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Application Process

 

UCDC Application Instructions

The application for Fall 2024 is now open! To apply you must:

Online Application Process

Create an account at https://my.ucdc.edu using your campus email address (@ucmerced.edu). You will receive a confirmation email. The link provided in your confirmation email should simultaneously allow you to verify your identity, and begin the official application.

Fill out all required information in the following application tabs: BASIC INFORMATION, ACADEMIC INFORMATION, STATISTICAL, ADDRESS, and EMERGENCY CONTACT. After clicking “save progress” at the bottom of the page, click on the next red tab at the top of the page to advance to the next category.

Under the ACADEMIC INFORMATION tab, upload the required documents. If your letter writer would prefer to email your letter of recommendation, they can send it to ucdc@ucmerced.edu

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Required Documents

1. Personal Statement

  • Two pages, double spaced essay regarding the following (please answer all the questions):
  • How would studying in Washington, D.C. help you achieve your academic goals?
  • How does the UCDC Program fit in your graduation requirements?
  • What type of agency or organization would you like to intern at?
  • What type of experience would you expect to gain?
  • What are your plans after graduation and how will the UCDC Program help you achieve your goals?
  • What unique qualities can you bring to UCDC Program?

2. Two Letters of Recommendation

  • Two letters of recommendation are required for each applicant.
  • At least one letter must be from a UC Merced faculty member.
  • You may upload the letter on your application or have your writer email it to the Program Coordinator, at ucdc@ucmerced.edu.

3. Updated Resume or CV

4. Transcript

  • Unofficial transcript is acceptable.
  • To digitize your transcript, you can scan an official copy or copy and paste an unofficial copy from your MyUCMerced Portal into a Word document.
  • Accepted students must maintain Good Academic Standing prior to leaving for Washington D.C.

5. Writing Sample

  • Submit a five-page writing sample
  • The sample should demonstrate your ability to research a topic and analyze the data collected and your ability to write clearly about your findings.

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 Selection Criteria

  • Junior or Senior Standing in participating semester preferred
  • Must be in Good Academic Standing (3.0 GPA or above preferred)
  • Accepted students must maintain Good Academic Standing prior to leaving for Washington D.C.

Interview

  • Qualified applicants will be contacted to participate in a virtual interview with a committee for a final decision.

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UCDC Program Clery Notice 

The UCDC Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available to read online here. The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures UCDC will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by UCDC or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in UCDC’s On-Campus Student Housing Facility (the UC Washington Center) during the three most recent calendar years. 

A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can stop by the Residential Life Office in Room 413 (located at 1608 Rhode Island Avenue, NW Washington, DC, 20036) or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (202) 974-6216 or emailing studentservices@ucdc.edu. 

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Questions? Contact us!