There are usually two kinds of students who submit a UCEAP application. #1 worries too much, afraid to mess up a form and subsequently face rejection (that was me). #2 pays too little attention and often has yet to read the directions (you know who you are). Here are some tips with estimated completion times:
MyEAP application
Estimated time: 20 minutes
You won't be able print and submit your MyEAP application until you've completed all required fields; it won't let you. It's hard to mess this one up, but here are some tips:
- For academic information, you will be listing coursework in progress only leading up to your term abroad. You can ignore terms beyond that point.
- If you lost your passport, recover it; don't create a new account with a new email.
- While it is online, you must print it out and sign it.
Transcripts
Estimated time: < 5 minutes (+ delivery for paper official transcripts)
Not every program requires transcripts. Check the MyEAP application checklist. Here are some basic transcript tips:
- UC Merced Study Abroad's advice for transcripts
- The Office of the Registrar has posted transcript instructions online.
- Ask your Study Abroad advisor before ordering e-transcripts.
- Need official transcripts in a hurry, the fastest cheap way to send paper transcripts is to send them to your study abroad advisor in Kolligian Library 108.
Statement of purpose
Estimated time: 2-3 hours
Here's a source of significant problems. Please follow the instructions given. Here are some tips:
- Learn to use spell check and proofread. Have a friend who writes well proofread. If it's bad, you'll be redoing it. If it's really bad, you may be rejected.
- Remember this is a statement of purpose for an academic program. Spend the majority of it talking about how the program helps you meet academic and career goals; we already know you want to travel.
- Take time to research your program (e.g. what language courses will you take, what's the housing, what types of classes will you take).
- Additional tips
Academic Planning Form
Estimated time: 1 hour
Academic Planning Forms are where the rubber hits the road for academic programs. Here are some tips:
- Fill it out in pen; one of the unofficial requirements to study in Japan is owning a black pen. You will have to redo page 2 if you filled it out in pencil.
- Use your MyAudit report and/or transcript to see what you have done. Use your MyAudit to plug in those requirements remaining to graduate.
- Before to convert quarter units to semester units.
- List MyEAP course codes, if available; if not, list host instutition course codes.
Passports
Estimated time: 5 minutes – 2 hours (plus mailing)
Passports have the longest waiting time of any study abroad requirement (unless you requested a letter of recommendation from a professor who went on sabbatical). We have plenty of info on passports. Here are some tips:
- Determine right away whether your current passport will suffice or whether you must renew/reapply; if you are unsure, ask your study abroad advisor.
- Most US citizens applying to study abroad at UC Merced are ineligible for renewal and must reapply instead, but check the form requirements to be sure.
- If you must renew or reapply, contact your study abroad advisor about whether you need to pay extra to expedite your passport.
- New passport applications require in-person application. Many locations require appointments.
