. It is 58% hispanic, 18% Asian and only 8% white. It is 64% low income. It's not like other UCs. It is, however, easier to get into. Read wikipedia on it for starters |
OP here - TY. Just visited their website. Seems like a hidden gem ( or a nugget). While acceptance rate is over 50%, stats are pretty competitive. But we will def look into this school. |
We have visited and it is a top choice for my STEM kid. I would try to visit. It is a great school for the right kid, but your kid has to want what they offer. It is a STEM school - humanities are limited. No arts. High M/F ratio. I have two kids who visited - is is the perfect fit for one kid and an immediate no for my other. |
I think it’s worth a visit. The school considers course rigor so your kid has a reasonable chance IMO. Very well-regarded school. |
Also visit WPI if you like Colorado school of mines. If STEM is what your kid wants, it's a gem in the NE and they have attempted to balance the M/F ratio in the last decades. It's not perfect but they have done better than most |
San Francisco State might be added to your list. Cal Poly too. |
If you can be more specific (unweighted/weighted GPA, rigor (APs, subjects), SAT) we can help better. A strong SAT/ACT matters at some of these schools although they are test optional. |
Then your kid is not AVERAGE Jesus Christ. Average is B's and C's in regular classes at a run-of-the-mill HS. And a 1,050 SAT/21 ACT. |